"It's taken me awhile to sort out the answer to the question how I'm feeling 100 days into the Trump Presidency, but it came to me this morning ... I am feeling fearfully optimistic. Optimistic because I've seen some of our governmental institutions work the way they have been designed to in offering checks and balances. Optimistic because I see state and local governments taking a stand and taking action to make positive change or to stand up for what is legally, ethically and morally right. Optimistic because I'm seeing more and more of my peers taking action and getting involved in response to the 'we got complacent' realization we all woke up to that early November morning. And I'm starting to see results from those actions. Optimistic particularly very recently when we've seen President Trump do an about face on several issues as he's learning that governing the most powerful nation in the world is nowhere near the same thing as running a global real estate empire.
"Fearful however because, while local action is wonderful, some of the issues we are facing demand and need federal support and strong leadership on the international stage in order for action to be successful. Fearful because President Trump embraces fully the 'carry a big stick' but doesn't see the value in 'speaking softly' (or kindly). Are we headed for a global conflict between nuclear entities? Russia? Fearful because of the numbers of peers I also hear say, 'I don't know why you care so much' or 'Why should I care - it's government - I don't have any power in government, NOR SHOULD I!' I'm fearful because of the state of 'civil' discourse in our country and our generalized inability to disagree and yet still maintain positive relationships with others. Most significantly, my biggest fear is that my understanding of how and why the things I'm fearful of came to be is rooted in fear itself. It stems from a generalized lack of basic education about how our government should work and a warped perception about the world we live in and what we all desire from our society and culture. Those things are not things that can be legislated, litigated for or bought or sold on any kind of market. They take decades and generations of hard work to change people's thinking. Lastly, I'm afraid we don't have the strength and patience to make that change happen.
"On the whole, my fears outweigh my optimism, and I have to say my biggest fear, would still be my biggest fear if Hillary Clinton had won the presidency. Sometimes I do think we'd be better off if the campaign bumper sticker I saw last week had happened - 'Giant Meteor 2016.'"
Kim Kraus
Bethel, Vermont
