Before I get into today’s post, I want to thank everyone for the conversation that was sparked by yesterday’s post – even the dissenters.
Those who disagree and want to disengage from the blog are obviously free to do so. I’m not writing this blog 365 days a year in order to gain lots of followers. And 4 or 5 posts about the election hardly makes this a ‘political’ blog. I’m writing the blog for me, as a daily journal. That I can share it with all of you is the icing on the cake.
Here’s the deal (a phrase I use all the time here at home): I work hard at being tolerant but I draw the line at tolerating racism, misogyny, bigotry, xenophobia, and sexism. And any defense of Mr. Trump carries with it the implication that those beliefs are tolerated and supported. How can it not? That those beliefs are toxic and the death knell to any sense of respect I might hold for someone is also true.
There is no defense. None.
We can grow. We can educate ourselves. And I can hope that healing comes. I can pray for the release of the fears and ignorance that fuel those beliefs. I can and do.
I am heartened by the sheer amount of positive comments, by those who also see that this ’emperor’ has no clothes.
As for speaking out on my blog; it is imperative that we all speak out. We have only to look back at the rise of other dangerous dictators to know what happens when people don’t speak out and take action.
If someone is offended, so be it. I really don’t care. This is too important.
As I wrote in one of my responses yesterday, my dad was onto Donald Trump long ago. He detested him and everything he stands for. That Trump managed to become the Republican nominee for President was knowledge my father was spared, mercifully. But I know he would be proud of me and of my sister (who has also spoken out about this election on her blog). So would my mom.
Meredith and I speak our minds. We speak out. We try to do the right thing. That’s how we were raised.
And thank you for your spirited defense of my words. That means so much to me. More than you know. My husband read the post and cheered me on throughout the day. We are of one mind on this subject.
Moving on. Some fading flowers I photographed recently, each of them beautiful.
Fading zinnia.
Fading Butterfly Bush.
Fading phlox.
Fading coneflower.
Fading hydrangea.
Fading phlox.
It turned colder overnight and it’s windy outside! All of the leaves that we raked up have been replaced by a lot more leaves. It’s as if we never raked – so goes changeable Autumn.
Today: the Red Sox (who aren’t doing too well in this series, darn it!) and the debate.
I only hope I can sleep at the end of the day.
I’m going to close comments on yesterday’s post.
One more thing: a reminder about my post on DHA and the essential nutrients we need. If you’re interested in a vegetarian source of omega-3s, stop by and read the sponsored post.
Happy Sunday.
Well, I thank you for an interesting (and at times spirited) discussion throughout the day yesterday. Interesting for me because I concluded that, although our countries share the same border and one of the same official languages, there are quite divisive differences in nations’ outlook. Perhaps it’s a cultural thing.
Unlike Donald Trump, I consider it my civic duty to pay taxes as it not only benefits me but supports social programs which we all use at some time. I was reading about maternity leave in America last night and was appalled at the lack of government support. Here mom (or dad) is entitled to a year’s leave with government support and the guarantee of your job. My daughter is now a young adult and working on her second degree but, even though I occasionally sigh about the deductions on my paycheque, I firmly believe that I should “chip in” my share to ensure that the next generation gets the same privileges that I had. I’m sure some of yesterday’s readers will label me as a socialist crank, but my views are pretty much the norm here and I live in a conservative town.
Happy Sunday and Happy Thanksgiving to all your readers in Canada. It hasn’t stopped snowing here since Friday, so a holiday meal in front of the fire is something to look forward to later today.
Exactly. I feel the same way.
Happy Thanksgiving, Barbara!
It is raining and windy here. We need the rain so I am not complaining! Enjoy your day.
We need it, too! It rained during the night last night!
Very cool here in Missouri this Sunday morning…..couldn’t open the windows. Maybe a little later. Your dried flower photos makes me want to go check mine out. I’ve always loved dried hydrangeas but didn’t think about others but now I will. So glad you didn’t let some commenters get you down. It’s difficult sometimes to speak up but I’ve had to learn that it’s not only our right but so often anymore our duty. Have a wonderful Sunday.
Perfect way to put it, Jan. It’s our duty. Thank you!
Your faded flower photos have such an antique feel to them….lovely in their own way. We’re in the midst of another mini-heat wave, meaning it’s in the low 80’s. I’m hoping the warm weather ripens the last of our tomatoes.
