by I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long. There have been so many words written and spoken about this election that I haven’t known where and how to enter the conversation. No one needs to hear from me about either candidate or about how crucial it is for us to vote. No need to add my fears of the consequences if not enough votes are mustered in the right places.
At the same time, if there is anything I believe in, it’s the power of words to connect us. Because of that belief, I started this blog at the beginning of our Covid isolation. Because of that belief, I write. It is painful for me to feel stuck inside my head, unable to find meaningful words. I miss parts of myself and I miss what happens between us, writer and reader. So here I am, doing my best to stumble my way to coherence, once again looking for breadcrumbs I can follow.
Some were dropped in front of me this morning on a program I’ve never listened to before, Washington Journal, produced by C-Span. The American Psychological Association, I learned, recently did their annual poll (conducted by Harris) of the leading causes of stress in this country. What they learned this year was that, in addition to all the usual stressors (money, health, family), the dominant concerns center around politics.
Apparently, according to a story on NPR (finding more breadcrumbs), the APA was surprised by this, something I find more surprising than the reported 80% of Republicans, 79% of Democrats and 73% of Independents who said “the future of the nation is a significant source of stress in their lives.” The fear that election results could lead to violence is shared by 72% of us.
So here’s official confirmation of what we have in common, those of us on the left and on the right. “What sets the 2024 poll apart from previous APA election surveys is the collective stress about the potential fallout from the election results,” is how a news release from the APA put it.
On the other hand (thank goodness there is another hand):
Despite their concerns about our nation’s future, this year’s survey revealed determination and resilience among adults. Approximately 3 in 5 adults reported feeling hopeful about the change this election is going to bring (61%) and that this election will lead to a more inclusive society (59%). — Stress in America 2024
Whatever happens, we need to find a way back to each other. Words are not the only—and may often not be the best—way to do it, but they can provide a bridge, if only to start asking how to survive and manage what is to come. Any thoughts?
“A house divided against itself, cannot stand.” — Abraham Lincoln
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Ruth Neuwald Falcon 
Wish I had an answer to your question, Ruth, but I don’t. The two visions articulated in this election are so deeply diverse. One, a patriarchial, autocractic, repressive rule by rich white Males who want to go back in time a hundred years or so; and the other a reach into a democratic future that celebrates and elevates diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Wow, no easy answer to get these two visions together. No wonder we feel stress!
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I don’t know that there are answers, Roger, certainly not while we’re still in the throes of not knowing which way it will go. But I do appreciate your responding and joining me in this conversation.
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i am answering because i haven’t mastered entry as a commenter! What i have been thinking is that many of the people with political opinions opposite from mine are coming from a place of economic fear and/or difficulty. I think much is caused by housing problems, particularly in places with many tourists. Large example: We used to have a rather large public housing stock. Paid for and maintained with federal funds. That program largely decomposed into a voucher system. Nobody wants to pay taxes, and we know what has happened to wealth distribution. People losing ground may think, “let’s blow the whole thing up and see what happens.” Biden put in a large appropriation for public housing. If we can get some leads in the congress, maybe something can happen (with a Harris victory).
I would love to hear more about how you are doing personally.
L’Shana Tova,
Jude
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Actually, Jude, you unknowingly have mastered commenting entry! Great to hear from you and get some of your thoughts. While what you posit rings true to a point, there are also a large number who are quite financially successful. It’s unnerving.
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Thanks, Ruth!
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How lovely to hear from you, Susannah! Thank you for the thanks!
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This morning I tried to watch one of the talk shows and could take only five minutes of it.
I already decided that on Tuesday I will go to bed at 9pm and will find out the results the next morning. My way of remaining sane during an insane storm.
And recommit myself to kindness.
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Amen to both, going to bed early and recommitting to kindness.
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We need to be asking the “Why” and “How” questions: “Why are we in this situation? How did we get here?”
We are here for a reason. I believe that both the “Left” and the “Right” have failed us, by seeking power and control rather than service and community. Why do we keep pointing fingers at the other side of the aisle and refuse to acknowledge that both sides are to blame and seek a solution together. Too many people believe that they are “The Truth” and are attempting to impose their “truth” on everyone else.
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