Posted by: Helen Philpot | November 9, 2016

This too shall pass… like a kidney stone.

Dear Hillary,
We are so proud of you. Take some time off, dear. We’ll take it from here.  
Dear Readers of Margaret & Helen,

Our greatest work starts now. If you have a neighbor who has been targeted this election, hug them and remind them that this is still their America too. If you have a neighbor who voted for Trump, congratulate them on their win and then move on.

In their wisdom, the Founding Fathers prepared us for this. Call your local Democratic office today and ask them how you can get involved. Washington moves mercifully slow. We have two years to take Congress away from this man and four years to restore our dignity.

Our Democracy is stronger than one man and one election. This grand experiment we call the United States has not failed. It has just begun. 

Today we heal.

Tomorrow we act.

2018 we correct.

2020 we redeem.

We broke it and now we must fix it. The world is counting on us.  I mean it. Really.


Responses

  1. Okay, folks, here we have the first glimpses of what “Mr. Outsider” has in mind for his “team”… First, for Chief of Staff, we have Mr. Priebus, aka “Mr. Insider” of the GOP, that very same group who has done everything it can to support the one-percent gang. And then we have, as designated “Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor” (or whatever it is), Steve Bannon, a former banker and most recent CEO of the “alt-rigiht” white supremacist platform, Breitbart.

    Well, I suppose that second pick looks pretty good to plenty of Trump followers, but… the Chair of the RNC? Is there a more thoroughly-ensconced denizen of the “swamp-that-must-be-drained” than he?

    Oh, but wait! I forgot! Now that He, Trump is the officially-designated Boss of Everything, HE gets to decide what is “swamp,” and what isn’t. It will no doubt be explained as a kind of “selective draining,” similar to his personal definition of “Mexicans” – they’re “rapists, they’re drug dealers, but [he supposes] some of them are good people.” And He, Trump will just keep the ones HE decides are the “good” ones.

    It will really be quite simple: The “bad swamp people” are those who ever opposed He, Trump, or said a disparaging word about anything remotely associated with his person; the “good swamp people” are those who “said nice things” about him. Corey Landowky has apparently already been granted an audience… Shall we look forward to the reappearance of Paul Manafort? Maybe an early Executive Order lifting the charges against Julian Assange, and allowing him to board the Trump Train, right here in the bosom of our nation’s capitol?

    So relatively few days between now and January 20, and so many choices to make… So many rewards to distribute… So many “promises” to deny…

    Liked by 2 people

  2. […] Margaret and Helen: This too shall pass… like a kidney stone. […]

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  3. I needed this. Thank you. So glad a friend sent me a link to your site.

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  4. Hello Laura, Whenever I get these posts, I think of you.  If you are tired of reading them, just let me know and I’ll quit sending them along. I hope you are well and happy. Judi

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  5. A million more people voted for Mrs. Clinton than for Mr. Trump. We can’t let any of these people down. Get ready to CORRECT in 2018!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Just the right note and the right reminder of who we are and are not.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Helen, thank you for your pragmatism. You have soothed my weary spirit with your wisdom. I treasure you.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Love you guys and your straight-shooting take on this country.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. You are right on with this post! Getting involved is the way to go. One year ago I was elected to our Town Board and it has made a difference to have a second opinion. 98% of the time, over the last 150 years, we have had one party in the driver’s seat.

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  10. We love you Margaret and Helen. I needed this today.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. I very much needed your blog today Helen. You’ve been my hero for a long while, and I trust your wisdom that at age 66 I’ll be able to move on and make a difference on down the line. I’ll be going to bed tonight a lot more hopeful than I’ve been all day.

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  12. The Trump supporters are headed for disappointment. The wall will not be paid for by Mexico, robots will continue to do manufacturing jobs, coal mines will not re-open, the GOP will not pay for infrastructure improvement, and the economy will tank when he tries to renegotiate trade deals. You reap what you sow. Unfortunately, the rest of us have to deal with all this coming crap. Thanks Trump voters, now you can suck it.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Sent from my iPad

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  14. At 68 I plan to join the fight to fix what the vote last night showed is so wrong with our country. Only hope I live to see the redemption.

