Good morning. It’s Tuesday and I know this is not a day I usually post, but I need to leave a quick note for all of you.
If I did an analysis of keywords in all of my posts – 5,200 as of today – you would find that the amount of posts I have written mentioning that man and elections is truly miniscule. In fact, over the most recent election season, I’ve written very few – usually one paragraph in a post filled with photographs and funny stories and happy things.
Nonetheless, I have a moral compass and I stick to it. “Both sides” does not apply to fascism, rape, felonies, lying, inciting an insurrection, stealing government documents, and conspiring with Russia. Nor does it apply to making fun of a disabled man, grabbing “pu**y,” sexually assaulting women, deporting innocent Americans, or separating children from their parents at the border. I could go on, but you get my point.
Supporting a man who is guilty of all of that for President? No.
Yes, I’ve made my feelings clear about him and those who support him. But I don’t go on and on about him; in fact, I try to avoid writing about him. But, I’ve had a few comments about my stance in recent days.
I’ll say it again: this is my blog. You can read it for free. I don’t ask you to help me pay for the cost of supporting it, unlike may other bloggers. If my thoughts on the election trouble you, please move on. No problem. Some readers have done that in a very kind way. Thank you. Others have been mean spirited and have made offensive comments about me and my husband and called me names. That isn’t going to fly here.
I’m extending the life of this blog – even though I am very tired after almost 17 years of blogging – because I know my readers find it meaningful and mostly happy and I think that we need a communal safe space for the next year or so. I work hard to keep this space safe. That means sometimes having to delete a comment, as well as block a commenter. I grew up in a time where you could indeed agree to disagree, when differences between Democrats and Republicans were primarily about policy. That is not the case today. Supporting facism is inexcusable. It’s horrifying. We’ve only to look at Hitler and Germany.
I’ve said this before. My dad was a veteran who enlisted in 1941, at the age of 18, in order to fight fascism. Do you honestly think I am going to support anyone who supports fascism? Who wants to be a dictator? If my dad was still living, he would be heartbroken.
There are no half-measures here. Either we save our democracy or we’ll not see it again in our lifetime.
I make no apologies.
Besides, what kind of person would I be if I didn’t stand up for what I believe in? My mom and dad didn’t raise us that way and I want them to be proud of me, wherever they are. And how can I dishonor my dad’s sacrifice? He never got over his time in the war and he had PTSD the rest of his life.
Stay safe,
Happy Tuesday.
I’m sorry you are getting hassled. The unfortunate reality of being on social media. They can’t help themselves and there is enough mean people that it probably won’t stop.
It’s a good idea to delete and not give them a second thought.
I have a friend that despises trump so we haven’t even discussed the results of the election. It’s like it didn’t even happen. Nice!
Thanks so much, Darlene.
Stay safe.
Bravo Claudia! Well said!
Thank you, Carol!
Stay safe.
Totally agree!!!
I’m sorry you are getting awful comments. It seems that the world is full of mean spirited and hateful people. I am glad you are deleting them and going on about your business. I am also very glad you are continuing your blog. I always feel like I’ve been visiting with friends after reading your posts and then the comments. In this day and time, we all need like minded friends! Thank you for taking the time to write. I am sure it isn’t always easy but your posts are always a bright spot in my day (and many others, I’m sure). Take care.
Your kind words are much appreciated, Lorinda.
Stay safe.
Thank you,Claudia, for keeping this lovely blog going through thick and thin. It is always one of the highlights of my day to read your post .This space is one of my favorite communities.xo
Ah, thank you so much, Annette.
Stay safe.
Be yourself! People are mean these days.
Have you heard the Jon Stewart video on you tube about the loss? He is very funny but accurate. There is so much to consider about this election and how we can learn about communication. And oh, my, the money spent!!!
I know the video is out there, but I haven’t watched it yet, Gayle. There’s only so much I can take it at the moment.
Stay safe.
Fully in your corner, Claudia. I would miss the blog if you discontinued but only you know what’s best for you.
Thank you so much, Wendy.
