November…

It’s been a long time since I waxed poetic, or waxed my floors…does anyone still do that?

Anyway, there is no way to break this to you gently. If you know me, you already know or suspect I am a liberal; that is, I care about things and people and issues that you may not deem worthy of your concern.

If you are MAGA, or just a very conservative off-shoot, we need to part ways. I cannot in good conscience continue a relationship without honesty. I release you from your bond with me without malice. I care more about democracy and the world I am leaving to future generations like my granddaughter – a future female voter that the “right,” their organized religion, and the republican party cannot corrupt. Deal with it, or don’t, your choice. But – this is who I am. This is what I stand for.

I could be a republican in a different universe. I value the idea of monetary conservativism-reduce debt, save, work. But these ideals, while admirable, have been radicalized, and have not worked for millions of citizens that do not have the opportunity to make enough to save, to pay bills, to pay off debt… to live. This is where the conservative right has failed the people. And this is where we part ways.

I often feel like I am alone. So many have suffered circumstances worse than my own, “the government” (aka currently the republican party) is not working to help those who do not “have.” I have to say my own party has often not taken a tough enough stand. I don’t own a business. I do not benefit from small business owners tax breaks. I agree with giving the small business owners a break, but I do not agree with big businesses benefiting as a result of corrupt leadership.

I am twice widowed and I have benefited from a few lucky breaks, but very few. Many thanks to my very savvy cousin. I did not fall for the cash-out offer when my first husband passed. My second husband took a reverse mortgage on our home. Under the age limit, I was not eligible to be on the deed. When he died unexpectedly, I had 6 months to move – no obligation to the debt of the home…but also no place to live. I moved.

Who are you? I ask that because as I wander this world encountering a very wide range of human experience, I find we all have a story to tell…something beyond the comma, a story that only we can tell. And, there are no short stories. Our stories are long, involved, convoluted. Who has the time? Who cares? I write this fearing, already knowing it likely will not be read. That’s ok. Writing it has helped me. If you read this and it helps you, I am grateful. And if you want to tell me your story, I am here. I will listen.

I’m sorry, where was I…