I have been a quiet member of this community for more than 4 years and have never posted a diary. I have enjoyed reading all the diaries on this site, and took great courage that there was a community of like minded folks in the world. Often reading a few diaries was all I needed to shrug off the pessimism that pervades our current culture. But this morning I am so weary of all the noise and hysteria outside of this community, I have an overwhelming desire to retreat. I am weary, and am losing hope. I wonder if this is what is hindering progressives causes these days. Burnout.
I remember the huge sense of relief when Obama was elected, and it seemed to me that a large number of folks also felt this, even Republicans. I had hope that a sane, cool, pragmatic wind would catch and we would start making progress on cleaning up that huge pile of dung that 'W' left us. Then Rush announced his hope for Obama's presidency to fail, and the right-wing hate machine woke up and started up again. Obama has made some progress, but the cost has been high, and I am certain that the electorate is more polorized.
I am losing hope that saner heads will prevail. There might be another budget ceiling debate, which is the 'dumbest' issue ever but all so destructive. The tragic murder of Trayvon Martin and the media exposure on the internet exposed a part of America so vile, insensitive and racist, that I still can't read the comments on the articles about this case. Sherrif Arapio is still sherrif dispite obvious incompetence and violations of federal law. Polls are likely misleading, but it looks like alot of people are still supporting those nihlist policies of 'W'. I think the president needs to take a breath, and reach out to some of us who are losing courage. I need a shot in the arm now. I am running out of hope.