The perception of unfairness can give cover for sexism bigotry and apathy. People showed up for Obama because none of the "scandals" about him had any merit. To criticize Obama you have to talk about his political positions. (And there are many criticisms that have merit.) The Clinton scandals are flimsy and irrelevant compared to the impact of this Trump presidency, but they aren't totally without content.
- Dona Brazil really did send the questions early. Did that matter? No. Do people feel like it matters? Yes.
- The DNC really did push for Clinton internally. Did that matter? Unlikely. Do people think it matters? YES.
Add to that Clinton's positions on NAFTA and the war in Iraq and you have enough "reasons" to think there is "no real difference."
Of course, there is a difference. But, this is why purity matters. Idealism matters. People want to believe in their leadership. You can't win an election by claiming you have the moral high ground when time and again you act in a cynical politically nefarious way.
This loss isn't about just one thing, but rather a nexus of related problems. So, it isn't just racism and bigotry. It isn't just a disaffected white working class. It's complex and diverse like our nation.
To this I will add, on the matter of asking the electoral college to vote unfaithfully, this isn't something we can do unless we have a legally sound reason. Since the charges of rape were dropped by the victim days before the election the only thing that remains in the Trump U. case, and I'm not certain it rises to the level of a crime that would justify an unfaithful vote.
A lack of respect for the integrity of the process and the voice of the people got us to this place, more of that isn't the right way to get out. Every time we compromise our integrity once the right feels justified in doing it four times. It is their party that has the most unfaithful electoral college votes and that is something that I'm proud of.
There are still so many reasons that I'm proud of this country. Seeing so many people in the streets freely protesting is one of them. A part of me is very hopeful for the future of this country, another part of me is scared that the sense of urgency will wear off, that most people will convince themselves "this isn't much worse than living under Bush" and people will become complacent or exhausted from spending too long in a state of constant panic. I’m scared that people will unfriend me or avoid me because I simply cannot possibly stop talking about politics.
So, take a break if you need one but please come back. Reading all of the thoughts and ideas from my friends has helped me so much during this time. And It's giving me the strength to stay motivated through the next 4 years and beyond if necessary.