Omens!

Today, for the first time in several weeks there are reports that the Democrats have a chance not to be wiped out in next Tuesday's midterms.  A slim chance.  All the signs have been pointing in the other direction.  All of which leaves me - depressed.

The clear agenda for the Republicans should they gain control of the House or - let it not be so - both the House and the Senate, is filled with a long list of items all of which appall me.  But here's the deal, whether I like it or not, more Americans disagree with me than are on my side.  So if that's the direction most people want the country to take, that's the way its gonna be.

It seems that I've lived through the best times for America.  For that I can be grateful.  But looking ahead to a country that is inward looking, authoritarian, with weak democratic institutions, intolerant and all the rest that describes a banana republic is not a picture that appeals to me.

So what to do?  I can rant, like on this page.  I can retreat into cynicism.  I can stay in my bubble and observe what's out there, but not participate in it.  I can give up.  Or I can enjoy my blessings and be grateful.

That's what I'll choose for now.  And hope the omens prove to be wrong.

Outlook!

I've been looking for some bright spots in the world beyond my bubble.  I'm sorry to say that they're not easy to find.

The news is dominated by war, climate disasters, the success of right wing politicians, crime, migrants, inequality - the list goes on and on.

Closer to home, the pundits are obsessed with the upcoming midterm elections.  Will the Democrats hold the house?  Unlikely.  Will they hold the Senate?  Maybe, but it's too close to call.  Will election deniers take power at the state level and continue the erosion of democracy?  Yes.

I've noticed that I have an assumption that most Americans care about preserving our democratic institutions.  That voting matters.  That the rule of law matters.  I'm now questioning that assumption.  I see less and less evidence that most Americans would put democracy at the top of their agenda and more and more evidence that culture war issues matter more.

We are a deeply divided country.  I and my kind are convinced of the rightness of our views.  And likewise for those on the other side.  Regrettably, the momentum is with the bad guys.  I have a sense of hopelessness that the tide is growing and there is nothing I can do to turn it around.

Like I say, a dearth of bright spots!