Trump has created a crisis of conscious for many. His irreverent, self-serving, violence-inciting words and ways challenge who we are as people. He breaks the long-held rules of respectful conduct and action that so many of us value day after day. He has modeled poor behavior, disrespect, hate, and oppression for our children, and smiles and congratulates those who follow his example and act with similar danger and disrespect. This is worrisome, perplexing, frustrating, and frightening. For so many of us, Trump is an example of the person not to be, a person who persistently promotes danger and violence.
What can we do?
Trump's despicable behavior makes me realize that I need to be more discerning with regard to who I support and what I do. As one who desires to be respectful with regard to the many ways people live, I have accepted a wide range of behaviors, investments, and events, but now watching how too many follow Trump's lead to be disrespectful, threatening, andn even harmful to others, I realize that I want to be more discerning about where I invest my time, energy, and dollars. As much as possible, I don't want to support individuals or businesses that foster a trump-like response to life. I want to support individuals and businesses that care about others and do their best to speak and act in ways that uplift lives, not take lives down.
What does this mean for my daily life?
First, I will cut ties with businesses and places that don't support equity, inclusion, and support for good living for all. I've already severed some business relationships with people who speak with hate about others and support the Trump team's criminal ways. I will listen more and do more research about the companies I support. Recently, I almost bought a product from a company well supported by Trump, but I was able to find the product at another store which I believe does not support Trump, so I bought the product there. I will continue to educate myself about the best businesses to support.
Also, I will lessen and perhaps cut ties with individuals who speak with contempt and prejudice about others. I will look for ways to make my community more inclusive and accepting too. I don't have time for those who will harm, hurt, and loss of opportunities for others.
I will be more discerning in my life. Trump's criminal behavior and manipulation of so many has shown me that we have to be discerning about who we spend time with and who we support. Your support demonstrates what you value. I want to spend more time supporting people who, like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, will opportunity and good living for all, not just themselves.