My friend is a middle-school English teacher, a job he loves with an infectious passion. He works tirelessly to instill in his students a love of reading and of good literature, from Tuck Everlasting to Johnny Tremain. In his classes, the students write every day. And then they read their work aloud, every single one of them volunteering in turn to stand up in front of their classmates and share their innermost thoughts. Secure in the knowledge that they will not be judged, ridiculed, or bullied, these thirteen-year-olds become better writers. They go deep, they stretch, they grow, and they come to trust one another with their most tender thoughts, struggles, and observations.
Such a sense of security and civility in a classroom doesn’t just happen.
This culture of respect is created, moment by moment and day by day, by a teacher who lets his students know that from the moment they walk through the door, their voices will be heard and honored. My friend teaches, by daily example and through ongoing heartfelt discussions with his students, that their greatest achievement in his English class isn’t a perfect test score, but the environment they create together in the classroom – a safe haven in which kindness rules, acceptance is a given, and each person’s opinions matter.
But these days, my friend is concerned. Two weeks ago he asked his students to take on the topic of love and pride for our country. As he read through the papers written by his young students, he was stunned to find words of hatred and aggression, words that no school teacher would ever wish to hear in a classroom.
A sample: In my America, all the foreign immigrants would be sent home. In my America, Hillary Clinton would be in jail. In my America Hillary Clinton wouldn’t be allowed to run for President, she would be locked up. She deserves to die.
Clearly, the kind of civilized, compassionate discourse my friend strives to nurture in his classroom is in danger.
As Tuesday’s election draws near, I know many of us share a sense of profound anxiety about the outcome. Last summer, after writing an essay here suggesting that we must all become better listeners, I was stunned by the bitter, dismissive responses from readers who had simply assumed I shared their political views.
Upon learning that I support Hillary Clinton, a number of these women, many of whom have enjoyed my writing for nearly twenty years, let me know that they were done with me. I watched the cancelations roll in.
“You should keep your political opinions to yourself,” wrote one reader. “Stick to writing about parenting and family life.”
At the same time, others wrote that although they agreed with me, they were too afraid to express their real thoughts at work, at church, or even in their own families.
I thought long and hard about all of these responses. Perhaps I’m naïve, but I was surprised that anyone would choose to cut off a relationship with me because we see things differently. But I was deeply disturbed, too, that there are so many women in 2016 who feel silenced, women who are afraid to engage in conversations about their own values, their hopes and fears, and their political beliefs.
Should it really require courage and a thick skin to voice an opinion in one’s home or school or place of worship? Are we really willing to raise a generation of children on a diet of inflamed rhetoric, violence, and threatened aggression toward those who are different or who don’t share our beliefs?
Today, I am haunted by the specter of the grandchildren I one day hope to have, and the kind of country they will inherit. I’m not alone. Those of us who care about the health of the planet and the preservation of our democracy have cause to worry as the polls show the election tightening, with Donald Trump as the possible victor.
My good friend Maude Odgers and I have been engaged in a conversation about all of this over the last few days. Neither of us loves politics, and yet we are each committed to participate in this process. Neither of us relishes debate, yet we are each doing the best we can to be well-informed, thoughtful citizens. Neither of us feels excited about this election. And yet, we agree that too much is at stake for us to remain silent. Neither of us feels comfortable being a target of wrath in public. And yet, each of us feels a sense of responsibility at this moment, much as we might prefer to simply sit back and “hope for the best” on Tuesday.
That kind of “safe” silence seems increasingly untenable as we continue to hear from people we care about who say they’re so disgusted with both candidates that they are not going to vote at all. Others say they are just going to write in a name, or that they will vote for a third-party candidate.
In response to these “Never-Trump-But-Not-Hillary” voters, Maude began to craft a letter to send to all the women in her circle, in the hope that her words might inspire others to think more deeply about what’s at stake in this election. The two of us sent the text of this letter back and forth between us a few times yesterday, editing, revising, wanting to get the language right.
It took courage for my friend to write such an emphatic plea and it took more courage for her to send it out, even to a small group of friends.
With Maude’s permission, I share her letter here, within a much larger circle. If it makes sense to you, we hope you, too, will summon your courage and share it. Or, go ahead and draft your own version.
This time, every vote matters. Human decency and dignity are on the line. We urge you to add your voice to ours. Here’s Maude’s letter. May it ripple outward from here.
“On Election Day, America faces a choice, and it’s not a tough one, but a stark one. It is the difference between tolerance and intolerance. It is the difference between respect and disrespect. It is the difference between a politician with some flaws and a flaw threatening our politics.” —Charles M. Blow, NYT, November 3, 2016.