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  15. VOTE FOR ME!!!!!

    I supported Hilary Clinton in our recent presidential election. I accept the outcome of the election as apparently many, many US citizens want him to be president and the Electoral College is the current law of the land. Our citizens need to realize that the Electoral College system seems to interfere with majority rule, as this is the 2nd time that I am aware of the “winner” of the election not being the person who received the most number of votes from the actual citizens. (As of 9 am on 11/9 the news was reporting she had more votes than he did.)

    I remain perplexed as to why average citizens would prefer to vote for a person who grew up in an ivory tower and has no understanding of what it is like to be middle class, who bullies and trash talks anyone who disagrees with him, and who confidently expressed the opinions of a bigot and a misogynist over and over again on camera in public forums. I woke up the morning after the election sick with dread at how this man will represent our country to the world, and what direction he will try to lead us.

    Yet apparently he has a winning strategy. So in an attempt to make lemons into lemonade, I have decided to learn from him. I have decided to use his formula and run for president in 2036. I’ll need those 20 years to build a history as impressive as his; it takes time to have all those lovers outside of marriages, divorces, remarriages, bankruptcies, pussy grabs, figure out how to avoid paying taxes, and settle lawsuits. Not to mention I’ll need to attract media coverage so they can videotape me calling people sluts, fat, and racial slurs.

    Anyway, here’s my first official speech:

    “HEY PEOPLE! Look! I’m running for president. I know you’re happy to see me cause everybody loves me. EVERYBODY loves me. I’m rich. Oh, did I mention I’m rich? You know, I’ll bigly solve all your problems. That bastard I’m running against, he’s the reason for everything bad that’s ever happened to you. EVERYTHING. That ugly bastard is trying to trick you and work the system. But not me, folks. Not me. I’m the answer to your prayers. Seriously. I know how to do things. Big important things. Cause I’m great. EVERYBODY says I’m great. There is no one greater than me. Or smarter than me. No one. I can make America great again. Really really great. Greater than my opponent, that filthy lying F*** can. Greater than anyone can, really. Cause I’m great. (Pause for emphasis, and smile.)

    My opponent is giving you details about how he’ll fix things and how he’ll pay for it, but he won’t fix it. It’s all lies. Cause he’s crooked. And his suit is ugly. He needs fashion advice, really. And have you seen his profile? He bigly needs to lose that belly, and lift some weights. What an ugly sucker! So vote for me. I won’t give you boring details about foreign policy or how I’ll pay for anything. You don’t need to know that cause you’re not as smart as me. Few people are. Cause I’m bigly bigly smart. Trust me. I’ll fix this mess.

    Please send campaign donations to my non-profit charity – I’m the Best Ever.Ever.Really.Bigly.Com. I need some money so I can use your donations to hire people to paint my portrait and make big signs with my name on it to hang on my property. But don’t worry, I’ll get a good deal on those portraits and signs, cause I’m a smart businesswoman and I’ll probably stiff them ha ha. Stupid f-in artists, they’re probably immigrants ha ha.

    Oh, and if any “crooked politicians” try to sell you on the idea of getting rid of the electoral college or campaign reform, don’t buy it. That would be a huge mistake. Huge. Trust me.”

    Wow, my campaign is going really great so far. It’s not as hard as I thought it would be to not use big words. I’ll need to work harder at the bigotry and lying though. Seriously though folks, it’s obvious I’m a winner. Plus now I’ve got Trump’s winning formula. Oh wait- I’m a woman. Hmmmmm. DAMN! I’m sunk.

    TRUTH: This morning I went from being a proud American to being an embarrassed American. I truly hope I am wrong in my perception and that Trump does a good job. I guess there’s a small chance this con man has pulled the ultimate con job, saying whatever crap he thought would get him elected without really believing it, and now will start to act respectfully and represent our country in a way that is not embarrassing or dangerous for us all.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Beautifully stated. Thank you for this refreshing reminder.

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  17. Thank you Helen for the great advice for the younger voters and a good reminder for us older ones.

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  18. Dear Margaret and Helen,

    Thank you so very much for the wisdom. I really needed it today. Bless
    you both.

