Get a Grip, People

 

Talk about whiners and complainers—and I’m not talking about millenials and college students. I’m talking about Conservatives who won’t face up to reality, seize the opportunity to save the United States from the past eight years, and be positive about the future.

Before the election, I was very unhappy about our presidential election choices. But this is November 16, 2016, and I firmly declare myself a Trump supporter. Let me explain what that means for me.

Letting go of the past — I refuse to dwell on “how did it happen” or “we had 16 other good choices.” I still feel that way but I refuse to hold on to my disappointment and frustration. I notice every now and then that I fall into silently whining about the current situation, but I realize that’s a waste of time, and I choose — that’s right, choose to move on. I have to do it over and over again, but the living in the past is useless and unhelpful. So I’m letting go of my former preferences and facing the future, cautiously optimistic. It’s not easy, but it’s getting easier every day.

The Glass is Half Full — I remind myself that Trump has some talented, smart people around him, starting with Mike Pence, Reince Priebus, and Kellyanne Conway. I’m not thrilled with Steve Bannon, but he is also talented and bright. Since Trump has chosen Bannon, let’s let the Left waste its breath in criticizing both of them and see how the future unfolds. I hope we see many more gifted and competent people selected. Whoever they are, I will root for their success.

Embrace the future — I don’t have to like Trump, admire or praise Trump. But at this point, I am compelled to give him my encouragement and support, celebrate his successes and express my discomfort with some of his choices. I pledge to make my best effort to give any of his decisions time to develop, ripen, and come to fruition. Most of us don’t deal with uncertainty about the future very well: it’s easier to stake a position and stick with it. You can dislike Trump or expect to criticize everything he does. You can love Trump and laud everything he does. Or you can challenge yourself to embrace potential: be a dispassionate citizen who wants the best for Trump and this country.

Some of you may say you won’t give up your principles, beliefs, and values. I was there once — before the election. But this is the new reality. I want Trump to make principled decisions and to be successful, because I want this country to be successful.

So I’ve chosen to face reality with enthusiasm, curiosity, and hope.

How about you?

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  1. DocJay Inactive
    DocJay
    @DocJay

    Good job.

    • #1
  2. Mark Camp Member
    Mark Camp
    @MarkCamp

    Me too.

    • #2
  3. Kate Braestrup Member
    Kate Braestrup
    @GrannyDude

    I’m with you, Susan!

    • #3
  4. Johnnie Alum 13 Inactive
    Johnnie Alum 13
    @JohnnieAlum13

    Yes!

    And, don’t fall into the tactics of the left. They are attacking Trump, the same way they would be attacking a Jeb!, Kasich, Rubio, et al. The left has chosen to double down on identity politics, let’s not fall into their trap.

    Let’s hope for the best for our country. I heard that Michelle Rhee is in the running for Education Secretary, that would be bold.

    • #4
  5. Austin Murrey Inactive
    Austin Murrey
    @AustinMurrey

    Ah, hope. It still feels marvelous after a whole week.

    • #5
  6. JustmeinAZ Member
    JustmeinAZ
    @JustmeinAZ

    Count me in.

    • #6
  7. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    Austin Murrey:Ah, hope. It still feels marvelous after a whole week.

    Yes it does.

    • #7
  8. Richard Finlay Inactive
    Richard Finlay
    @RichardFinlay

    Agree

    • #8
  9. Trink Coolidge
    Trink
    @Trink

    Susan Quinn:because I want this country to be successful.

    So I’ve chosen to face reality with enthusiasm, curiosity, and hope

    Absolutely Susan – it’s the only rational approach.   Listless indulgence in woe-is-me pessimism won’t help an individual or the country.  Yes.  Get a grip.

     

    • #9
  10. Ribaldish Inactive
    Ribaldish
    @Ribaldish

    Susan Quinn: But at this point, I am compelled to give him my encouragement and support, celebrate his successes and express my discomfort with some of his choices.

    Sincere question: why? What, exactly, is compelling you to encourage and support him?

     

    • #10
  11. Wade Moore Member
    Wade Moore
    @WadeMoore

    Yeah..sure, why not.

    • #11
  12. Unsk Member
    Unsk
    @Unsk

    Several weeks before the election I switched from a #NeverTrump person to one who began to really fear Hillary as President, due to the exposure of her radical leftist  priorities as President and her crimes as Sec State and elsewhere.  Thus I became enthusiastic supporter of  Donald Trump.