Enjoy those tomatoes, Wendy!
I love that you post 7 days a week, so thank you for that.
As for Trump, he’s a narcissist, and that’s one of his better qualities…but I think all (or most) guys talk that way when women aren’t around….
Actually, I don’t think so. I’ve been assured by a lot of men that there is mild banter at times, but nothing like what Trump said.
For a chuckle – an ad popped up on m sidebar on my laptop that said Sparks and Lynx – buy tickets now. I see Sparks and what comes to mind, Claudia and Don. It made me smile – I hope it does you too. Thought you could use a giggle.
I wonder if Don has a new partner??
As if!! He knows a good thing when he sees it. (you, of course) You’re perfectly matched.
Thank you, dear Ranee!
I enjoyed the post and conversation yesterday. I’m praying this country does the right thing. Tonight’s debate , well I’m watching for sure. Such pretty photos Claudia, there is much beauty in fading as there is in aging. We just have to open our eyes to it. Hugs!!
Hugs right back at ya, Linda!
Faded hydrangeas are especially beautiful, I think. Sometimes more beautiful than the fresh flowers.
I think so, too, Laura.
I spoke with my 38 year old son yesterday, and I asked him, in all honesty, if he and his friends talk the way Trump did. He was adamant that they NEVER EVER speak that way. He said they were all appalled at what they heard. I asked if he was just telling me what he thought I wanted to hear and he said he could not and would not be friends with anyone who had such attitudes towards women ~~ towards anyone.
I heard some women being interviewed yesterday who said “He’s a male. He’s an American man. They ALL talk like that. What is the big deal?” It made me cry. It is when we ACCEPT it, that it is allowed to be. Of course on the Howard Stern tapes he told Stern it was ok to call his own daughter a nice piece of a**. What has become of our world when people think it is ok to let this continue. And beyond these horrific facts, that they would then cast a ballot to elect him as their leader… well, there just aren’t words.
You’ve validated my thoughts that most men don’t talk that way. That’s a myth. Don says the same thing. He can never remember talking that way with any of his peers.
How on earth (or in the Universe) is it acceptable for this man to be considered Presidential material?
I’ve come to your post via your lovely sister, Meredith. We’re watching from across the pond in the U.K. with almost disbelief that this ‘man’ has got as far as he has, it beggars belief. Much as I’m sure Hillary Clinton has her share of faults, we watch with great fear that Trump has climbed so high.
Beautiful flowers, even while they fade xx
I bet you do, Cheryl. Please know that the majority of us find him appalling and deplorable. We’re planning on visiting the UK next Spring and I sure hope I don’t have to constantly apologize for, I can’t even say it, President you-know-who.
Thank you Claudia for speaking your truth. Looking in from another country from the outside it’s so heartening to see that there are people like you in America speaking out from a place of integrity because after all the whole world can be affected by who is your President. I really enjoy all aspects of your blog. Thank you again.
Thank you so much for your support, Valerie. It matters to me what the world thinks of us and it matters to the world who our next President is.
I read almost all of yesterday’s comments, and today’s as well. I too asked my sons the same question that Chris K did….and got the same response. I’m still appalled, and disgusted, but hopeful, as I hear about more and more GOP members pulling their support from that man. Hopefully, that will influence others to do the same!
I cut my two remaining endless summer hydrangeas…there was danger of frost. My plan is to dry them, so we’ll see how that goes. Hopefully you can enjoy your day….it’s a gorgeous one here! ;)
I’m so heartened to hear about the responses of your sons as well as Chris K’s. It confirms what I believe. Most men don’t speak that way about women. It’s cold and damp today so I’m staying in, Donnamae.
I didn’t get a chance to say anything yesterday. IMHO if NBC had posted what the Republican candidate has said at the beginning there would have been a different candidate for the Republican party. Bush is guilty for not standing up for his co-worker. And NBC for allowing this man continue to host the Apprentice on their station. Of course we can think of other men who use their position who try to take advantage of women. We are still feeling the affects of Hurricane Matthew. Right now my husband is trying to put our fence panels back up after the winds knocked them over. Church services for today have been cancelled due to flooding.
I agree, but I think NBC did fire him, finally, when his comments about Mexicans came out. And contrary to Trump’s statements, the President of NBC said that The Apprentice had pretty bad ratings. Of course, according to Trump, exactly the opposite is true.
I’m glad you’re safe, Trina!