    Donna Lovett

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  19. Well put. Thank you.

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  20. Thank you, Helen. I am so sad and disappointed, but your measured words are what I needed to hear today.

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  21. This was just what I needed to read today; it was a long, sad night. I plan to send it to several friends who are having a hard time today. Thank you so much for this!

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  22. Thanks so much. This helps. I’ve stopped crying now.

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  23. I’d like to join this blog. Thank you for the above info. maka_ann@aristotle.net

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  24. Can’t say I’m surprised, but I am deeply saddened and ashamed of so many voters in this country. It certainly isn’t the first time in history that people have been willingly misled, nor will it be the last, sadly. I totally agree with you — each one of us needs to find out what we can do to fix this mess and then DO IT!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. This is the most hopeful, and most constructive, thing I have read all morning. Thank you so much for your words. Tomorrow we act and I am ready to take to the m-f’ing streets.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. James, you chose someone who wanted American to view a sex tape over another who you thought was incompetent? I know Hill and if she’s incompetent, so was Einstein.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Axteclady, those closest to TRump I bet will turn on EACH OTHER in no time flat! If anyone is left standing int he circular firing squad, then they will turn on those who voted for them. But first, those closest just for the sake of practice making perfect!

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Sorry folks, the system is broken and can’t be fixed. I would look to countries where it is working and people do have jobs, shelter and health care. Bernie tried but…….I fear answer is no longer in national politics but local governments. Get involved in your own neighborhood. Help people that need it. Organize to provide help of all kinds to those who need it. Feed the poor, visit the lonely,care for the sick. drive an elderly neighbor to the supermarket or doctors visit. Grow your own food if you can. do things as much as possible locally.

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  29. Thank you for your perspective this morning. You are always spot on.

    Sent from my iPhone

    Liked by 1 person

  30. What a fabulous piece you have written today. Simple and concise and the absolute truth. So proud of Colorado for remaining blue and voting with their intelligence. There was a fabulous article today in The New Yorker. Pull it up and read it and let’s get recharged and defeat the ignorance and apathy that elected this fool. We did break it……now we have to fix it.

    For all the Repubs out there: IN THE AGE OF INFORMATION, IGNORANCE IS A CHOICE.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. This is a Lativian song produced to cheer up the population after the
    Great Recession. Life during that time was so harsh that a tenth of the population moved elsewhere. Progressive Democrats unwittingly helped cause the recession which dislocated so many lives. Now, the
    Baltic people worry because they fear that Putin and Trump’s possible friendship will threaten their freedom.

    I used to frequent this site and met a few nice people. I also met folks who so hated my political views they called me names and tried to vote me off the site. I haven’t checked in for a long time. Most of my arguments from the Tea Party, and Obama on presaged what many of you see as this dark day. Some people should have paid attention instead of wasting their time with name calling. This didn’t have to happen. Hubris is a dangerous playmate.

    My wife and I voted for Trump, not because we think he isn’t a jerk but because Hillary was incompetent and dishonest. The choice was hard. We could have voted for Bernie Sanders, but the Democrats stacked the deck against him.

    Trump will be president, and he will have a Republican Congress, many of whom also disdain him. Our lives are on a new tragectory. Four years is a long time.

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  32. Thanks Helen. It has been a long and depressing day. My late mother used to refer to it like “that feeling of helplessness stemming from having broken a favorite object” which in this case is our democracy, our dignity on the world stage. I really appreciate your hopeful words.

    Liked by 2 people

  33. Thank you. ❤

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  34. I saw a tweet reposted on Facebook which broke my heart all over again: https://www.facebook.com/vsarcand/posts/10100575448769692?pnref=story.unseen-section

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  35. gato, you are absolutely correct.

    In this case, “eventually” means…immediately.

    Things is, most of the uneducated, xenophobic, white supremacist, misogynist imbeciles who actively voted drumfsterfire into office, won’t realize that they did this to themselves for a good long while.

    Even now, as markets tumble all around the world, they are blaming Hillary Clinton for it.

