It is one week into the new year and I have been clearing out old notes on scratch paper and photos and videos from my cell phone, some of which will appear in this column while the rest either ends up in the waste basket or jettisoned to the ether. Call it a resolution, if you will, and one that I hope to stick to and limit the amount of gleanings, some valid and some scurrilous, to a more manageable system. Let’s see what I’ve set aside for this first column of 2026.
According to the 40-some-odd myriad sources I set aside, the majority, by a large margin, concern the present administration under Donald J. Trump. There is no need here for the reiteration of what any of us can see and hear on myriad media outlets for no other reason than at this time it seems there are two separate and distinct camps with little common ground betwixt the two. What I am curious about is how current national, and international, situations manifest themselves here in the Valley; what impact does the unmistakable upheavals of the American political landscape have on relationships and associations here among us?
At the present time, at least in my life, there have been only a few ripples in response to any personal statements about controversial people or events that is for the most part due to one half of the adage that it is injudicious to discuss politics or religion when among disparate ideologies as certainly it will cause hard feelings. In the absence of open discussions, one is left with questions, which is why I am curious about what some people I know and work with think about the past year’s events, what are their reactions to the actions of the man they voted for; twice.
When certain actions taken by the present administration seem to me to be so outrageously anti-American, unconstitutional and just plain mean spirited, I am forced to wonder how the same actions are viewed by people I know and respect but are dedicated Republicans. If we leave policy aside, if indeed this administration has any real policies beyond one man’s narcissistic whims, and address just the moral compass of the man we call Mr. President, I cannot bring myself to believe these fellow citizens are in total agreement with his words and actions.
There is in King City an organization, which I gather is all women, dedicated to Republican issues that for years has supported conservative candidates and legislations, and good for them; this is after all a country where free speech is still, for the most part, in effect. I have for a few years now been associated with one of these ladies, along with her husband, as fellow members of a local nonprofit organization. Knowing something of the personalities of this couple, I cannot believe either of them are comfortable with a man who constantly berates and bullies’ politicians and journalists (especially women), a man who unleashes the most vitriolic language toward those who disagree with him. At the very least, I am sure if during one of our meetings I were to berate this lady in any way, especially if I were to silence her using as reference a barnyard animal, her husband would object vigorously. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t back-hand me across the mouth as would be deserved.
And that is just one association. I have friends who for decades never discussed politics, who were never really concerned with which political party was in office until Mr. Trump came along. With the advent of this billionaire into the political arena came the rhetoric of separation, of fear mongering and of outright hate. Like others in history who crave power and obedience, Mr. Trump unleashed a torrent of falsehoods, starting with his unfounded claim that President Obama was not born in the United States and continuing to this day even when in the face of miles of evidence to the contrary that the 2020 election was rigged.
In the ensuing years, we have heard a plethora of name calling that most of us left on the playground when we matured; unlike the man-child the Republicans put in office who still resorts to that childish practice. With this comes the easy path of placing blame on those caustically labeled; I have friends and associations who whenever they hear any criticism of their vaunted leader have the same response: Obama did it, or Biden was worse. In some cases, both these men made bad decisions but comparisons do not negate wrongdoing. Because Charlie Manson did evil things does not excuse Mr. Trump’s past; especially his activities as cited in the Epstein files and the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection findings. Charlie went to jail and so should Trump.
When I see people of color deported without due process, when Congress is sidestepped in matters of military actions, when historic buildings are demolished to make room for gaudy halls for the rich, when accolades and honors attributed to Black and female and transgender military personnel are erased from cemeteries and museums, when a man knows he will never be honored in any other way he slaps his name on existing memorials and buildings, I cannot help but wonder why my Republican friends still stand by this bloated fool of a man.
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Now here is an interesting little turn of events. It was far easier to comment on those issues currently on the political spectrum, especially matters of health care and insurance coverage and pharmaceutical prices, when one is not directly involved. Well, for me that has changed. It seems some activities of my errant past have caught up with me and I will now wait to see if my health insurance will cover the cost of treatment to the tune of $70,000 to $100,000. But such is life; there is always something.
Take care. Peace.
