By Pamela Sweetwood
The last forum I did was the day before the election. It did not turn out as I expected. I realize listeners would represent a spectrum of reactions.
It’s not a partisan thing for me. I don’t have an ounce of respect for our new president. Each day I learn 2 to 3 things that I find disturbing.
Many foresaw that Trump was changing the Republican Party but he also succeeded in destroying the Democratic Party and media as we know it. We will have to see how things evolve.
The campaign, both primaries and presidential, hit new lows. Is there a way to change this path?
What’s probably most troubling to me is how facts and reality became irrelevant. Name-calling, baseless accusations and Twitter posts grabbed people’s attention rather than issues or knowledge. The Daily Show did a skit on the Death of Facts that captured well my turmoil. The media is now easily dismissed regardless of what they do. What is posted on Facebook becomes truth. There is a lack of scrutiny or accountability for government officials and discourse. Those verifying information are lost in the noise.
Russia has Interfered in other country’s elections. Our country’s intelligence agencies agreed it occurred here. The president elect invited them to hack his opponent’s information. Despite all this, some followers, along with Trump, do not acknowledge this. Some even believe Clinton ran a sex trafficking ring and killed her enemies. It’s surreal.
My other disappointment is how Trump lacks character and respect for others. These should be givens for a president. How do you have leadership without?
Obama and Trump are such a contrast to one another. I greatly admire Obama and believe history will judge him well.
Pamela Sweetwood was an ISU student, like many, who never left town. She works in higher education and has a history with many community non-profits organizations.
The opinions expressed within WJBC’s Forum are solely those of the Forum’s author, and are not necessarily those of WJBC or Cumlus Media, Inc.