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  36. Azrec – You know I love your comments, but I must respectfully disagree with your inclusion of “eventually” in describing when dictators and oligarchs turn on those who’ve supported them. IMO, their “supporters” are usually the FIRST to be screwed, abandoned, and brushed aside.

    Far as I can tell, every single thing that would be of benefit to poor, unemployed, under-educated, low-skilled workers – a higher minimum wage, advanced job training, good schools, housing support where needed, low-cost and efficient public transportation, affordable health care, family planning – would inevitably COST MONEY, raise taxes, and cut into corporate profits. None of that is acceptable Big Business, Big Banking, Big Pharma, or Big Ag, and will consequently never be allowed by this government.

    My husband is watching his customary mid-day financial programs, and I’m hearing the usual… “lifting regulations will encourage corporate profits,” “free trade will encourage profits,” “corporate tax reforms will create jobs,” “suffocating regulation has stifled small businesses,” and yada, yada, yada…

    NONE of these things will address any of the previous issues. So long as “the market is up” nothing else needs to be addressed.

    And THAT makes me sick…

    Liked by 3 people

  37. thanks gals…..I needed that….I’m so mad I can’t even get drunk.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. This election not only showed us how prevalent hatred still is, it validated it. Which is even more frightening. I’m appalled and ashamed.

    Liked by 3 people

  39. Thanks ladies! This has been so hard to swallow! I hope Hillary spends time with her family and takes a long vacation. She and all of us worked so hard!

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  40. I needed to hear this right now. My heartbreak and sorrow are ruling me.

    Liked by 1 person

  41. I am finding this piece on Salon.com to be pretty decent–and I want to point out this bit:
    We must condemn the individuals who are complicit in any form of authoritarian overreach in the strongest terms. One of the great virtues of liberalism is that political rivals can continue to be civil to each other. But when some people seek to destroy the most basic rights of their fellow citizens, civility toward them is misplaced. If you are supporting an aspiring dictator, you need to feel the social consequences.

    This is very, very important, today and always.

    So, no. I will not congratulate any of the people who actively voted Trump and Pence in. I will condemn them, and I will vocally remind them that it was their vote and their will that brought whatever hell befall us, to EVERYONE of us.

    Because eventually, would-be-dictators and their inner circle do turn on the very people who put them in the position to grab power.

    Liked by 3 people

  42. Americans usually look on the positive side of whatever comes along. Thanks for reminding us the sky is not falling and we will move ahead.

    Liked by 1 person

  43. My thoughts exactly. Dump was right, it was rigged but not in the way he tried to make people believe. I’m physically sick.

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  44. My thoughts exactly. Dump was right, it was rigged but not in the way he tried to make people believe. I’m physically sick.

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  45. Thank you. Gawd willin’ and the crick don’t rise, the Dems who couldn’t be bothered to vote in the 2010 and 2014 midterms will FINALLY “get it”.

    Liked by 1 person

  46. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I can’t believe that so many Americans bought into the message of hate that prevailed last night. But you are right. We are Americans, too, and we DID help to break it. So we SHALL fix it.

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  47. A voice of reason in a world suddenly gone crazy. I too fear the damage that can be done in a brief time. Let us pray, and work hard to effect a change that can reverse this travesty before serious consequences result.

    Liked by 1 person

  48. Thank you.

    Like

  49. O povo americano dormiu com a Hillary Clinton e acordou com Donald Trump. O que aconteceu com os eleitores dos EUA? Aqui no Brasil, existe o golpe. Aqui no Brasil existe a corrupção, Aqui no Brasil existem os políticos que nós escolhemos e quando estão no poder eles nos abandonam.

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  50. Bless you, you sweet, sweet woman!

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  51. Thank you for reminding us what we CAN do. I am so frightened

    Liked by 1 person

  52. Yes! Yes we can! Thank you!

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  53. I’ve moved beyond stunned disbelief, terrified tears, and even beyond soul-shaking anger. I WILL not leave it up to my daughters and granddaughters to correct this awful, awful blot on our country. I’m going to do just what you suggested: I am going to call my local Democratic headquarters and start all over again. No finger-pointing, no “shoulda-coulda-woulda” — just getting to work.

