Deeply Felt Mutterings

This morning's message is to America, to all my friends, family and folks who walk the steady walk, talk the steady talk and have and continue to use their steady hands and minds to keep this country going.  

For some reason, watching highly disturbing events unfold over the past 24 hours have kept some of the lyrics of a beautiful song below swirling about in my mind.

The phrase "mixed bag" has been used frequently in discussions I've listened to and read since Election Day. 

Something for everyone, some pundits have said.  

Yes, that is true.  I'm still feeling downright giddy and so proud about how our state of Idaho pulled off a "Mission Impossible" in a very nice, creative, fun and positive manner by passing Prop. 2. 

In my lifetime, I can't remember seeing such a shining study of how to embrace the democracy bestowed upon us by our Founding Fathers.  

Textbook example, this ol' teacher sez!

With the election as a whole, I was very disappointed with several outcomes but have accepted them, as we always must in a democracy, in this "melting pot" of peoples and thoughts. 


If we're not happy after election day, we must roll up our sleeves and go to work, and possibly another election with different results will soothe our souls.

I can accept all that about this country where the principles and values and freedoms have for more than two centuries kept us on a steady course. 

What I cannot accept, however, is to see the elected "leader" of this country belittle, bully and berate its citizens who, with their respective responsibilities, are doing their best for America. 

As a lifelong journalist, I am horrified at what I witnessed yesterday at a press conference where an "oh so brief" promise of unity and coming together," always so common the day after an election was followed by mean-spirited put downs of candidates (oh, so cute with Mia Love who did not show HIM enough love), and obviously deep-seeded threats. 

Sickening, to say the least.  

All this and then the vile hostility launched at members of the profession I so love.  I listened in total shock!  

I could not believe that asking questions about issues which were used as campaign tactics just three days ago were no longer relevant at this press conference.  

What WAS relevant was an all-out blitz of dismissive personal insults and commands to "sit down" launched at at least three questioners who were there to do a job.   

I've never seen anything like this in my life and never ever thought I would in this country we call "America," where the First Amendment guarantees the right to question and the right to a Free Press as a check on government and its policies. 

When I learned last night that one of the three reporters who simply asked questions had lost his White House press credentials, I almost cried. 

To readers, you can follow the lead of our "leader" and make fun of me, if you want, but my passion for journalism and the free press runs deeper than you can ever imagine. 

I truly believe that our country, which we so love, is experiencing its most daunting test ever as the many institutions that maintain our democracy and the people serving those institutions are under such constant attack from basically one individual and his cronies.

This is not right.  

I sincerely hope that those elected on Tuesday (from both parties) who have the power of checks and balances share my feelings and will demonstrate the courage to use their power effectively curbing the negative messages and out-and-out vile, vindictive behavior we witness several times a day from the one they call our leader. 

No human being deserves this kind of treatment.  And, I can tell you that I personally know cases where people I know and admire have been victims of the example he has set.  I'm confident that I'm not alone. 

We can do better.  We've seen through our history that we ARE better than this. 

My sincere hope is that this is just a blip in the timeline of American history and that we will see leadership and courage from newly elected officials who will proclaim in unison, "Enough is enough." 

This country needs checks and balances AND basic decency more than any time I can remember in my 71-plus years as an American.  

I hope we start seeing them, effective immediately. 

In the meantime, I'll just let the lyrics of the song below keep swirling around in my mind.
   

I'll Never Find Another You

The Seekers

There's a new world somewhere
They call the promised land
And I'll be there someday
If you could hold my hand
I still need you there beside me
No matter what I do
For I know I'll never find another you

There is always someone
For each of us, they say
And you'll be my someone
Forever and a day
I could search the whole world over
Until my life is through
But I know I'll never find another you

It's a long, long journey
So stay by my side
When I walk through the storm
You'll be my guide, be my guide
If they gave me a fortune
My pleasure would be small
I could lose it all tomorrow
And never mind at all
But if I should lose your love, dear
I don't know what I'd do
For I know I'll never find another you

But if I should lose your love, dear
I don't know what I'd do
For I know I'll never find another you
Another you, another you