Has America “earned” Trump, ICE, 2025? Have we ignored our addiction to reality TV scenarios that generally result in shaming and pain; social issues regarding our addiction to cheap labor; the ability of a moneyed, select group of white men to dictate the next levels of America, starting with the Kochs and Newt Gingrich?

We’ve normalized all of the above and now, by election, have the most bizarre and painful example of it in the most powerful seat in the world. And now we act surprised?

We have allowed our elections to become extended to over a year of reality TV noise and hostility to one another. We have made “the other” our focus of inane spite and rhetoric. This has resulted in our inability to govern and represent effectively. 

How can we stop this? Or can we? I truly do not know anymore. I always thought that voting could fix things, but I am starting to think that’s not the case. I believe we need fresh blood. The boomers (that’s me) must get out of the way, and the new must bring fresh ideas, fresh wisdom to the game.

My new campaign: “Boomers Must Go.” Let’s skip straight to millennials (starting in 1981) and beyond. Folks who have grown up with the world smaller because they can carry it around in their pocket. This consciousness has generated a lot of its own wisdom and awareness. It’s time for this wisdom to come to the fore.

Gwynne Seidell
Portland