I Believe It Was Mac Davis

West Texas singer/songwriter Mac Davis said that one of his favorite sights was "Lubbock In My Rearview Mirror." And, I think most of us would like to see 2016/2017 in our rearview mirrors. But it's not as easy as wishin' and hopin'. We know we need to do better, and we can't do that without reflecting on what not to repeat. Let's reflect a minute.

A Reminder of How We Got Here

The campaigns of 2016 were our days of reckoning for decades of resting on American laurels and neglecting some corrosive trends that culminated in the well-deserved election backlash. Those who were doing well didn't pay attention to why a growing number weren't. We allowed our BIPARTISAN elected officials to fundraise, pontificate and posture while enabling them to ignore the key issues of education, economic opportunity, environmental integrity, infrastructure, healthcare and social justice...to name a few. We educated the best and brightest from other countries, but had few opportunities here, so they went home to establish themselves in competition with us. Ooops!

And The Results Were

A large number of angry and loud Anglo voters and another large number of quieter, but still frustrated and diverse family and friends of yours and mine who voted for a catalyst for change. That was Trump. Few knew much about Trump the individual, but he brashly expressed the anti-Washington rhetoric that spoke to this large group of voters with whom Congress had lost touch. And many of those who winced at Trump's crude style hoped/thought he'd pivot and become more presidential. We now know how that worked out. He didn't.

So, Where Are We Now? The Early Jury Is In

Trump is exactly as he presented himself during the campaign. An arrogant, politically inexperienced narcissist and pathological liar. And, I don't mean that in a bad way. He has surrounded himself with a Cabinet of a few honorable and smart generals, several other civilians over their heads, complemented by a toadying staff barely able to keep the train limping along.  With a fractured and weakened Republican "majority," they have accomplished almost nothing. And that's probably the good news.

The accomplishments include the appointment of a decent and experienced Supreme Court Justice. That's just about it. Failed attempts to provide healthcare reform and a "tax cut" sham give the R's no foundation for endearing 2018 voters. And since the Trump administration couldn't initiate positive legislation, they tried to create the semblance of "action" by repealing many of Obama's mostly constructive executive orders. Sad. Bigly sad. But factual, not fake news.

Let's Make Some Positive History! Why I'm Enthusiastic

First, a reminder. I'm an Independent. A decision reached after considerable political experience with both parties. I just found that neither party had cornered the market in candidates or platforms, and I personally feel more comfortable as a free agent. I have friends in both traditional parties and have financially supported candidates in both. I'm a conservative liberal, and am excited to see candidates such as Beto O'Rourke (D) and Will Hurd (R) emerging as progressive new political leaders.

My enthusiasm for 2018 got its genesis in 2017. The unleashing of phenomenal energy in the Women's Marches, the #MeToo movement, the Virginia and Alabama elections and the renewed commitment of many activist organizations to work toward calming and reclaiming this great Country. Not just for D's, but for the majority of high-minded citizens who know we can and must do better. That we're better than the angry rhetoric, fear, bigotry and other debasing attitudes that can destroy a civilization. Too many of us fell asleep at the switch. We're awake now. And, bless their hearts, the media have awakened big time. Responsible journalism is clawing back. Our potential is unlimited. That's why I'm excited.

My 2017 Mosey Close-out and 2018 New Year Shout-out!

My Jackalope photo pretty well sums it up. Some frivolity and humor, accented by a Texas flag, all set on an old, established oak tree. The tree representing the stability and steadfast foundation from which all the rest will come and go. So it is with our families and communities that will best thrive when we provide the healthiest foundation, nurtured by compassion, inclusion, humility, good humor, responsive governance and love. That all starts with our Friend In The Mirror.

I've so enjoyed my interactions with you good FB Friends, and look forward to exploring and acting on opportunities to build healthier communities in the new year. This blog and my FB posts will highlight folks and organizations doing good works, and will note opportunities for us to join in. We've got work to do, but many resources to apply to the tasks. I challenge you to be thinking about how you can contribute to constructive community building. Many of you are my role models for same.

The Art Princess and I offer this toast for a Healthy and Happy New Year for everyone. Moving ahead. Together. LET'S MOSEY!