Much appreciated.
Stay safe.
Claudia, thank you for today’s blog. You and I are on exactly the same page! It’s helpful to know we are not alone.
We are not alone, Judy.
Stay safe.
Yep, drop them like a hot rock. 100% agree.
Ceci
Thanks so much, Ceci.
Stay safe.
Another one in your corner here. Sending you and Don a big hug. Take care X
Thank you, Fiona.
Stay safe.
I do not tolerate any bull from the deplorables……period. Make no excuses. I do not forgive and forget. I am filled with contempt trump, his butt kissers and the misfits that voted for him. I can do without the friendships of people I do not share my ethics with. This is not a policy difference, He has no policy. I have burned my bridges…..out of moral indignation with my so called former friends. I do not feel the same way about them and have to be true to myself. There are no half measures. It has to be a break since they do not respect my beliefs.
Stand Strong Claudia.
I will, Maria.
Thank you.
Stay safe.
I’m on the other side of the world, and discovered your blog through Meredith’s. I enjoy reading about your life and am glad you will continue for the moment at least.
I am totally confused by the way your election panned out. I am fearful of what it means for the rest of the world. I worry for what it means for women in the US in particular.
We should be able to discuss political differences with respect: after all, most of us have our country’s positive future in mind, but when the language used is as divisive and as derogatory and outright nasty as it has been from one side, that just becomes impossible.I
I wish you peace and calm.
It does make it impossible. I even encountered it on my Blythe doll account. Name calling, threatening to sue – insanity.
Thanks so much, Denise.
Stay safe.
I’m sorry you have had to deal with this. I just don’t understand people these days.
I appreciate having this place to visit…it helped me get through his last term and the pandemic, and here we go again. Thank you for that. We’ll get through this again. Please take care of yourself.
I will. I’m catching up on my sleep and am slowly feeling better. Thanks so much, Marilyn.
Stay safe.
Keep on shining, Claudia. That’s really all we can do in this crazy, getting crazier world.
Lots of love to you and Don.
Thank you for being here .
Thank you for being here, Betsy.
Stay safe.
Thank you for continuing your blog. I appreciate it so much.
I cannot believe who has been elected for President. Again.
I keep reading that him winning was based on the economy and that’s why so many voted for him.
Yes, I like everyone else is suffering from inflation and high prices, but I would never ever even begin to consider voting a man of his caliber into the highest office in the land. Not to mention that I don’t think he will even begin to help the economy, but only make it worse. He will make everything worse!
Project 2025 is terrifying.
I am scared. I am scared for all of us.
I am, too, Lily. Very scared.
Stay safe.
I look forward to your posts each week and absolutely appreciate your sharing your life with us.
You have been part of my life in this way for years now, through good times and hard.
Please know that you are followed by many like-minded souls whose values are in alignment with yours.
We need to stay in connection right now to deal with what is to come.
Yes, we do, Maralyn.
Thank you.
Stay safe.
Love what you said and I agree holeheartedly. My father fought in WWII and Korea and my step father fought in Korea and carried shrapnel in his body for the rest of his life. Fascists can go somewhere else!
Yes. We have no place for them here.
Stay safe, Jan.
I think most of us in our 60s and 70s were raised by fathers with PTSD.
What strikes me is that the trump voters are as much sore winners as they were sore losers four years ago. What has happened to this country?
You’re so right, Margaret. Sore winners as well.
I don’t know what’s happened. This isn’t the country I knew for 60+ years.
Stay safe.
Thank you for posting on your blog. I love reading about all your adventures. I also have a blog and I know the amount of work, thought and money that goes into creating and maintaining a blog. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
I am so sorry people cannot remember a rule from childhood, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.”
That seems to be a rule that they’ve decided to toss out the window.
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
Living in Canada and watching in horror. Please take care of yourself Claudia. The world needs more people like you.
Thank you, Sharon.
It’s frightening and embarrassing. What has this country become?
Stay safe.
