Take a Break From Trump

We were out with friends last Sunday night. We had spent many hours together and were enjoying one last beverage before we went our separate ways.  I mentioned something Donald Trump had done that week.  

“I thought we were going to get through the evening without talking about him,”  our friend said with just a little disappointment in his tone.  

My friend’s response wasn’t a rebuke exactly but it was a good reminder.  I need more time spent without thought and worry about the troubling political developments south of the border.  It intrudes too much on the joy I should take in the blessings of the present, the company of good friends, the love of family and the opportunities I have to be creative, contribute to my community and learn and grow as a person. 

I know I need to keep informed about what is going on in the United States because it does impact Canadians and the rest of the world but………. I should remember there are always more productive and positive things to focus on and talk about than the latest antics of the American President. 

Other posts……...

The Trump Silver Lining

I’m So Tired of You America

A Religious Opinion

 

 

Could I Join the Conservative Party?

I have never voted for a Conservative party candidate in my life. My world view, social sensibilities and faith stance are more in line with the policies of other political parties.  However a political candidate campaigning at my door this week made think about  joining the Conservative Party even if only for a short time. 

I live in Point Douglas, a provincial riding that will hold a by-election in the near future due to the resignation of our MLA Kevin Chief.

Jodi Moskal is running for the Conservative nomination for Point Douglas and I have to say she has an impressive resume. A licensed electrician, who helped to run a family business, she has served as chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Winnipeg Construction Association.

When Jodi came to my door to campaign this week I had a good discussion with her about my concerns and questions regarding some of the current Conservative government’s policies and plans. I also talked to her about issues in our riding that are important to me. Jodi was a good listener, knowledgeable and open- minded.

I told Jodi I applauded her for running for the nomination. Deciding to open yourself to the kind of public scrutiny and criticism politicians face can’t be easy. I really wanted to support Jodi because we definitely need more qualified women in politics and I think its great she is taking on the challenge. I could almost see myself joining the Conservatives briefly just to help Jodi get nominated.

Unfortunately her party is not one I can support ideologically. I have however started following her on social media. I’ll be curious to see how she does. Kudos to her for entering the political arena!

 Other posts………

There are People in Provencher Who Aren’t Unsavory and Ignorant

Giving Up Donald Trump For Lent

I’m So Tired of You America

 

Giving Up Donald Trump

I need to stop ‘googling’ Donald Trump. I admit I do it several times a day. I am so worried about the changes his government might make to our world that I can’t help myself. But it really isn’t healthy. I can find out enough about what he is doing just from reading the Winnipeg Free Press and listening to the CBC. These are media habits that are part of my regular routine. There is no reason to look for more information. I admit I sometimes even watch Fox news on my computer and read more conservative newspapers because they seem to normalize Trump’s character and the things his government will do to destroy the environment, cause global instability and further hurt the disenfranchised. If these news sources aren’t terrified maybe I shouldn’t be either.

But it would be healthier just to stop looking for so much information. It is taking up too much of my time and worrying about what Trump can and might do is taking up too much of my energy. I could use that time and energy to focus on things I can do to make the world a more compassionate and caring place. I am going to stop ‘googling’ Donald Trump and I will not click on articles about him on my Facebook page. There! Telling you about my resolution makes it a little more likely I will carry it out.

Other posts…….

The Trump Silver Lining

Three Lessons From the Movie Arrival

Sunset Walk in America the Beautiful

 

The Trump Silver Lining

When Donald Trump won the election my husband commented that his presidency might have a silver lining. It would inspire people to get more politically involved.  He could be right. I have already noticed on my Facebook feed how many of my friends are taking political actions they say are relatively new experiences for them.

“I don’t normally write political posts but…”  A former teaching colleague in a southern American city was upset such an unqualified person had been named Education Secretary of the United States. It prompted her to call her elected representatives in the senate to express her strong objections to the appointment. 

“I believe a Muslim ban is contrary to God’s heart and purpose.” A former student who works in one of America’s largest cities went down to the airport to protest when people impacted by the travel ban were not being allowed to leave the terminal. I told her I was proud of her. 

“This gal hasn’t marched since the ’70s.” A friend who participated in the Women’s March on January 21 with her daughter remarked the last thing she had protested had been the Vietnam War.

“It can’t hurt and might impact the trend towards Trump’s kind of bullying.” A friend on the American east coast signed a letter to Donald Trump from the world. The petition asks Trump to take a stand for compassion rather than fear.  It already has some 5 million signatures. 

“It was less scary than I thought it would be.” A friend in the American midwest whose grandparents were put in a Japanese internment camp during World War II called her political representatives for the first time ever to express her concern about President Tump’s executive order on refugees.

Those are just a few examples of people who are stepping up to the plate of political involvement even if they may not have done so before.  It could be that my husband was right about Trump’s win having a silver lining.

Other posts……. 

House of Cards

Freedom’s Child

Vote Nation

Best Laid Plans

Best Laid Plans was recommended by my brother-in-law Paul and what a great recommendation it was.
This is the perfect book to read if you are feeling disillusioned with the whole political process. We are introduced to colourful Angus McLintock. He enters a Canadian election as a reluctant candidate but manages to maintain his principles and moral fortitude despite all the wheeling and dealing and corruption that typically goes on in politics.
Author Terry Fallis is a former Liberal advisor and government communications consultant and his intimate insider knowledge of Ottawa and Parliament is clearly evident in Best Laid Plans. Best of all this book is funny!  The characters are unique and interesting and there are plot twists you don’t expect. There’s even a little romance.

I’ve just discovered CBC has made a television series based on Best Laid Plans and you can watch the Season One episodes for free right here.  I’ve already finished the first episode.

Oher posts…….

Poles Apart

A Book I Celebrate

Knuckleball