Monday, October 17, 2016

A Decent Man


A Decent Man

My father loved westerns.  Most men of his generation seemed to.  Save for a two week holiday at the beach - the same beach - each and every summer, his life revolved exclusively around Mother, me and work, but every week or so, with us in tow, he would head off to the theatre to watch John Wayne ride through the Black Hills of the Dakotas on horseback.  On the screen was a strange landscape, treeless, with oddly jagged mountains so unlike their soft, green cousins of which we were familiar.  There was danger here as well: rattlesnakes, scorpions, rather frightening Indians.  A man could ride out in the desert in the morning and die of thirst, or worse, by noontime.   And through it all, Mr. Wayne and his compatriots rode tall in the saddle, unafraid and always victorious in whatever mission had been handed them. 

Though I accompanied Daddy to the theatre each time he went, I rarely watched the movie. The theatre we frequented most often was historic and beautiful with mysterious, Moorish hallways and lavishly decorated bathrooms that I loved to explore so all too often I was out of my seat whilst the action unfolded on the screen.  But occasionally we went to other theatres, ones more pedestrian in style with little to interest a child’s imagination.  On those occasions I would usually sit and watch the movie, albeit with mere cursory intent.  

It was one of those nights at one of those duller theatres that I remember very well, not for the film nor the actors but for something else entirely.  Lost, as usual, in the tall weeds of my own thoughts, I was only fractionally aware of the voices on the screen when suddenly, without the slightest warning, Daddy stood up, took my hand and announced to my Mother that we were leaving.  Together we marched up the carpeted aisle in his wake, me scurrying to keep up and thoroughly confused.

Back outside in the night as we quick-stepped to the car, I whispered to my Mother… “What happened?”  

“That man in the movie said something bad”, she whispered back.

I found out later, after hounding my mother relentlessly for the answer, one of the actors had called another the son of a female dog.  My father, outraged that language such as this was uttered in front of his daughter and wife,  simply got us out of there as fast as he could.    He was hardly as sheltered man.  He’d served on warships in the Pacific during WWII.  His ears had heard worse, much worse, I have no doubt.  But he cared about us as women, he respected us enough to want to hold us above such language and ugliness.

I have thought about Daddy a lot over the past few weeks. Though I miss him every day, I cannot help but be grateful he isn’t here to witness how low, how far down, we’ve been driven by this current presidential campaign.  For those who were raised as I was, by a loving, dignified and decent man who held women in high esteem, the words and behaviour of this man running for the highest office in our land have been repugnant and, for me, outrage and shock have all too often given over to depression and despair.  

None of us has the luxury of being sheltered these days. We hear worse language than my father tried to keep from me in the supermarket.  Certainly, it clogs our airwaves like sludge.  But this is different.  The office of the President of the United States is different.  When parents are afraid to let their children listen to the presidential debates because they don’t trust what this man is going to say, something is different.  Something is seriously, sadly, wrong.

The polls say this man cannot win.  I pray they are correct.  But I fear the damage has been done.  His followers, emboldened by his vile and viperish words, have had their racism, bigotry and hatred validated and will not, I fear, fade away to the ash heap of history en masse.  Even worse, those who have always championed “family values” and who have cravenly supported this man for political or, God help us, religious reasons, have sacrificed an integrity that will be almost impossible to regain.  

Through the years America has often been a beacon of justice and hope to the rest of the world.  We have held ourselves up as a light to which others have looked, a land where all are created equal, a country where we strive for fairness and decency.  Our President should be a role model for our young men to emulate and our young women to respect.   For too long this vulgar mouthpiece of ignorance and hatred has sullied our good name, as well as our good sense, across the globe and I feel utterly humiliated in front of my friends from other countries.  

I know what a decent man looks like.  
I was raised by one.
This is not a decent man.

***
(For those of you looking for a report of Scotland, trust me… it’s coming.  Along with a new ghost story for Halloween.  This is not my usual blog topic, it’s true.  But these are not usual times.  I have always expressed true feelings on this blog and I cannot help but do so now.)

73 comments:

  1. Thank you for putting it so well.

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  2. Pamela, what a beautiful tribute to your father - he would be so proud.

    And I think it is true to say that over here in the UK most of us feel like you about your Presidential campaign.

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  3. I, too, am sick at heart. Oh, to be back on Walton's Mountain!

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  4. Such a great post.

    Sometimes I feel, I am not outraged at the candidate, but by his supporters, especially women.
    Its so hard to digest how they can support someone like him. What lies in their hearts?