My dear women friends,
I have never before sent out an email urging my friends to vote. But this year I fear for our world, not just our country, which is facing danger if Donald Trump is elected. I know some of you may not like the choices and are choosing not to vote. But I ask you to reconsider that decision. Every non-vote is a vote for Trump.
There are many things I fear about Donald Trump (the list grows by the day). His words and track record speak volumes about the man he really is and isn’t. He has worked his entire adult life for his own benefit, not the benefit of others. His is a record of self-aggrandizement. It is also a well-documented record of misogyny. Donald Trump rates womens’ bodies, sexually assaults women and brags about it, insults women, and has shown no remorse for these transgressions.
Hillary Clinton’s record is far from perfect. However, throughout her long career she has always fought tirelessly for the benefit of others, including: women’s rights, children, education, health care, minorities, the environment, and many others. Hers is a record of service, extending back for thirty years.
In recent days, as the headlines have returned to Hillary Clinton’s emails, many people have come forward with their own personal stories of how Hillary Clinton quietly stepped in to help them when they were in need. Why aren’t those emails leaked, or those stories aired on the evening news? Because they don’t make for titillating headlines. And yet, I feel it’s important to remember that Hillary Clinton has been fighting for women of all ages her entire adult life. This is the HRC I support.
As women I feel we must not forget the many courageous women who preceded us and fought for our right to vote. In many countries women still cannot vote. And in many countries women’s voices are not allowed to be heard—and if they do speak out, they face prosecution and even death. We need to be a voice for all those women who cannot speak. We need to honor the women who worked on our behalf so that we could vote. We need to protect women’s health care and our right to make decisions about our own bodies. We need to protect the human rights of all people. It is not only our moral obligation but our privilege.
Our country does indeed face a stark choice. I don’t believe you need to embrace or even agree with all of Hillary Clinton’s positions in order to vote for her. I do believe that an America with Donald Trump at the helm is not a country most of us would want to live in.
Also, it is important that we take our civic responsibility seriously and go to the polls to vote for the hard-working and thoughtful people who are running to guide our states forward. Their voices and hard work deserve our support, too.
I attach this opinion (partially quoted above) from Charles Blow of the NYT, which says it all.
Trump is an Existential Threat
And here, from the other side, are two thoughtful essays by highly respected Republicans who will be supporting Hillary Clinton on Tuesday:
In Defense of Politics Now More than Ever
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and these opinions. It’s important that we all vote. It is equally important that we, as women, continue to make our voices heard.
Thank you for taking a stand and posting your thoughtful & courageous position. Without doubt, our country is at a critical juncture; every single vote is needed to save it. Hillary Clinton is well-prepared for the job; there is no one else who can match her years of experience in so many critical areas. This has nothing to do with gender.
Cast your one vote.
Once again, your courage is profound. I sent off my money to The Clinton campaign, I have tried to voice my opinions, but I too am incredibly disturbed by the permission Donald Trump has given to rhetoric which is hateful, misoginistic, and utterly untrue. I am sick with worry and fear I have not had the courage to do more. Thank you. Pray for our country. I sat at the Hancock Library two weeks ago wanting to tell you how proud I was of you, but being star struck hot in my way. Katrina. you are a woman of style and substance. I am sending this off to friends.
I am sad that we cannot talk about our belief’s among the very people we should feel safest with. I live in Texas and even though my vote is probably just cancelled out, I was proud to see so many in line on the first day of early voting. Many in my line were immigrants and everyone was treated with respect and questions answered fairly (I found myself eavesdropping to hear how questions about id’s were handled).
Politics has always been a subject avoided in my family (don’t talk about sex, politics or religion) but in a heated conversation with my 24 year old son about the election, he closed with telling me that he was proud to be raised in a home where we could talk passionately about what we believe without tearing the fabric of our family. Thank you and your friend for sharing.
Beautifully spoken as usual. I’m sharing this one in hopes that your words will help sway orhers who are also concerned but may not have your courage.
Spot on, Katrina.
During the last few days I have anxiously looked at my e-mails to see if you would be speaking out again before Election Day. Today I find that you have done so in an elegant and beautiful way. You, Katrina and Lauren are my friends to lean on in these troubled times. Please, never stop speaking out for me and so many others.
