I venture to say that November is no one’s favorite month. It is the cold damp between autumn and the dead of winter. It is perhaps ironic, therefore, that November is the month when, on the fourth Thursday, we give thanks for the blessings we have.
The Hermit Philosopher is especially thankful this November. Thankful that he’s nearly over the infection that has plagued him for nearly three weeks. Thankful that his family is recovering from the same ailment. Thankful that he doesn’t live in Buffalo under six or more feet of snow.
But he’s most
thankful right now that there’s a glimmer of hope for our democracy, that
people see the danger posed by the GOP and its far-right allies, and that T***p
and “Cult 45” seem to be on the wane.
The day after the
2016 election—that bleak November morning so long ago—one of my family members
asked sorrowfully, “What has happened to our country?!” The question has plagued
me for more than six years. There is yet no clear answer. The cancer of the far
right, while shrinking, remains with us as a reminder that mendacity, ego, and
power are a dangerous combination. That combination has led to acts of political
violence (think: January 6 or the assault on Nancy Pelosi’s husband), blatant
disregard for facts (climate change denial, e.g.), and a dangerous level of
demagoguery and depravity in the “party of Lincoln.”
The danger seems
to lie with a large number of Americans—mostly working-class whites—who have deep
resentments and serious delusions. They are people who spend too much time
watching Fox News and plunging down Internet rabbit holes. They follow
narcissistic wannabe heroes (Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Marjorie Taylor Greene,
etc.). They seem to have decided that a cult of personality matters more than
commitment to knowledge, truth, and fair-minded democracy. They even disdain
the value of a university education. (In 2019, 59% of Republicans felt colleges
had a negative impact on society, according to the Pew Research Center.)
There are, however, some reasons
to be optimistic. The courts seem able to head off voter intimidation and
similar shenanigans. Early voting and large numbers of young voters bode well for
future elections. Some recent “firsts” included election of two lesbian
governors, a Black governor, and a record number of women. And finally, the GOP
seems to be growing tired of their former president.
Thomas Hobbes once wrote: “Hell is the truth seen to late.” Let us be thankful that more Americans are beginning to see the truth in time. Let’s hope that Emile Zola was right to say, “Truth is on the march, and nothing will stop it.” And my favorite new slogan: "Fight Truth Decay!"
So, despite all
there is to worry about, the Hermit Philosopher remains hopeful and thankful. Happy
Thanksgiving from Vermont, y’all! ■