    Anyhow, hoping and praying he doesn't win the election and waiting eagerly for this terrible election season to end.

    Looking forward to your ghost story. I still remember the last year's. It was so lovely!

    Thanks,
    Neha.

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  5. Thank you Pamela. It is making me ill. I don't want to know who supports him because everything about him makes me sick; he is the type of man I abhor. The Trump supporters I know blame it on Bill, then Hillary, then the liberals and now the press... No, it is Trump. He can't hide from himself. The old saying, wherever you go, there you are, is apropos where Trump is concerned. We've had some bad candidates before, but this is a new low. You were very lucky to have such a wonderful Dad.

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    1. Donna, thank you for this comment. I need all the help I can get to stay positive in the face of this election.

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  6. Oh Pamela, you have given such eloquent voice to my thoughts. Thank you.

    Please help us as a nation be better than this man. I am heartsick at this election.

    Blessings to us all for our highest and best good.

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  7. Pamela,
    It truly saddens me to see the numbers that such a graceless man can have garnered from fellow Americans. What issue could be worth enduring his behavior for 4 years?
    Thank you for always sharing a perspective on things such as this that I can relate to.
    xo,
    Karen

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  8. I am so sad. I love your description of your Dad. It is shocking to me; these people who support this man. I will never understand. I hurt for our country. Donna is right. This is a new low. It is honestly hard to believe.

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  9. I personallly am sickened by them both.

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  10. Beautifully put, Pamela. I won't be able to bring myself to watch the third debate. After seeing him glower and hover over Hillary, it would be like witnessing a crime without the means to stop it. I pray he won't win, of course, but will the stature of America recover? He has single-handedly forced an ugly and false impression of our country down the throats of the rest of the world. Will they know that we are not who he believes us to be? I fear many will be willing to believe him and this pains me no end.

    If we're lucky, in January perhaps the Justice Department will have an earnest look at his seditious rantings.

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  11. And one more thing, why are so many people voting for him? I can't fathom that.

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  12. Pamela,
    While I am an advocate of free speech and respect your right to your opinion , I am disgusted by your intolerance of other's point of view. I am a strong Americam women with high moral and religious values and I support Trump. I am not racist, vile or feel that I have sacrificed my integrity. I am disappointed by both candidates behavior ,I find Hillary to be the worse of the two. Her corrupt political career and more importantly her policies and vision for America make her a candidate that will never get millions of decent American's support, both men and WOMAN alike.

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    1. If you find this man's words palatable, It is obvious we have very different views on what America is, or should be.

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    2. My precious grandchild spent the night with me last weekend. Bella saw Trump on the tv and said, that guy said to grab girls by the vagina. How could we explain his election to our children? They listen and talk.

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    3. Carolyn Bish, I hope that you will think this through a bit within yourself. We must speak up when we hear and experience wrong doing. It is not intolerance, it is moral courage. I was raised on the teachings of Jesus, and like he often did throughout his life, I do my best to have the courage to speak up when something is said or done that is wrong.

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  13. This presidential election is beyond words. We should be praying for our nation.

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    1. I am. Every night on my knees next to my bed. With my 3 dogs and my husband on the bed. I pray. Hard. I even ask my darling mother. She said to me....(when she was young and healthy..."If you ever really need something.....just ask me.....I will run from one end of heaven to the other to make it happen!" I am asking about the election...and am begging for rain here in Santa Barbara.....let's see what happens!
      I am praying for our nation.....and its place in the world.
      I have friends in Europe......they are horrified. This happened, as we all know.....in Germany. Not so long ago. Really not so long ago.

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  14. Pamela, well said. Carolyn Bish, forgive me, but you are disingenuous, to say the least, when you claim to support free speech and Pamela's opinion. Your self assessment lacks credibility, as anyone who supports a racist IS a racist. Also, in using the usual right wing talking points about Hillary Clinton, you have failed to provide hard evidence of her misdeeds. Do you take us for idiots?

    Nowhere at all in this post is Pamela intolerant of anyone. Rather, she has stated her beliefs about this election and one of the candidates, which is her right to do. To those of us who find Trump appalling (most Americans) your "disgust" at Pamela's opinions seems very Trump-like. It's okay for him to say how he feels, but the minute anyone else has a negative opinion of him he resorts to childlike name-calling so vile in nature that hardened criminals blush. If, as you suggest, you are a strong woman with high moral and religious values it beggars belief that you could support such a sacreligious, immoral man.