I’m not a fan of either candidate. However, this article does not sway me enough to vote for Hillary. She is married to a former President who lied under oath in national tv regarding his sexual escapes with a twenty yr old intern. Many women came before and after Miss Lewinsky. Hillary stood by her man and bashed all the women he was involved with. She set the women’s movement back by 30 years by her silence. Being investigated by the FBI is not something I want on my Presidents resume either. But the real root of the problem is what Americans want. They’re tired of corrupt politicians who lie and cover up the truth. They want the truth as to why four Americans died in Benghazi. They want healthcare that doesn’t raise their premiums and deductible 30 % every year. They want a full time job with a decent hourly wage. – part time job won’t feed their family. They want a President who provides our veterans more than iillegal immigrants. Middle America has spoken and hit a nerve with our current administration. Hollywood lioves to party with Obama and Hillary, but middle America wants a change. Call us “deplorables” but the farmers, factory workers, plumbers, and single moms want a change.
Thank you.
Amen and thank you so very much!
I have been completely disgusted by this Presidential election! I cannot believe this is the best we could do as a country. I had made up my mind not to vote, but to sit on the sidelines and watch the clown show and know that I was not responsible for the outcome. As much as I do not like Hilliary Clinton, she is at least prepared for the job. That said, her election is only going to produce anothe four years of total gridlock. Nothing is getting done in this country, nothing is getting fixed. Health care premiums have gone through the roof and NO ONE can afford the healthcare we are now required by law to have. The answers I am afraid are not with either of these candidates. After reading this letter I will seriously reconsider about not voting only for the sake of my grandchildren! Thank you Katrina and Maude for your bravery!
Thank you for sharing this – I happen to agree wholeheartedly with everything you’ve written; thank you for putting our thoughts into such eloquent words.
Well written! It is hard to voice an opinion about this election without the fear of verbal attack. It makes me very sad and worried. It’s awful that our children are hearing and seeing such ugliness. Thank you for this well written letter.
Shared on FB. Your friend’s letter is quite powerful. Living in DC, having moved here from Atlanta neatly 7 years ago, it is nearly impossible to get away from the vitriol. Even though some issues nag at me about Hillary Clinton, I proudly voted for her when I decided to go to the polls early.
The sign displayed at the first of your article (Deeds not words) has turned me from Hillary. I feel her deeds are far worse than his words.
Thank you having the courage to speak out. I am trying, compassionately and thoughtfully, to do the same. It is always good to have examples before us!
I am amazed that all (most) of you can support a woman who has demonstrated such an outrageous level of deceit and corruption. It is appearing more clear every day that not only is the Clinton Foundation a criminal enterprise, but its charitable contributions represent a mere (approximately) 5%. Hillary has no plan for the country. Take away her gender and her angry rants about Trump and what have you got? All she has to offer is her gender (for those of you who would vote based on gender alone this time), and continuing with failed Obamacare, the stagnation of the economy, and the corruption of government. You really think the fact that she is a woman is a good enough reason to vote for her? You really think that someone who is under criminal investigation by the FBI should be the leader of our nation? Aren’t you disgusted by all of the government corruption? Do your homework and don’t accept what you hear and read as truth. I’m sick of government corruption and I am voting accordingly for Donald Trump. This election isn’t about whether or not you should vote for Trump to marry your daughter; it’s about taking our country back. Consider me “Deplorable” and proud of it.
this is the epicenter of my fears — where went civility? (more critically, where went truth?) its ugly opposite is seeping into the most ordinary everyday moments. the lid has been lifted, i fear. somehow some great chunks of the population have decided it’s okay to spew hate anywhere, any time. and not just in the political arena. my heart breaks that women who find your writing rich and tender could turn on a dime, could forget the common cords of the heart, the ones that bind, and stitch us into a whole. how could that be dismissed in the flash of a moment? because you spoke up for principle? i am more worried about nov. 9 than nov. 8 to be honest. how will we move forward? we cannot submit to a nation of hate. i am praying, and praying hard……bless you for putting your whole heart and intellect and moral compass here for a chance at deeper understanding……
I agree that you should keep your political views to yourself. Your entire article is one sided and so unfair that your viewers have to read it. Comments saying the exact same things could be voiced on either side, which by the way you did not even attempt to do.
I would never have expected this from you and was terribly disappointed.
Once again you got it right Katrina! I’m baffled that fans of yours thought you were a Trump supporter? That would have been a complete surprise. I can’t believe that so many people thnink that they are well informed but clearly aren’t. Their talking points are simply that of Fox News and repeated redoric from the right. It’s almost like they send out a memo to all republicans to rattle off. I’m personally not a huge Hillary lover but my hatred of EVERYTHING Trump stands for is greater than my lack luster for her. Anyway I’m proud that my favorite writer is on my side!