     

    That said, since the election the Donald has communicated his priorities in a much clearer manner and serious tone, among them:

    • Build the Wall

    • End Obamacare- at least the most objectionable parts

    • Repeal FrankenDodd

    • Cut Taxes with the corporate rate falling to 15%

    • Renegotiate our trade deals to give us a fairer stake.

    • Invest in our failing transportation infrastructure

    • Deal with the multitude of bureaucratic abuse found in our government.

    This greater clarity coupled with some pretty cool choices being thrown about as cabinet members and Supreme Court Justice nominees gives me an unexpected optimism about a
    Trump Presidency and the greats things that could happen.

    I think it would be a good idea for those heavily invested in the Never Trump movement to reconsider their position based up0n new information now available and the new realities.

     

    • #12
  13. TKC1101 Member
    TKC1101
    @

    Spoken like the good person , the good spirit and the patriot that you are. Well said and very necessary.

    Thank you for your combination of eloquence and sincerity, a divine gift.

    • #13
  14. Quinnie Member
    Quinnie
    @Quinnie

    Thank you.   I totally agree.   Too many on our side are having trouble accepting he won.   Sad.

    • #14
  15. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Johnnie Alum 13: Let’s hope for the best for our country. I heard that Michelle Rhee is in the running for Education Secretary, that would be bold.

    I don’t know of her. Tell us why it would be a bold choice, if you don’t mind, Johnnie.

    • #15
  16. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Austin Murrey:Ah, hope. It still feels marvelous after a whole week.

    You reminded me of my favorite Emily Dickinson poem, Austin–I didn’t know it was three verses and it’s perfect:

    “Hope” is the thing with feathers –
    That perches in the soul –
    And sings the tune without the words –
    And never stops – at all –

    And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
    And sore must be the storm –
    That could abash the little Bird
    That kept so many warm –

    I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
    And on the strangest Sea –
    Yet – never – in Extremity,
    It asked a crumb – of me.

    • #16
  17. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Ribaldish:

    Susan Quinn: But at this point, I am compelled to give him my encouragement and support, celebrate his successes and express my discomfort with some of his choices.

    Sincere question: why? What, exactly, is compelling you to encourage and support him?

    Because right now, in 2016 and for the next four years, I want this country to benefit from his role as President. How do I help this country if I discourage him and criticize him ceaselessly because I don’t happen to like him personally? How does that help anyone?

    • #17
  18. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Wade Moore:Yeah..sure, why not.

    Thanks for the unbridled enthusiasm! ;-)

    • #18
  19. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Unsk:Several weeks before the election I switched from a #NeverTrump person to one who began to really fear Hillary as President, due to the exposure of her radical leftist priorities as President and her crimes as Sec State and elsewhere. Thus I became enthusiastic supporter of Donald Trump.

    That said, since the election the Donald has communicated his priorities in a much clearer manner and serious tone, among them:

    • Build the Wall

    • End Obamacare- at least the most objectionable parts

    • Repeal FrankenDodd

    • Cut Taxes with the corporate rate falling to 15%

    • Renegotiate our trade deals to give us a fairer stake.

    • Invest in our failing transportation infrastructure

    • Deal with the multitude of bureaucratic abuse found in our government.

    This greater clarity coupled with some pretty cool choices being thrown about as cabinet members and Supreme Court Justice nominees gives me an unexpected optimism about a
    Trump Presidency and the greats things that could happen.

    I think it would be a good idea for those heavily invested in the Never Trump movement to reconsider their position based up0n new information now available and the new realities.

    Hear, hear!! I so respect your willingness to re-assess the current facts, let go of your previous commitment, and move forward wholeheartedly. A deep bow to you, Unsk.

    • #19
  20. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    TKC1101:Spoken like the good person , the good spirit and the patriot that you are. Well said and very necessary.

    Thank you for your combination of eloquence and sincerity, a divine gift.

    And a “divine coincidence” that our OPs are tag teaming? ;-)

    Thank you for your very kind words, TKC. You’ve been an inspiration to me.

    • #20
  21. Pugshot Inactive
    Pugshot
    @Pugshot

    I was a Never Trumper. I could not bring myself to vote for him (or Hillary). The election’s over. Trump is our President-elect.  He’s going to be our President for the next four years. I have my fears about what might happen during his term. But the possible upside could be amazing – starting with the appointment of Scalia’s replacement. I want him to succeed because I desperately want America to succeed. So I’m with you, Susan – let’s be optimistic!