    Finally, you seem angry in your post, which is very much your right. But there are also a lot of Americans who are angry, disturbed, and despondent that such a horrific person has been foisted on us by the GOP. History will not be kind to those of you who supported this demagogue, nor should it be.

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    1. Katherine,
      I am not an angry person at all, just a person with a different opinion. I think that is what makes " America Great". We all have our right to express how we feel. I don't judge others the way you do. Calling me disingenuous and saying that my self assesment of not being a racist lacks creditablity, when you don't know me,shows what kind of person you are.... I did not post in attempt to change anyones political leaning but to point out that there are different viewpoints and those who think differently should not be catagorized as "deplorable".To condemn someone for a different view is truly not American.

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    2. Carolyn, to support a racist, misogynist, entitled know-nothing for President is what's un-American. I believe you're missing the irony here, but perhaps I'm wrong. I hope, for all our sakes, including yours, that your candidate is soundly defeated.

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    3. Dear Carolyn,
      Of course everyone is entitled to his or her opinion - but an opinion should be based on a thoughtful consideration of the facts. I admire the Christian virtue of charity and follow Christ's command to love one's neighbor as oneself. I believe in the Ten Commandments that one should not commit adultery.
      Sadly one of our candidates promotes hatred of others - Mexicans, Muslims etc. He judges women by their appearance and mocks handicapped people.
      This is not the sort of person we need to lead our country.
      I'm just SAD SAD SAD!
      It says in St.Paul's Epistles that the love of money is the root of all evil - and one of the candidates has spent most of his life getting rich at the expense of others - stiffing his contractors and avoiding taxes that the rest of us have to pay.
      Anyone who thinks this man is looking out for their well being should look very hard at how he has acted so far!

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  15. I wrote this after the last debate:

    Nauseous. Sick at the thought that 50 years had altered nothing. A stone cold light showed clearly that "they" still wished me silent, submissive, beneath. And this man voiced their anger and derision of my person, my progress, my rising. My heart finally spoke. "I've news for you. Time's passage has made me stronger, wiser and full of voice. I'll not go back. And I will thank you for reminding me to shout my freedom song from the heights as I climb."

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  16. As a teacher I find myself horrified and very worried. I tell my students daily that name calling, racial slurs, bullying, misogyny, and intolerance of the disabled is not acceptable. And then my students go home and hear it from one of their presidential candidates on the nightly news and social media. If this man wins, how can I possibly reinforce these contemporary social expectations when the elected leader of the free world breaks every one of them on an hourly basis? But then, I heard my one of my wonderfully politically astute fourth graders state "Oh, he's just likes having Trumper tantrums." I laughed until I cried.

    He also seems to have forgotten that there are three branches of government. "I'm gonna do this and I'm gonna do that." Well, if we look at recent history, our legislature has quite skillfully blocked bills and amendments at every turn. Since he has lost so many of those of his "own" party, what possibly makes him believe that he'd be able to get any of his wish list passed through Congress.

    Perhaps Hillary is not the light leading us forward through the remainder of the decade we would hope a presidential candidate to be. Love her or hate her there would be no surprises during her administration.

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  17. Thank you for sharing memories of your very decent father. My father raised 3 daughters and did not tolerate crude talk - I can imagine what he would make of this man. We ARE praying for our nation. What a cruel time to be raising sons and daughters. I like the Maya Angelou quote that I believe you shared a few months ago - "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time".

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  18. Katharine is absolutely correct. And so is Pamela.

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  19. As always, you respectably and gently illustrate your viewpoints and give much to ponder in a measured manor. Thank you.
    My father was also a decent man. He expected his family to be decent as well as his government. He valued and respected varied opinions, but, demanded civility. I listened and watched many conventions, in black and white and into the middle of the night at times and we watched presidential debates together. He would be appalled at the language of this candidate - as am I.
    Looking forward to a Scotland post and, of course, a ghost story.

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  20. Pamela, thank you for speaking up about this terrible Presidential candidate. We all need to have courage to speak the truth, courage like our fathers. You had a beautiful, loving father as I do - also in WWII and 92 years old. Your and my fathers fought facism. They had courage. Over the years, we have asked in history classes and during historic based movies, how could the Germans elect someone like Hilter, the Italians someone like Mussolini. Now Americans no longer need to wonder about how these Europeans made such mistakes. We have done it ourselves and experiencing how such tyrants come to power.