❤️️ Yes! Well said. We must vote and teach our children these values: civility and respect. My boys are disallowed from watching Trump. If he wins, I will not change this. He is not worthy of my children’s gaze.
I am very disappointed you have chosen to do this. I read your blog for inspiration not political opinion. I’m a policy wonk and follow politics ALL the time…not just at election time. I am very careful to verify the legitimacy of the information I review and look at it through a policy and fact based perspective, not an emotional one. You have an opinion and a right to express it, but I wish so very much that you had written about the breakdown of civility between the two sides and stuck to that topic. There are many reasons for this. Books can be written about this subject alone….and a few have been. I would love to have heard your opinion about that. I live in a purple state so I have friends and family that are entrenched in both camps. I love these people dearly, but sometimes it gets really hard to witness the vitriol. Good people are being marginalized and hated based on their “side.” This is the worst thing that will come out of this election, not a Hillary or a Trump win. People are drawing lines in the sand and cutting off friendships over candidates. You are all about family, friendship, grace and gratitude. Please write a column about how that pertains to the political landscape instead of stumping for a candidate. I look forward to that article. You have a way of bringing people together; please write about that. There’s a lot of healing that will need to be done, and it will take time. Your words can help.
Thank You Katrina. I was happy to share your message.
I agree with Susan (posting at 9:37) . I’m tired of the political rhetoric everywhere I turn. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but I don’t appreciate when those opinions are forced onto others – especially on a blog like this. I’m also concerned about the state of our country but for reasons very different from yours. I come hear to read about grace, gratitude and your struggle with everyday life, not to read about which political candidate you support. I love your writing but will have to turn the other cheek if it now becomes your political platform.
Ask these questions about the last eight years and know that a vote for HRC is a vote for more of the same:
Is the country safer?
Is our military stronger?
Are our borders more secure especially from people that hate us?
Are our healthcare premiums more affordable and can we keep our doctor?
Is the country more unified?
Do only some lives matter?
Can we afford to take on more debt?
I fear that after another four years of the same type of policies will leave us with a country that we no longer recognize!
God bless America!
Thank you for your blog about Tuesday’s upcoming election. It was a soul-boosting and, for me, much needed source of encouragement during this wretched election cycle. So many of the things that you and your friend communicated through the blog and letter have been things that I have been saying for the past six months to friends and family. And, I have never before talked about politics with folks outside of my immediate family (husband and son).
But, this year is different. I cannot stay silent and avoid speaking up because some individuals will choose to dislike my perspective. All of us who are alarmed and concerned about the direction that our society/culture is taking need to have the courage to speak out with respect and kindness. This isn’t a typical election. This isn’t “business as usual” within our political milieu. This is frighteningly different . . .
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You and your friend have my full and complete support. May dedication to kindness, compassion, and a recognition of the inherent worth of every single human being living on this beautiful planet be embraced by all.
Thank you Katrina for your thoughtful, powerful words. All women should be concerned, if not for themselves than for their children and grandchildren. Hilary moves us forward, inclusively, and progressively, while Trump takes us backward into selfishness, greed and hate. I so appreciate your beautiful writings, and you are in a safe place of respect, where you mirror our deepest feelings! We all have differences, yet together we are raising our children and making our world a better place, one kindness at a time. Thank you for extending your kindness!
You are one of my favorite writers and I have purchased several copies of your latest book to give as gifts. I love the feeling of comfort your writing on family and daily life bring. With that being said, I simply cannot vote for Hillary Clinton based upon my own value system, and I will not get into the details here. Please try to understand how the other side feels too. I see comments on social media, hear the innuendoes in my book club, etc. about how someone with my beliefs must be uneducated, out of touch or “deplorable”. I am already struggling to overcome feelings of resentment. I just hope no matter the result, come Wednesday morning our country will not be torn apart by resentment, but can move forward in a productive way.
Katrina- I am so inspired by your commitment to your beliefs and your authenticity. I have shared this on Facebook and am quoting below what I wrote there:
“Very inspired by the bravery of Katrina Kenison, Jen Louden, Sue Ann Gleason, and others who are using their social media platforms to take a stand for what they truly believe is right. These are women who I have seen in the past generally use social media in more gentle, less controversial ways to spread more love and encouragement in the world and who are now called to speak up in a way that not everyone is happy to hear from them. Bravo for your bravery, your light and your fierce love, my friends. You inspire me and give me hope.”