Well said, Claudia. I’m sorry you are getting this kind of feedback from readers. But I’m glad you are here and you are supported by other like-minded friends. I’d say “When did people get this way? — but unfortunately, I can pretty much pinpoint the year.
I can also pinpoint the year, Jeanie.
Thank you.
Stay safe.
Claudia, if you have been blogging for sixteen years then I’ve been reading for sixteen years. The history in that time! I recently lost my husband of forty four years to a rare neurological disease that we battled for half the life of your blog, and I just want to thank you for this safe, calm and beautiful little space in a world I sometimes don’t recognize. It has always been a bright spot in some very dark days whether it’s the light shining on Stella or a song from Don. I believe this place has helped more people than you could ever imagine and I truly appreciate every minute you spend writing in it.
You’ve made me cry, Deb. Thank you so much for your kind words. If I have helped anyone during this time, well, that makes me happy.
I am so sorry that you and your husband had this long struggle with disease. I am profoundly sorry for the loss of your beloved husband, Deb. There are no words.
Know that this comment is just what I needed today.
Bless you.
Claudia
deb, i am very sorry for the health struggles you and your husband went through and for the losses you face. i hope you have everything else you need. sending hugs to you (if okay) and prayers to God for you, your beloved husband and family.
xo
kathy
i’m sorry that some people have been mean to you (i just don’t understand that. what is the point? it does nothing good!). glad you can block them from mhc and keep focused on the good things in your life. please know that you have lots of people who care about you, don and the world. i am one of many (as shown in comments on today’s and previous posts).
xo
kathy
Thank you, Kathy.
Believe me, I know that. It means so much to me.
Stay safe.
Ignore the haters. They are another symptom of the diseased minds that have been emboldened and encouraged by Trump. They can’t be satisfied that they won, they want to continue to “own the libs” and spread their message of bigotry and hate. I like your blog so much and you are an extremely talented writer. Please continue to write, you have an audience who enjoys your work.
Thank you so much, Terri.
Your words are greatly appreciated.
Stay safe.
He has emboldened the hateful and I support you in deleting them and blocking them from your wonderful blog. Keep doing what you have always done and share the love that’s evident in Mockingbird Hill Cottage. Peace and love to you and Don!
Thank you so much, Ellen.
Your support is much appreciated.
Stay safe.
I am so sorry you are having to endure those comments. We do indeed live in an entirely different world today than the one I grew up in. It’s become nasty, and requires us to put on a protective shell, in which negative comments bounce off. And in your case…delete. I support that. You have created a safe place here, where we are free to express ourselves, and you provide us with interesting and varied content, and gorgeous pics of animal and plant life. There is no room for negativity.
I appreciate you Claudia…you are a warrior. Let’s keep up the good fight! ;)
Thank you so much, Donnamae.
So appreciated.
Stay safe.
You give me strength. Thank you!
Jan
Thank you so much!
Stay safe, Janice.
((((((Claudia))))) 👍🙏💞
xo
I think strong women have your back. Those who voted against the protection
of womens saddens me to my core. At some point they will experience buyers remorse, ofcourse too late for the damage that will be done, but, i believe we can and will recover, the pendulum can only swing so far before the swings the other way……for the sake of your mental health try not to dwell on those who refuse to see…thank you again for taking your “precious” time writing for us. I appreciate every word you share. ❤ truth is always truth, no matter what propaganda bs it hides behind…stay strong, healthy and wise
i dont dwell on them.
I don’t dwell on them, but they do piss me off. I delete and block them immediately.
Thanks, Pati.
Stay safe.
Thank you Claudia for expressing everything that I am feeling. The hate and anger that MAGA people have for others is disgusting and evil. The supposed Christians are the vilest.
We have our mini trump in Canada who wants to be Prime Minister and our election is next year. The majority of our media unfortunately is owned by
far right American corporations and they are filling our television networks and newspapers with lies about Prime Minister Trudeau.
It’s one hell of a nightmare for decent people all over the world. ♥️🇨🇦
I just hate the amount of disinformation that is spewed by this right wingers. I’m sorry it’s also occurring in Canada.
Stay safe, Lea.