The Earthquake

While we're experiencing the real thing in unstable geologic formations around the world, there's no doubt that we've just experienced a governmental, political and cultural earthquake with our recent elections. And the aftershocks, which began almost immediately, threaten to be disruptive for sometime to come. This sculptural piece that I found in Hawaii seems a fitting symbol for the earthquake trauma....natural or manmade. Our political pundits and "analysts" dramatically missed the magnitude of the building pressures that were ultimately manifest in the Nov. 8th earthquake. We ignore their significance at our peril.

The Trump phenomenon represents the perfect storm of governmental neglect, distrust of institutions, and voter disgust with traditional political Parties. The pressures were building over the past several years and through other Administrations. The pollsters missed the dynamics altogether. Political scientists, observers and pundits are now scrambling to make sense of the many influences that brought us to this point. And to better understand the arrogance, societal neglect and misreading of tea leaves that might have prevented this greatly self-inflicted trauma.

We'd be mistaken if we scapegoated e-mails, Hillary's personality, the Comey letter or Obamacare premiums as the culprits responsible for this outcome. And we'd be equally fooling ourselves if we focused on the popular vote difference to make us feel that the result was wrong. A look at a blue/red voting map will show the sobering truth. The election earthquake was the cumulative reflection of lots of folks who are hurting, scared and angry at THEIR government not working for THEM.

The Aftershocks

Angry protests, considerable institutional and personal soul-searching. No one has escaped the impact of this unprecedented campaign and election. And this was certainly not a Republican "victory." A Pyhrric victory at best. Some Republicans were the beneficiaries, but both the GOP and Dems are getting wakeup calls. Trump ran against Washington, both Parties and the media. Yet used all in his winning campaign strategy. Amazing.

Trump said anything and everything to get elected. And he's having to walk back some of his bluff and bluster as bombast meets political and practical reality. He's not stupid, but his total lack of governing experience creates its own very public dilemma as he gathers a team around him to flesh out his Administration. The Priebus/Bannon selections are a good case in point. Weighing loyalists versus strategic political experience and organizational skills. Priebus good choice. Bannon probably not. The aftershock effect will be determined by the degree of backlash and whether or not that makes any difference to Trump. For many decisions. Unprecedented territory.

The earthquake awakened the sleeping giant of the entire Country. A time for personal and organizational introspection. And that's good. We've been distracted by our devices and have been too quick to accept unsupported "facts." Considerable dysfunction, apathy, lethargy and intellectual laziness. Then the Trumpenstein rose up and bit us. And that may be his most important contribution. A slap in the face, heart and mind to our friends in the mirror.

Thanksgiving

Perhaps one of the most important traditional holidays we've had in years. Not just a typical Turkey Day of gluttony and football and some of those dreaded relatives. (Not mine, of course.) No, the first real gathering of family and friends since the election. With not much time for breathing and reflecting since the political earthquake. 

This holiday gathering presents a great opportunity for human and humane contact. For connection and community. And though there may be the predetermined rules of engagement--"Don't talk politics to Uncle Herb and be sure to cut off Aunt Lurleen after three glasses of wine"--this Thanksgiving is different. This surprising election, after a bitter campaign, has everyone on edge. And many celebratory participants will be more sensitive as to how kitchen and table conversations may evolve. This is a chance to make a constructive difference. Let's consider our role.

This photo from Coop's in New Orleans is a great multi-tasking metaphor. The relationship of dark and white. Of salt and pepper. The blending of spices that makes the gumbo that much better. The finesse of the cook/chef to bring the best results out of each.

I suggest a predetermined "conversation chef" or table moderator to set the tone with some gracious and thoughtful comments. To incorporate some calming and encouraging words about gratitude, healing, civility and kindness. To acknowledge that many Americans are hurting and fearful. That it's up to each of us to be a community friend, to seek opportunities to be compassionate. To be positive change agents.

In Closing

The political earthquake happened, and will be analyzed to death over the next few months. Our immediate challenge will be responding to the aftershocks. I'm going to concentrate on paying attention, being well-informed and seeking to avoid impulsive judgments and actions based on emotional triggers. We each can rise to the occasion with thoughtful, constructive community involvement.

Our first major challenge/opportunity will be with Thanksgiving. Let's pledge to ourselves to be alert to those who are confused, hurting and scared. To minister to them as we're able. And to affirm and support those family members and friends who are espousing positive actions and solutions. This could be one of our best Thanksgiving celebrations. Filling our hearts and spirits. Not just our tummies. May the Gods of Our Understanding bless us in these efforts.