Right now I am so glad I live in Canada!!!
and will be so glad to have this gong show over
all the billions of dollars spent on this election is sickening.
I respect and understand your position. HRC represents your worldview. She and her camp does not represent or respect the worldview of the broad brushed basket of deplorables. IMO both major party candidates display an egregious intolerance of other viewpoints and poor character. Both sides need to get over the pretense of bad behavior as the decision driver and get honest about how we feel about the real issues and the full consequences of the proposed solutions.
Katrina,
I share Missie’s thoughts, but regardless of my political beliefs, I have to tell you that I am very disappointed that you’ve chosen to use your blog to talk about this whole political mess. My phone constantly rings with political pollsters, I can’t watch television without horrible, insulting advertisements coming on every 10 minutes (from both sides!), and my mailbox is crammed with insulting literature that I neither asked for or want. I opened your blog this morning expecting to find the solace and peace I usually find in your writing, and ended up upset enough to write this note. I have bought all your books, sent many to friends, contributed to various causes you were supporting. Political discussions and beliefs do not belong here. Please stick to blogging about family and daily life, where you can help the most people.
Hi Katrina,
Thank you so much for this beautifully written piece. I am deeply conflicted about Hillary Clinton; in my mind, her strong feminist creds and excellent policy knowledge war with her uncourageously late arrival to support for full LGBT rights and deeply beholden status with her large-dollar corporate funders.
However, I believe that Hillary will steer the ship of state forward without exposing us to unnecessary dangers. In general, she will stand up for the rights of all Americans and consider the world at large in her decision. She knows the limitations of her own knowledge, how to seek out the best advice from subject matter experts, and how to keep her own ego at bay enough to take that advice. In other words, she is actually a full-fledged adult.
Her opponent, on the other hand, is willing to run civilization off a cliff rather than ever admit he’s been wrong and perhaps needs to evolve on a given issue (scratch that … most issues). He’s a pathological liar, a malignant narcissist, truly anti-intellectual, and a deeply unethical person. It’s not even a question.
AS a friend from across the ‘pond’ my heart goes out to you all as you are facing these challenging days. May each of you, and those of us watching from afar, not give up on hope. To quote Katrina’s friend ‘there is so much good in the world’. Bless you all!
When I saw today’s blog post appear in my email, I was hopeful that it would include what I believe is really at stake with this election. It has to do with the future leanings of the Supreme Court. The moral compass of our society and upholding of our constitution is at risk. When I got to your plea for women to vote for Hillary, I was sorely disappointed that you would use your influence to sway women voters. I agree with others who have bravely commented against the content.
As a writer myself, I went into unchartered territory this week to publish a post about the election. This election is particularly hard on women. That is what ultimately led me to write it. I didn’t push my political agenda on my readers. What we need is to put aside political and media bias and to be prayerful about our votes, about our election, and for unity in our country.
I am so proud of you Katrina for so beautifully expressing what I have been feeling since reading your last essay on this election. Trump certainly learned his lesson well taught by his father that if you tell the same lie repeatedly people will believe it to be the truth. I also fear for the future of my grandson and granddaughter living in a Trump world where bullying and lying are acceptable behaviors. HILLARY has spent a lifetime working hard for families and children and will continue to do so as our president. Our congress has wasted a natural resource in Obama for the past 8 years…an intelligent, dignified man who restored grace to the White House, turned our country around and brought us through the recession to the point where our country is on the cusp of prospering once more. It’s time for congress to step up to the plate and do the job they were elected to do regardless who is President. I do not believe for one moment that Trump as President will do anything for our country or his supporters unless it is to his benefit. I pray that HILLARY wins this election so our country can move forward rather than go back 50 years and see another catastrophic recession.
I agree with Shirley @ 9:23 am . So disappointed with your one sided view . You are choosing to wear blinders concerning Hillary . The fact that she lies continuously , is such a big problem . We can see the effects of her lies by the state of the country right now. Washington is so corrupt and the desire for change is just too overwhelming . People simply don’t want another Obama/Clinton term . Someone said the epithet on her tombstone might well read ” she got away with it ” . I hope they are wrong !
