I’m starting to believe that spring is finally here. The red maples, weeping willows, and forsythia are finally showing their colors. Crocuses are popping up and migratory birds are returning. Just yesterday, I saw a Belted Kingfisher cruising along a curve of the Green River, making his signature rattling call. Spring is my absolute favorite season. I should be happy, but I’m sad, upset and angry.
Many of you can guess where my head is right now. Our unfortunate president is currently wreaking havoc in the Middle East, threatening annihilation to the people of Iran. He does this after a long string of acts that are immoral, illegal, and unconstitutional. He has done real harm to thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of people here in the U.S. and around the globe. Making a list of his atrocities will only serve to make you move on to the next article either out of boredom or exhaustion, so I won’t.
Instead, I want to talk about the long-term effects and coping strategies needed to survive this sad chapter of our shared history. I think it’s safe to say that most of us are feeling the effects of our collapsing economy, and it’s alarming, to say the least, to watch the mental decline of our president as he rambles on incoherently for all to witness.
So much has been lost. People have died, have been uprooted from their homes, and many struggle to make ends meet. The balance of power in the federal government is so off kilter right now, it will take years, if not decades, to make things right again. He has alienated our allies and squandered the reputation of the U.S., as if it had no value. The dismantling of environmental protections, along with wars being waged in Gaza, Ukraine, and the Middle East, are perhaps doing irreparable harm to the environment.
And for what? Why have we allowed all of this to happen? I understand why people may have voted the way they did. Perhaps they were angry, felt cheated, or wanted to get even with those they felt had an unfair advantage. I can forgive that. I don’t know if I can forgive the people with the power to make this stop that do nothing. Specifically, those in Congress that have thrown away the power given to them by the American people to moderate the excesses of this greedy, callous, uncaring megalomaniac of a president.
Going on a tirade here will achieve nothing. So, what can I do? I am one person of very little consequence. I can stand on bridges holding signs. I can attend rallies and marches and meetings with like-minded people so that I do not despair. I can stay informed by following reputable independent journalists. I can tend my birdhouses, plan my garden, and enjoy a game or two of pickleball with my friends. I can try to be kind to friends and strangers alike, and help others when the opportunity presents itself. That is all.
It may not seem like much, but that is what is within my power. That, and to vote! November cannot come soon enough.
Tracy Allen lives in Greenfield.