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  21. Nicely written (as usual), and I am in total agreement!

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  22. Pamela, this post had me crying the whole way through. Your beautiful father sounds just like mine - a decent person with sound morals, kindness and integrity. I cried for the change in our culture where people like this candidate seem to be prevalent in society.
    I can't understand why people think this man will save their country let alone represent the people of America. Just look at his past behaviour, the way he made big promises but ultimately ruined a small town in Scotland with his golf club, the way he ruined lives with the 6 times he claimed bankruptcy - but to him it is just business. The GFC and millions losing their homes - hey a great business opportunity for him.
    I am not judging Republican voters if they believe their party could lead America in a better direction but surely they cannot think that this man would fight for them, would achieve great things and would represent their country in a "decent" way. Past behaviour is a sure way to predict future behaviour is it not?

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  23. Well said, Pamela. Your neighbours to the north are watching with puzzlement and distress.

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  24. I just read another comment about Hitler.....written the same second....I think, that I wrote mine....Thank God some of us remember.....I was not born....but I studied....and I learned.......and I saw. I went to se Buchenwald....(on a college tour....I will never ever forget....I was 18.....50 years ago!) Seared into my memory...and this man's oratory sounds just like Hitler. JUST LIKE HIM!!!

    I am heartbroken and frightened.....and really do not understand.......thank you for your courage....and stamina!

    HA!!!
    Go Girl! We really have to!!!

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  25. Dear Pamela,
    What a thoughtful, beautifully written piece - as always. Your father sounds a thoughtful splendid man.
    Yes, we do have to stand up for what we believe in and speak out against things that are wrong!
    Like so many of your readers, I'm just sad sad sad! In the past I have disagreed with the positions etc of any candidates - but never been brought to tears by the horror of the thought that this man might represent us! I agree with all the comments except the poor woman who calls herself religious....
    I wish she - and Trump - would read the Sermon on the Mount. Sending warmest wishes to you the songwriter and Edward and Apple.

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  26. I'm in middle age & mom has only mentioned SEX in my presence one time. Semen on the blue dress.

    The day before heading off to freshman year of college, dad called me into his room and shut the door. I knew, 'the sex' talk. After a lot of throat clearing he finally spoke about rented airplanes. They were too dangerous, never knew how the pilots torqued the wings etc. Told me never to go on a date with a boy in a rented plane.

    Too sweet, dad was a rocket scientist for NASA & had been a test pilot in the air force. I think my 'sex' talk was precious !!

    Cannot imagine growing up in this era, this era cannot imagine ours.

    Garden & Be Well, XOT

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  27. It is bloggers like you and many other that keep us Europeans still respecting your nation and have hope for your future.

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  28. I've admired your writing (although some of the topics are a bit esoteric--personal tastes) and have been a silent viewer, until this most eloquently written post. One of the basic tenets of Christianity (other religious and nonreligious philosophies too) is the acceptance of all, despite flaws. Another is having the wisdom to make good choices in our leaders. These should represent the best, not the worst of our flawed selves. Basics like the decency of your father's exemplary life, honesty, integrity,should be paramount. We do not have to choose one whose flaws are so egregious we want to hide under the covers in shame. I'm frightened by Mr Trump. I'm terrified of his supporters who are neighbors and, quite possibly, friends and coworkers.

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    1. I have never been frightened by an election until now.

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  29. Ahhhh, Pamela, I had a father who put his family before anything else. He was funny, full of life, loved everyone. His mother was the same way, my grandmother whom I called Mom-Mom. I don't often see people like this today as everyone is so busy with the day-to-day things in their lives. My son, as an example, has 4 young children from 8 years to 1 year (I know!) and the family never has dinner together because the mother's work takes up most of her time. I remember those dinner table conversations so well as I grew up. Your family sounds lovely, as you are.

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    1. Omigod. When this came through my email; I thought you were saying this to Pamela!! Whew!

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  30. Beautifully-written piece. I've shared it with nine friends.
    Looking forward to your wonderful ghost story...getting scared in a good way. ;-)

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  31. Thank you for so eloquently voicing what so many of us are feeling. I am saddened every day by this election.

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    1. I love your name.....and I love your feelings. They are mine. Sob.

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  32. Don't forget to VOTE! I will be sending a text to my children (millennials) as a reminder. The text will read "I'm with her". Thank you Pamela for all your wonderful stories and essays. Adelante!