I stand with Hillary and I stand with you. Thank you for speaking up. Politics is a part of our lives and as a parent the world we will leave our children is a determined by politics. It isn’t always neat and pretty but right now I am worried for the future of the children and the world we are leaving them. How we treat each other is modeled by adults (and political leaders) and children learn from this what is acceptable. The physical world we leave them is also in the balance. Climate change is real and the mess we are leaving our children is something we can impact by voting – no regulation or working toward solutions. FYI my daughter received a Clinton Foundation grant to build a self-sustaining toilet system for a school (with 700 students) in Kenya in 2008. There was no sanitation for the whole school until this was built. My daughter paid for all her own costs and all funds went into the project. It was an incredible experience for her to be in Kenya for 3 months making this happen. She wrote a proposal and received a grant – there was nothing criminal about any of this. This is the work the Foundation has done world-wide for years.
Political discussions can be respectful and hopefully happen anywhere there are people concerned about our country and our world. Politics should not be a forbidden topic for it is how we maintain our democracy and peaceful transfer of power at all levels of government.
Listen to your heart Katrina and write about what you know to true and a part of life that influences our families. Many thanks!!!
I am proud to vote for Hillary. No person has ever been so attacked. No person has ever had so much tax money wasted on investigations that come up with nothing. No person has ever had so many lies told about her. No man has ever had the hatred thrown at him like she has. I believe it is because she is female, just that.
Hillary Clinton will be a Commander in Chief my Air Force daughter will be proud to salute.
God Bless America.
Thank you for this. I enjoy your writing as you so often put into words what I am feeling.
Happy to share!
I wanted to add this to my previous remark. My son and husband just came home from visiting my husbands parents. They have totally different political views than we do. Our son can be quite outspoken so I asked my husband how it went. He remarked that it went great! We agreed that we are so glad our sons knows how to Love people with different views. I hope people that love Katrina’s writing will continue to read her no matter what her politics are. I believe most of us enjoy Katrina’s writing because she speaks from the heart. No matter what happens on Tuesday, please continue to listen to and Love each other.
First, and most important, this is your blog and can post what you like, whether others are like minded or not. I believe in teaching to think analytically, listen to both sides, search for the facts and the truth, to be balanced, to use reason. I would hope those students would never reason that lying, cheating, and neglecting those one promised to help was acceptable simply because that person had been their first choice. I would hope they would not ignore the truth because they were afraid of the unknown.
Katrina, you know I stand with you all the way, and thank you and your friend for these very thoughtful words. As writers, our pens become our swords, and I believe they can be a mighty force of enlightenment and change – certainly when they are as eloquent as yours and Maude’s.
I notice people have commented that you should “stick to writing about family and daily life.” My feeling is that Donald Trump is a huge threat to our ability to continue with a normal family or daily life in this country. It is because we love our families and our daily lives that we want to protect them, and there has never been in my lifetime a bigger threat to our way of life than this man.
I wanted to vote for Hillary 8 years ago, & my children were for Obama. I was influenced by them & very pleased w/ his Presidency. So, I felt it was “the time” this time, to vote for Hillary. From Trumps’ first utterances….Mexicans….rapists, murderers…..I knew he was bad news. But no one brought him down. And there he is, on the ballot. Thanks for your thoughtful letter; I feel our country is in grave danger. As Obama said last nite: “all the things we’ve accomplished over the last 8 years, may be destroyed or changed beyond recognition.” I would surely hate for that to happen.
Thank you for sharing this, I agree with all that was written and I’m pleased to pass this on to other States!
Bravo K and Maude!! I couldn’t agree more with what you both wrote. And I’m so lucky to have two smart and inspiring women in my life. xoxo
So happy to share Katrina, and thank you for your courage in speaking out. My friends and I are trying to do the same although it isn’t easy for us living in an area that is very pro- Trump. Please don’t be discouraged by the people who don’t believe you should speak what is in your heart about this election. I agree with you that the future is at stake, and those of us who love and care about our children and grandchildren cannot remain silent. Peace.
As a Trump supporter, this letter could have been written in support of Donald Trump. My view says Hillary is the threat to our security to our democratic way of life. Her agenda is a one world government where she is selling America to the highest bidder. Our healthcare is out of control. We no longer can afford healthcare like we used to before Obama. Hillary will only continue that same path. Sometimes I think Hillary supporters are really blind to what really going on. Donald Trump however shows at least some sense of the ability to change. Hillary on the other hand has shown absolutely no consideration of what anybody else is thinking or desiring it’s her way or no way. I hope when Donald Trump is elected, that our healthcare gets back into shape and that we can once again breathe with a sense of security that our country will not be totally sold out. I know that God is in control and that he takes care of things that we cannot control. I pray that whatever the outcome that we can all be respectful of that outcome and work with it in a godly way. There are many people on both sides of the aisle that do not act according to God’s word. To me that’s the bottom-line. And speaking of God’s word, I find that Donald Trump has more values in line with God’s word then Hillary.
