I had an odd reaction after Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the election. I felt sorry for Donald Trump.
Why? How can a person reach his mid 70s and be devoid of compassion, and be unable even to pretend that trait is part of him? Donald Trump was unable to demonstrate any compassion for: COVID-19 victims; servicemen and servicewomen; disaster sufferers and environmental devastation; the unemployed; the disabled; numerous victims of racial injustice in many forms; migrants and their children; those under United States’ sanctions and million of women’s health recipients.
Readers, you might dislike Donald Trump for those emotional failings and the harm they’ve inflicted. I, though, pity him, and hope that in his remaining years he somehow finds even a drop of the humanity that has eluded him!
Perhaps he should sit down and ask President-elect Joe Biden how he became such a complete human being.
Eugene “Gene” Novogrodsky Brownsville
Healing process requires us all
The process of healing and reconciliation from this long national nightmare will take time and sincere effort; 48% of the country wanted to give Trump another term. But Joe Biden said he’s a healer and president for blue and red states.
While engaging in the work there are a few things to come to terms with: “It takes two to tango!” It isn’t all on the loyal opposition.
Trumpism represents a mean-spirited, dehumanization of others in his almost daily, hate-filled vitriol since his racist birtherism against thencandidate Barack Obama. Cheering MAGA supporters felt better when their targeted religious, ethnic, racial or political opponents felt worse from Trump’s onslaughts and angry tweet rants.
Mocking others based upon physical appearance or disability, gender or occupation was his rally specialty’s fetid manna from Hades. Often-chanting attendees were likewise incapable of caring about the canary choking for breath in the coal mine for lack of decency’s oxygen. Vile authoritarianism “earned” white supremacist endorsements.
His evangelical base exclaimed, “God forgives, so do I.” They just couldn’t conceive of anyone opposing the “Chosen One’s” laundry list of abominations.
Knee-jerking “fake news” created enough gas-lighting to kill everything on Noah’s Ark. Forgiving, without contrition, acted to condone more sinning, giving the biggest criminal of all a “Get Out of Jail Free” parole without a sense of no more wrongdoing.
Americans have endured a president abuser’s applications of fear, modeling caging children and policies designed to harm Muslims and immigrants, even withholding federal blue states assistance during raging wildfires, smoke crossing the continent to the east coast. An aggravating factor told us not to believe our lying eyes (and ears) with a chorus of “alternative facts”!
Enabling abuse, of course, were staffers. Let us not forget the congressional GOP ignoring rampant corruption, failing at minimal constitutional oversight responsibilities.
Nonetheless, what just happened? The majority rejected Trump!
Immediately upon word of Biden’s victory, the reaction was one of profound relief. Released was four-plus years of pent-up stress. Steeple bells rang in Europe!
Spontaneously, non-violent celebrations broke-out. Notice, too, without threats to Trump’s supporters, quite capable of seeking revenge for voting against him, provoked by his unsubstantiated claims of massive Democrat voter fraud.
However, be warned. The abuser is still around though the “protective order” was served by the American people.
Trump’s “hovering” until the inauguration is a source of concern that more harm is possible. Lingering in the back of minds are pre-election calls to his armed, militant supporters to “stand-by” and intimidation by unidentifiable federal goons. Our worthy challenge involves repairing what Trump’s undone and supporters approved. They’ve a date with the mirror, eyeballs and soul searching and examining their attitudes and conduct.
Asking for an honest acknowledgement contributing to the nation’s present discord isn’t a matter of demonizing those who disagree with our winning candidates. Rather, failing to make amends is simply more “sweeping things under the rug.” Not talking about and dealing with unpleasant things is more dysfunctional behavior.
Dr. Phil says: “You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.” Clearing the deck and cleansing the room make truth the foundation of any healthy structure.
Supporters have an open invitation to join the process of bringing this nation together. Respectfully, leave any fear-based bigotry and hero worship for someone unworthy of our trust and loyalty where it belongs — in the dustbin of history!
Rev. Barry Abraham Zavah Alpine
Unforgettable examination
My first visit with a urologist was an occasion I will never forget.
My compadre was there, and so were two golfing buddies and a sea of other men, women and children.
As I entered the lobby of the doctor’s office my experience commenced. In every chair sat a person with a fragile smile. Their facial expressions revealed the agony of pain.
I soon realized that I was joining, next to marriage, one of the largest clubs in the world: “El Rio Frequency Club.” Lol!
It was a Monday in May, and the doctor had a full roster of patients. But before we could see the doctor there are forms to fill out.
As you are registering your medical history, filling out form after form, you are interrupted by a nurse advising you that your insurance has expired.
But after a “Columbo”-type investigation, you have met all criteria to see the doctor. Now you settle in and rub elbows with your friends, exchanging war stories.
My compadre to my right had explicit details about his successful medical procedure. To my left I suddenly saw two men rushing toward the door — a nature call in the middle of the ball game.
After an hour or two, no story was left untold and my call to see the doctor was closer than before.
When my turn comes up I left a dugout environment, full of teammates, and was placed in an “isolation” room. Was I being punished for speaking out of turn in the lobby?
Being by myself was a mood changing experience; it gave me time to relax and to think about the best or worst of my medical issues.
In “isolation” every step the doctor took outside the door was amplified, adding to my anxiety.
When the doctor came in, he wasted no time in harvesting my vitals, and in a serious tone of voice, delivered the muchanticipated diagnosis.
Soon after, he glided from room to room with uncommon poise — conducting patient conferences, performing procedures and recording audio charts, all fluently.
I left my visit with a prescription in one hand, a receipt in the other, and since I displayed qualities of a good patient, some sample drugs.
At the time, the pool of urologists in Brownsville was scarce. Dr. Danilo K. Asase was a blessing in disguise. My diagnosis of him was that he transcended the ordinary — an ambassador of quality care.
Your initial visit is the beginning of a lifelong affair with your urologist — an event you will not regret.
My most memorable souvenirs are my memories, and this experience left me with indelible recollections.
Rene Torres Brownsville