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  33. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful piece of writing. It makes me crazy to think that people listen & believe what this man says. The contrast to our dignified, funny and eloquent current president makes me just shake my head and wonder how we can survive such a self centered human being. Rose in Ohio

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  34. Dear Pamela,

    I agree with you that this is a dire and sickening time. But I think it's a necessary movement towards what my wildlife biologist sister calls an extinction burst....of the white patriarchy. I also believe that there are evil forces behind this terrible man - and they aren't going down without a fight. Many people who are afraid, not evolved in any way, will follow him, and no amount of reason can avail them. We have to be peaceful and calm and faithful. I lose it everyday of course..like today I saw a post from a woman who is for "God and guns" and who was disparaging Beyonce of all people and of course Michelle Obama. It's insane, truly it is.But the poison will be extracted and we can move on in this Shift of the paradigm. Fear has no place.

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    1. I hope your sister is correct. It is unlike anything I have ever seen. It reminds me of what I studied...about Hitler. Seriously.....it is so redolent.....the same things....objectifying...name calling....calling people "rapists"; denigrating whole swaths of people.

      I am so frightened......and I am really not scared of anything! I am scared of this monster running for President.....I still cannot believe it!

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    2. Please look at the face of Edward on the side of this.....and you will believe that good will prevail! Love to you and the songwriter........I think this will be over soon!

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  35. Thank you for this post so beautifully written. It along with many comments express my concerns for this election also.My prayers continue that he will be defeated.

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  36. As a foreigner I won't comment on your election. We however have managed to vote in the referendum for a group of ideologues who are determined to interpret the result to their own advantage. One of them, a blonde haired man, has been described thus : "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his country for his career ". You may see the parallel with your own circumstances.

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    1. I have no idea where you are from. You can certainly comment on our election. Other countries are horrified. As they should be.
      I hope you will tell! It is really bad for we blondes. (I hesitate to call Trump , with his fake gross hair....blonde......it is orange and fake...and woven onto his head. I know it sounds superficial....but anyone who does that with his hair.....tells us exactly who he is. Day one. OUT! Am I too critical? Out in the first round! Hair is a symptom! Psychological problems......! No question! Anybody get this?

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  37. Thank you Pamela. And, the others who have posted here - because it gives me a little bit of courage to see there really are decent people like you and the others who visit here. And because I was raised by a father who was a bigot, foul mouthed, and physically, mentally, emotionally and financially abused my mother and me (and nearly killed my dog when my dog intervened as my father was giving me a beating). Because I experienced personally the vituperation and tyranny that is being advocated by this so-called "candidate" I am utterly terrified by this election season and by what this country has become. I am one of those planning -- somehow -- to leave this country permanently if the worst happens in November.

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  38. Thank you for this eloquent writing. It makes me sad that the rest of the world sees our political climate and assumes this represents all Americans. As a lifelong Democrat I have often disagreed with the politics and policies of the other party, yet have almost always had personal respect for the GOP candidates themselves as people of integrity with the best interests of the country in their hearts. This time I can see no such redeeming qualities.

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  39. How very well put, Pamela. My mother was raised by such a man like your father. He was strong, polite, loved his girls, believed they could do anything and demanded they be treated with respect. I loved my grandfather and the stories my mom would share about him. I cannot what he would think of the current events.

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  40. How very well put, Pamela. My mother was raised by such a man like your father. He was strong, polite, loved his girls, believed they could do anything and demanded they be treated with respect. I loved my grandfather and the stories my mom would share about him. I cannot what he would think of the current events.

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  41. I have never read your blog before, but I was very moved by reading your words and remembering my own father, who died earlier this year. Very frightening things are happening in the world at the moment and it is important that we hold on to the values we were taught at the knees of the previous generation and take strength and comfort from them.

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  42. Thank you for voicing my thoughts. I've never been so scared by an election.

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  43. Thank you Pamela. I am physically ill over the supporters of this man. The threats of violence that he has stoked makes me wonder how will this country ever heal and more importantly get the government working again.

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  44. we feel blessed to raised by an polite gentle man who respected ladies of his own house and the others as well
    i loved each bit of your post dear

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  45. I so want this election to be over and pray everyone comes to their senses and decides to keep America sane. We all need to stand up and be counted by voting and taking an interest in local, state, and national politics like we never have before.