Dear Katrina
Never stop speaking your truth with your good good heart! The political is always personal… Your writing enriches my life in so many ways. Thank you again.
Kind regards, Natasha from Australia
So disappointed you have used this blog to promote Hillary. We have enough negative verbiage on the news and social
media to last a lifetime. Like your writing, but prefer you refrain from swaying your readers your one sided political views.
As a non American, reading this latest post from 10,000 miles away in Asia, I am amazed by some of the very negative comments against Katrina. Firstly this is her blog and she has every right to share her thoughts on any issue which is pressing to her. Likewise we are all entitled to our own opinion. But to put her down because she chose to speak aloud on her political choice is I think hitting below the belt.
Katrina, don’t be discouraged ….keep your writing coming from your heart always!
Thank you Katrina. I feel our country is in some stuck grief process over the challenges over the last many years – a kind of collective post traumatic stress. . . where people are coming together out of shared dislike and fear rather than love and the ability to hold discourse where dissenting beliefs can be explored and promote growth. This polarization is our distress-story making brains filling in missing information with fear and old beliefs to self protect. People are intrinsically good but we can all be dangerous when we are in fear. Hillary has her flaws but the choice feels clear in terms of the greater danger of fueling our deeper fears and living on a planet together through our collective trauma or the potential of our greater collective healing.
We all need to periodically clean out our homes (cars, offices…), to refresh the appearance and feel, to make it “new” again. We purge our space of the things we no longer need, those things that merely get in the way and clutter our own little corner of the world. So it is for me this year. I respect everyone’s right to their opinion, the right to express it, and even enjoy a healthy discourse about the merits and pains of a topic. However, no one should ever try to force their beliefs on others. I am very disappointed that, with all the genuinely qualified individuals, our country couldn’t come up with better candidates. Trump and Clinton are both disappointing options, in my opinion. I will vote my conscience, I will vote for the candidate who I belief will keep us safe. My choice might not be “popular”, but I should never be mocked and insulted when my voting preference doesn’t align with another’s, yet that IS what I’m experiencing in this election.
Do I think highly of Trump’s 11- or 12-year-old comments, or other unsavory allegations? Absolutely not! But the only thing that separates him from others was a microphone. They didn’t get caught making rude remarks – he did. Bill and Hill have a lengthy history of disgraceful behavior in their personal, professional and political lives. In my opinion, she is blocking our ability to get on a road to recovery, but will put us on a fast path to destruction. Under her leadership, I believe, our country will implode. It’s time to clean house! It’s to toss out the useless clutter and give change a chance. I’m not voting for Trump for the man, but for Trump for the change.
Please do not hate me if I happen to disagree with you. Two of my three children and my son-in-law currently serve in the military, where they risk life and limb 24/7 to protect ALL of our rights, starting with our right to free speech. Please, let’s simply agree to disagree, having differences of opinion but respecting each other’s right to have one!
Katrina,
I thought this blog to be a safe place from politics, we do not need any more harsh words.
Please stick to the kindness and love you generate.
That is what we and this world all need more than more rhetoric on this deplorable election.
Thank you:)
Katrina, You and Maude are brave and inspiring. To the women who’ve posted here that you should stick to writing about “gratitude” and “peace” and stay out of politics, I do feel that perspective. I’ve struggled to compartmentalize and honor my yoga and prayer practices in an effort to stay calm and focused enough to work at my 9-5 job, care for my family, and be the friend, sister, wife, and mother I am so blessed to be. But this election is different, and good people cannot stay silent. I was raised in a Republican household with two parents (both deceased now) that I cannot imagine voting for this man. With his prejudices, record, narcissism, failure to pay taxes, eagerness to sue, name-calling and lies he is against every good thing that I grew up believing in: small government, separation of church and state, and individual achievement of the American Dream. I hope my Republican friends are not deluded by this carnival barker, and I applaud your bravery here in calling out his awful behavior. Our children are watching. He is not how we raised them to treat other people. I am holding my breath for Tuesday night, and hope enough good people will all do the right thing and vote for HRC – not a perfect person – but a much better one.
Hello Katrina,thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have very similar trepidations to you!
I live in the UK and we are going through a similar flux with Brexit. It has unleashed some truly egregious behaviour and hateful speech from some people ,who now think they have a licence to express their bile,sometimes with violence. To see and hear Donald Trump spouting his vitriol makes me feel very worried for you and also for us. Quite frankly I worry for the state of the world if Trump gets in. Please don’t let him dear friends and allies.
