How are people from both sides of the aisle coping with changes happening in our government after electing a new president?
I asked several people to tell me how they are dealing with the changes.
One woman responded with; “As most of us, I worry about Social Security and Medicare. Losing them is going to be devastating for so many of us. The first thing I’m doing is canceling my planned trip to Europe. I was going to spend six weeks traveling and visiting relatives. I need to save that money as it doesn’t feel safe to travel. Next, I’m considering getting new solar batteries. Mine are about three years from their end of usage, and there may not be any to have when they need replacement. And I’m looking at how to expand my garden to more year-round production. I’m thinking of a green house.”
Another woman replied with, “I’m stressing out with everything that’s going on. I’m not watching the news as much as I used to. I’m reading specific columns to gain insights. I’m taking more time in nature.”
“Well, I am quietly freaking out,” said a friend, “but I’m trying to focus on the day-to-day. We bought a freezer to put up some extra food. I’m expanding the garden, and trying to learn to crochet, both for something to do besides doomscroll and to gain a potentially useful skill.” She continued, “We have also done some financial planning, and now that warmer weather is here, we will probably try to get to the shooting range once a month or so.”
Later she messaged me, “It is an interesting topic. I think a lot of people are quietly prepping for a civil war or something like it.”
A man replied, “I’m concerned where everything is going to land with all the cuts. In general, I think that many of the agencies, if they’re cut too severely, will they be able to provide services? Such as the forest service, or the wild-land fire fighters for the federal government? I don’t know what the answer is. It’s a concern.”
I wrote (a little late) to the Lake County California Republican party in Lakeport, but as of deadline, they haven’t responded. However, their website says they will be hosting a lunch on Friday at 11 a.m., at their office in Lakeport. More information can be found at https://lakecountycarepublicans.org/
A very savvy friend, who is neither Democrat nor Republican, wrote me saying, “While taking steps to reform the government by downsizing or eliminating waste is a reasonable business approach, his methods are unconscionable and the complicity of “his” Congress is palpable. Among the most disappointing outcomes is the absence of compassion for hard working immigrants. The Christian communities who support the President are complicit. Plans to deport and put immigrants in detention centers and to separate families regardless of birthright should have Christians and churches outraged. Why aren’t they lobbying for more humane treatment?”
Another fellow said, “I’m mostly worried about the proposed raising of retirement age from 67 to 70 years of age, which equals 21 percent reduction of benefits. When I retire, I get less money and that pisses me off. Of course it does. I’ve worked all my working adult life to be financially secure.”
This is a topic that will be addressed again in future columns as our country’s future unfolds.
What’s a girl to do?…Let’s not forget Ukraine. I could go on but I’ll finish with a Sept. 26, 2024 quote from Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR). “Social Security can be saved for the next generation and beyond simply by asking wealthy Americans to pay their fair share in taxes, not depriving working Americans of their earned benefits.”
Lucy Llewellyn Byard welcomes comments and shares. To contact her email lucywgtd@gmail.com