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  46. Maybe it is a wake-up call! I have seen some of those in my time! The most hideous condos on earth were built on the sea in Montecito....in 1970!! No one was paying any attention! Everyone was completely horrified!!
    It took my client (Charlie Munger) 27 years to build on the leftover property (taken by the bank when the hideous ones went bankrupt)! He built the most beautiful village...."Sea Meadow" in Montecito.
    Now these hideous condos are selling for millions....each.. No getting rid of ugliness once it is built! Pay attention! Object to bad stuff in your town, neighborhood! Everyone was shocked! They were notified...asleep at the wheel!
    If you care about your town and your neighborhood.....go to meetings, pay attention! Only you can keep ugliness at bay!!!

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  47. As an Australian, watching with horror Trump's campaign,and listening with equal horror to his vile words,I am so relieved to read this beautifully written piece by Pamela. The whole of the free world ( or most of it) will be hoping Hillary Clinton defeats this childish, nasty man who has tarnished the position of President.

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  48. I am a newcomer to your blog - but what an eloquent and beautiful piece of writing it is. Please don't think we class all Americans the same, but I do wonder at the mentality of those who support this horribly foul-mouthed, vile person. It's unbelievable that they think him worthy of being the President of the United States of America. I am truly scared for myself, my children and grandchildren - indeed our whi=ole world - what could happen if this moron gets to a position where his finger will be on That Button. It just doesn't bear thinking about.
    I feel that I would love to copy and paste your whole post and put it verbatim on my own blog, to spread the word. ( Rosie's Ramblings at liskerret.blogspot.co.uk

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  49. Sarah Katherine MooreOctober 23, 2016 at 11:53 AM

    I have patronized a lovely small "country store" for decades, one of the old-fashioned cracker-barrel type country stores in my rural area. I have known the family nearly three decades. A recent visit made me wonder just how much I actually know about people I "think" I know - the thirty-something son of that family was ringing up my purchase, he was not only extolling what he insisted were the many virtues of Trump but adamantly and very loudly insisting that Trump was going to be "the best thing that ever happened to this country." When I politely responded that I wasn't really a political person and all I wanted was to see the country united again with a reasonable return to civility and civilized behavior he basically threw me out of the store with the nasty remarks that I was probably a "libtard" who would probably vote for that (obcenities deleted) woman. I continue to be gobsmacked about the level of aggression in the Trump camp and it frightens me deeply about the election, the election process, and what might come after the election regardless of the outcome. Thank you Pamela for having what I have privately come to consider a forum of decency. I can only wish that some how, sometime, the concept of decency and civility will once again be a bigger part of this society.

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  50. Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools that don't have brains enough to be honest. Ben Franklin

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  51. Of a country of 320 million these two are the best we have to offer? It is sad but I will vote for Trump because I can stomach his mouth better than I can stomach a person who would leave men behind, sanction the killing of the unborn and destroy the 2nd Amendment. All are totally unacceptable to me.

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    1. While I fervently wish there was something I could say that would change your mind, I doubt that is possible. I will say, however, that to elect a man who is thoroughly devoid of empathy, who has not even a rudimentary knowledge of how government works, and who caters and charms the very worst of us is not just, in my opinion, a mistake, it is a dangerous one. There is a reason this man is enthusiastically endorsed by the KKK. There is a reason his words are applauded by neo-nazis, anti-semites, xenophobes and homophobes. There is a reason why the only two world leaders to have cheered his rise to power are Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. These reasons are repugnant and unworthy of our country. History has shown us the monstrous results of bowing to these sort of ideas.

      As to Mrs. Clinton's faults as you cite them, to say she "left men behind to die" is simply wrong. Never in history has a Secretary of State had the sort of power you seek to attribute to her in that sad case, as her 11 hours of testimony before congress showed. I have never heard her cheer on abortion. She is simply preferring to leave that painful decision up to the woman who is in the only position to make it, rather that change a law that would put that woman in prison or on death row. I might also add that for people who vote for this one issue alone, blinkered to all others, history has shown that past Republican presidents, though using it as an issue guaranteed to spark emotion and gain support whilst running for the office, have never once brought it before congress in office. As to Mrs. Clinton's power to "destory the 2nd ammendment", I would respectfully suggest you study exactly how the constitution is ammended. Perhaps if you were aware of the limits of a President's power to alter that revered document, you would find comfort. Mrs. Clinton would have neither the ability, nor, I believe, the desire to "destroy" that particular ammendment.

      Finally, and I'm sorry for my frankness, but I love my country far too much to hand it over to this narcissitic game show host. That would, I fear, destroy it forever.

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  52. You are so right, Pamela. So sad how Trump has dragged America down, down, down.

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!