Thank you for much. I am with you………with HER <-
Katrina,
Thank you, I know this was not easy.
It is very disheartening to read the comments that are telling you what you can and can not write about in your blog.
We are stronger when we are exposed to different viewpoints and allow ourselves to reflect and ponder.
Not only are we stronger but it is downright dangerous to live in a society that lashes out at people who have a different viewpoint. There are many countries that do just that.
The intolerance that has become commonplace in the US is very sad.
As woman/mothers we do not need to agree but we MUST be respectful. Our children are watching and learning how to treat others.
Please vote and please be respectful……whatever the outcome.
Katrina,
Thank you so much for your courage to write from the heart on such an important topic. It is very disheartening to see the fractures that are happening in our communities. I’m hoping that for those who went a different way from your writing, that there are double that have found you. Thank you for all of your writing.
Beautifully said Katrina! Thank you for speaking out! Sharing on FB right now!
I don’t feel like this is the forum for you to push your political beliefs.
If I wanted to subscribe to a political blog I would have done so.
Fine to share your political leanings at home, school, or church. Not necessarily a fan of it on this platform…
I agree with you Katrina. This is the first time I’ve ever donated to, or made calls for a political candidate, and I have done both this election, even though it is far outside my comfort zone. I think we all need to use the forums available to us. And Now we must pray for healing.
I am thanking God today that Hilary did not win the election. I believe she should be prosecuted for her crimes, and I am so tired of Bill and Hilary getting away with their lies and corruption.
While President elect Trump was not my first choice, he does share many of my values such as the sanctity of life and marriage. He will create jobs for Americans, repeal disastrous Obamacare, and appoint conservative Supreme Court justices.
Thank you Katrina, for allowing me to share my happiness that Donald Trump won the election by a landslide!
Yes, Christine, I am willing to share your pleasure about Donald Trump’s election here, although as you know this was not the result I’d hoped for.
Honestly, I feel that one of the most discouraging developments of this election cycle has been the absence of wholehearted listening between women who claim to share the same values, and yet chose to support different candidates. Can we really move forward as a country if we aren’t able to respect and try to understand those who see things differently?
I would never presume to judge what goes on in another woman’s marriage, which I consider sacred and private ground between two people. And I’d hope that if I made a choice to forgive my own husband and recommit to my marriage in a similar situation, others would respect that decision and realize that what goes on between two individuals in a long-term relationship is really between them. To my mind, there is much to be said for resilience, endurance, humility, loyalty, apology, and, yes, forgiveness. Hillary Clinton’s long record of public service is indisputable. None of the many investigations launched against her have yielded charges. Has she made mistakes along the way? Absolutely. Has she been accountable for them? Yes.
I supported her candidacy wholeheartedly. At the same time, I have tried to understand why women who value integrity and compassion in their own relationships are willing to overlook Mr. Trump’s long and very public record of abusive behavior toward women, among his many other character flaws.
Today, and every day going forward, I recommit to the simple touchstone that has served me pretty well for many years now: choose love over fear. Fear would be deleting your comment rather than running it. Love is sharing it for everyone to see. Fear would be closing my mind and heart to the president-elect. Love is opening my heart and giving him a chance, in the hope that he will rise to the challenge he faces, namely, to be a president for all Americans – including those of different colors, different religions, different sexual orientations, different beliefs. Fear would be seeing all those who don’t share my political views as “other.” Love is believing that we can find common ground. Fear would be wringing my hands today about the outcome of this election. Love is reaching out my hand toward you this morning, and hoping that you are reaching back.
Thank you for sharing and posting Christine’s comment.
Christine, I am asking this question because I sincerely need an explanation of your comment. How has Trump shown that he shares your belief in the sanctity of marriage? He conducted a public affair with another woman, fathering her child, while still married to his first wife. He later abandoned his second wife for yet another. I am honestly confused as to how this displays any regard at all for the sanctity of marriage.
Just FYI Christine he did not win by a landslide. He won the electoral college votes and Hillary won the popular vote. In my definition that does not constituent a landslide. What I have seen in my small town of Delano is in increase in the racial bullying. Adopted children being told that they are not Americans so their views don’t matter. Adopted children being told they will be sent “home” and frightened that it could happen. This is what frightens me as an educator. We have a president elect that has “normalized” bullying in our culture and children are being hurt. I will wait to see what his rhetoric is once he is in office but honestly I’m frightened for what this has unleashed in our culture.