    Liked by 1 person

  54. I don’t know as calling the local Democratic Party will achieve anything. It was the hubris of the elites running the party that prevented the man every poll said could resoundingly defeat Trump from getting the nomination. They have also systematically disregarded all progressive candidates in favor of the kind that suit their neoliberal position. If you truly want to do something effective, sign up for Bernie Sanders’s Our Revolution and Brand New Congress. For now, that’s likely to be more effective than marching in line with the New Democrats.

    Liked by 1 person

  55. This is what I am talking about. No bad comments just straight talk. Let us pull together and fix everything that is wrong–the key is together!! Maybe Trump was what this country needed to get this done. Like a wake up. The people are speaking now lets us demand that they listen.

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  56. Thak you for your thoughtful words….

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  57. Thank-you. I’m printing your message and hanging it on a wall so I can read it every day. Now what can we do about these flocks of flying pigs?

    Liked by 1 person

  58. So, makes one wonder, who paid off the electoral college.

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Liked by 1 person

  59. Sorry for being negative but who paid off the electoral college. Really.

    Liked by 1 person

  60. Beautifully said and taken to heart here. We’ve endured worse (no names,please) But perhaps the greatest human virtue is resilience.

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  61. This is a good point of view. I must say, I’m just in shock. Watched it till 4am, it’s like a bad dream. I’m afraid I won’t do any of the things Helen suggests, just hunker down and turn off tv/radio. I feel robbed. Hope you’re ok.

    KC

    >

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  62. Our Supreme Court and Women’s Rights will crumble. I’m in mourning mode.

    Liked by 2 people

  63. Well said. Though the USA may not be as indispensable to the world as it likes to think, and the Democratic party not the best instrument to fix it. Jill Stein is woman…

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  64. I’m sorry ladies. I will not congratulate anyone who voted for Trump. I’m too fed up with deliberate stupidity, meanness and racism. And sexism. I hope they all find themselves suffering consequences of his presidency that they were too dumb to see coming and end up regretting their votes. I’m too furious to go high.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 3 people

  65. Amen! I was feeling pretty bummed out this morning so I just sent a donation to Planned Parenthood–maybe making lemonade out of lemons will help me feel better.

    Liked by 3 people

  66. Dear, dear Helen, thank you very much for the much needed words, “congratulate them on their win and then move on.” I was determined to not do that, but you, in your superior intelligence, have convinced me. Indeed, even in my senior years I must do something. I just hope that I can manage as well as you.

    I wish you and Margaret, the very, very best in the coming years. May your health and energy match your intelligence and wit.

    Peace and love to you both.

    Liked by 1 person

  67. Helen,
    You are wise beyond your years. Very wise. Please keep posting and the rest of us will get out and do our best to protect the dignity of all of our neighbors and citizens.

    Liked by 1 person

  68. Thank you. We all need those positive reminders. Today we heal, tomorrow we act. 2018 we correct. 2029 we redeem.

    Liked by 2 people

  69. Thank you–I was looking forward to reading what you had to say today. Calm. Resolve. Patience.

    Liked by 3 people

  70. Thank you. Today I make donations in Hilary’s honor to the Human Rights Campaign and to Planned Parenthood.

    Liked by 3 people

  71. Thank you!

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  72. We will need to heal, but even more, we must come back even stronger and better prepared to explain our message of hope, inclusion and compassion for everyone.

    Liked by 1 person

  73. Helen, you give me hope. We shall fight on!

    Liked by 1 person

  74. Reblogged this on Central Oregon Coast NOW.

    Like

  75. Thank you. This is much needed today.

    Liked by 1 person

  76. Thanks for the reminder! I really just want to curl up in the fetal position so I never have to hear this awful man and his keepers – but that isn’t an option is it?

    Liked by 3 people

  77. You are incredibly resilient.

    May the rest of us be the same.

    Liked by 1 person

  78. Thank you.

    Like

  79. Well said!
    Today we heal.

    Tomorrow we act.

    2018 we correct.

    2020 we redeem.

    We broke it and now we must fix it. The world is counting on us. I mean it. Really.

    Liked by 2 people

  80. Damn straight Helen!!

    Liked by 1 person


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