Wednesday, November 7, 2018

First Man

And no, I'm not talking about that movie about landing on the moon

Instead my friends, I'm talking (happily, I might add) about the new first spouse here in Colorado. Yes, my state has now elected the first openly gay governor in the country (In years past, a governor admitted being gay immediately before resigning, and there is a bisexual governor, not elected as such). As Jared Polis prepared to move into the governor's mansion here in a few months, he brings with him two lovely children-and a long time (very long time) partner). So yes!! Colorado has a first man.

As if that were not enough, we also gained a Democratic representative in my area. Something that pleases me even though the Republican was a man of honor who got screwed over by Trump. The Republican party took away all his money and support six weeks ago-simply because he was pro refugee. But that's another story.

In other election news, Beto lost to Ted Cruz as we mostly knew he would. But he scared the shit (literally I expect) out of old smarmy Ted. He leaves behind a huge war chest and an organization for the next Democratic candidate in the future purple state. And at least three Democratic representatives rode his coat tails to oust a couple long time Texas representatives in some traditionally VERY conservative areas of Texas(farewell Pete Sessions)! And for my conservative/Republican pals who I encourage to read and comment as alway, the smarmy was intended. No one. No one in Texas LIKES Ted Cruz. They vote for him because, well, he's the Republican. As a person? They love George Bush and barely tolerate Cruz, for the most part,

Meanwhile, the Senate stayed red, yes it did. But the congress, not so much. Which means, no repeal of health care and no cancellation of care for pre-existing conditions. It means no carte blanche for the orange haired one. Most importantly, it means the two "I"s as someone said. Investigation (get those tax returns and proof of gifts together, fellas), and impeachment. Hopefully it also means some actual legislation. This is when we figure out if Trump is actually capable of compromise in order to get what he wants (I realize that this may come as a shock to many of my liberal friends, but I suspect he is. I expect to see a new Dream act and possibly infrastructure).

I did find it interesting that although the exit polls showed people were mainly happy with the economy (even though many new jobs are minimum wage types and the cost of living is higher than wages in some areas) the primary issue of voters was health care. Most of those folks who screamed about the new health care act in the first couple of years, are not willing to take steps backwards (especially when it comes to Medicare, Medicaid and pre existing health conditions).

Last but not least, we now have two Muslim women, a Native American woman, more than a few female veterans, people of color, and the youngest person ever to win election. I'd say the blue side did okay.

And God willing, I won't receive a phone call, flyer, or piece of mail having to do with politics for at least a year. Maybe.

15 comments:

  1. I'm so relieved to have turned the House blue. But did you see the president's tweet this morning claiming if they investigate him he will have the senate investigate leaks. LOL I wish Cruz would have been unseated but I'm happy it was so close and his proponent rattled a few cages in the process.

    A First man, Native American, women---the government is starting to look like the people they govern.

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  2. I have enjoyed your retirement insight, but it is time for me to say good-bye.

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    1. Carla, that is your priviledge of course. If you've been here for any length of time you know my politics are those of inclusion across the social spectrum. While I rarely write about politics, it happens. Feel free to check back on my other retirement topics. Or not.

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    2. And I have to ad. If we cannot even read opinions we disagree with, or have a friend with whom we agree on or someone (blogger or otherwise) who we enjoy reading even though we disagree on politics, what has the world come to. I read a variety of retirement, frugal, crafting and other blogs-many of whom have different political views than I do (including those on the side). I have never stopped reading them because their political views were different than mine, as long as they were not racist or hate spewing.

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    3. New to your blog, but must say I couldn't agree with you more. We have a civic responsibility to explore and discuss different points of view on various issues in a courteous fashion, and come to a respectful understanding of other points of view. It's only in the last few years that everyone withdraws into a corner with only those individuals who share our opinions and hiss and insult people on the other side of the room. The Founders, and all the other anonymous patriots who gave their lives so that we could have the freedom to do this would roll in their graves if they could see the way we behave these days.

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  3. I stayed up all night here in Italy to follow the results. There were no unicorns, and some disappointments, but overall a good night and some big changes. As Jean says above, a House of Representatives that's looking more like our country.

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    1. That's one of the things making me the happiest. Real people. Not that I object to middle aged white guys, I married one after all. But a different landscape.

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  4. Can't really say anything as I am not an American, but I did keep my fingers crossed for all of you.

    God bless.

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    1. Thank you, and of course you are allowed to share your opinion, Us crazy Americans give opinions on England and Germany and France and Canada and...alll the time.

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  5. I'm pleased with the results. This is only the beginning. There is hope now.

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    1. Yes there is. Now if we can just move forward and get some compromising done.

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  6. I think a lot of seniors will now heave a sigh of relief that their medical benefits won't be chopped. It's also nice to see a lot more diversity in Congress. Let's hope it makes a big difference.

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Thanks for stopping by! I love to hear from others, and I also love to hear all points of view.. Just leave the profanity and insults at home, OK? Thanks!!