Just heads up while looking up the show I learned that there is going to be a New Apprentice and Arnold Schwarznegger suppose to be the host. (Sorry about the spelling) And I think it is NBC.
Another philanderer! Good move, NBC!
I at one time had a lot of respect for Arnold. After all, he was the governor of my state. But now? I’d be happy if he’d retire and disappear from public view.
Me too, Vicki.
Claudia, my computer was mostly down all day Sunday and I’d wanted to add my two cents about ‘male banter’…although, I’m not adding anything new, after hearing the various news experts analyze both the debate and the leaked tape. But I, like I imagine a lot of women have done with the men in their life (also as evidenced here by your readers already…and you, with Don), asked my husband about ‘locker room’ talk, like in limits, how far does it go, etc. My husband’s been around the block; he’s actually been in many an actual locker room relative to his career. And for as evolved as he is, I still sometimes experience flashes of chauvinism in him (hey, I’m flawed, too, but we definitely call each other out on our flaws, always in an effort to improve!). But here’s his answer about typical male banter: He said emphatically and disgustedly that what Trump said in the open mic debacle was absolutely not how guys talk and that it was beyond lewd. And he agrees that if Trump did/does what he claims (boastfully), it of course is sexual assault. Predatory. Dangerous. Abuse of power. It’s very serious, on every level.
My husband assures me that Trump’s pathetic excuse of ‘locker room banter’ does not reflect what most men think and say.
A clarion voice cutting through the fog of rhetoric. Thank you.
You’re most welcome, my friend.
Very cold and windy here too Claudia…No problem here speaking out against what is wrong or for what is right…
Thank you, Nancy!
How wonderful you have your garden and enjoy it so much. You even find beauty in the fading. It’s fun reading your posts to see the world through your eyes. I have a beautiful garden as well, but I don’t know if I’m as tuned into it as you are with yours. Your writings remind me to be more watchful. As far as your political views. . . .BRAVO! I have never put a bumper sticker on my car, but when I saw “DUMP TRUMP” recently on a car, I’m tempted. Actually my defense, is give him as little room in my head as possible. Please, to the power’s that be, make him go away. I just can’t imagine anyone would vote for someone like him to represent our country. I thought we were all smarter than that! Thought for the day, “DUMP TRUMP”!
Amen! Thank you, Lyndia!
Thank you Claudia for addressing the ‘Trump Thing’, and continuing to comment and open a dialogue. I have through the years had men & women work for me, and I must say I would have dismissed anyone with this type of gutter language and disgusting opinions. Granted he may like anyone have opinions different than my own, but why give him a larger platform ? The world already can see and hear he does not speak for Americans but for his egotistical self. I will continue to pray he is not elected to “lead” us .
Me too. I can’t imagine him running a lemonade stand, never mind the country.
I just read your post from yesterday & I thank you for it. My friend had a rather frightening experience yesterday that show how Trump incites violence. She was on the checkout line in a store & another customer was loudly accusing the young man working the checkout of “being a liberal” because he had a blond streak in his hair. The young man kept quiet & continued checking items, while the customer began threatening that Donald Trump would “put liberals in their place when he is elected” and if he doesn’t win, that means “liberals rigged the election & they will pay for it.” My friend wanted to speak up, but said she was frightened of this man becoming violent. When she left the store, she saw the man get into a truck with NRA & “I love guns” bumper stickers. Trump is an embarrassment, vulgar, abusive, and too dangerous to be president.
That is terribly troubling, Debbie. What have we come to? And by ‘we’ I mean Trump followers?
You have the eye of an artist. Perfectly lovely photographs once again, Claudia. I am looking at them to help me calm down while listening to the debate. The images remind me that the world will continue to turn and the seasons will come and go, no matter what. There is serenity in that thought.
I need some serenity today, Nancy.
Keep writing how you feel on YOUR blog. I am happy I agree with what you write. I couldn’t watch the debate last night because I get too frustrated and then I can’t sleep. I have to be to work at 6 and I need my sleep in my 64th year of life! Is it okay to think that fading phlox are as beautiful as flowering phlox?
You were smart not to watch, Sandy. It was appalling. He has sunk to a new low and I didn’t think that was possible.
I just read yesterday’s post and my goodness, you are spot on! ( as usual)
Now if only you weren’t a Red Sox fan! 🙂🙂
I kid, I kid!!
Thanks so much, Karen!