    • #21
  22. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Pugshot:I was a Never Trumper. I could not bring myself to vote for him (or Hillary). The election’s over. Trump is our President-elect. He’s going to be our President for the next four years. I have my fears about what might happen during his term. But the possible upside could be amazing – starting with the appointment of Scalia’s replacement. I want him to succeed because I desperately want America to succeed. So I’m with you, Susan – let’s be optimistic!

    To piggyback on your comment, Pugshot, there’s nothing wrong with being afraid (although none of us likes to feel that way). But we can choose to be courageous in the face of that fear. I truly think that’s what’s called for. Thanks for your comment!

    • #22
  23. Johnnie Alum 13 Inactive
    Johnnie Alum 13
    @JohnnieAlum13

    Susan Quinn:

    Johnnie Alum 13: Let’s hope for the best for our country. I heard that Michelle Rhee is in the running for Education Secretary, that would be bold.

    I don’t know of her. Tell us why it would be a bold choice, if you don’t mind, Johnnie.

    She was the former Chancellor of DC public schools. She is considered public enemy #1 of the teachers unions. One year she fired 240 teachers because they were poor performing. She has called for the elimination of tenure in public schools. She supports vouchers, choice, and charters.

    • #23
  24. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Johnnie Alum 13:

    Susan Quinn:

    Johnnie Alum 13: Let’s hope for the best for our country. I heard that Michelle Rhee is in the running for Education Secretary, that would be bold.

    I don’t know of her. Tell us why it would be a bold choice, if you don’t mind, Johnnie.

    She was the former Chancellor of DC public schools. She is considered public enemy #1 of the teachers unions. One year she fired 240 teachers because they were poor performing. She has called for the elimination of tenure in public schools. She supports vouchers, choice, and charters.

    Of course!! She’s amazing!! Thanks for reminding me and filling in the picture. I vote yes! Or at least hope that Trump gives her a look.

    • #24
  25. Publius Inactive
    Publius
    @Publius

    Susan Quinn: So I’m letting go of my former preferences and facing the future, cautiously optimistic. It’s not easy, but it’s getting easier every day.

    The trick is to set reasonable expectations and not get caught up in the nigh-messianic hype about the coming Trump administration.   He’s simply not going to meet some of the expectations that are being set for him here on Ricochet, but it’s unlikely he’s going to leave the country a smoldering dystopian ruin as predicted by others.

    Barak Obama set a pretty low bar for him to clear both in foreign and domestic policy so he doesn’t have to do all that much to be judged favorably compared to him.  Being judged as a great president compared to a larger view of history is quite another matter.  We’ll know more soon enough.

    So what is going to be your benchmark for judging him to be a successful president, Susan?

    • #25
  26. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Publius:

    Susan Quinn: So I’m letting go of my former preferences and facing the future, cautiously optimistic. It’s not easy, but it’s getting easier every day.

    The trick is to set reasonable expectations and not get caught up in the nigh-messianic hype about the coming Trump administration. He’s simply not going to meet some of the expectations that are being set for him here on Ricochet, but it’s unlikely he’s going to leave the country a smoldering dystopian ruin as predicted by others.

    Barak Obama set a pretty low bar for him to clear both in foreign and domestic policy so he doesn’t have to do all that much to be judged favorably compared to him. Being judged as a great president compared to a larger view of history is quite another matter. We’ll know more soon enough.

    So what is going to be your benchmark for judging him to be a succesfull president, Susan?

    Setting reasonable expectations is extremely important, Publius–well said. Expecting the perfect President who gets everything right is a guarantee for disaster. I have no idea what my benchmark would be. I don’t want to set it too low, nor too high. Ask me in a year and I might have a better idea. In fact, make that ten years! Seriously, it’s too difficult to say, because some of the things he does may be partially successful or unsuccessful. Not only that, it might take a while to see if something works out. Have I squirmed out of your question well enough?

    • #26
  27. Ribaldish Inactive
    Ribaldish
    @Ribaldish

    Susan Quinn:

    Ribaldish:

    Sincere question: why? What, exactly, is compelling you to encourage and support him?

    Because right now, in 2016 and for the next four years, I want this country to benefit from his role as President. How do I help this country if I discourage him and criticize him ceaselessly because I don’t happen to like him personally? How does that help anyone?

    Thank you for the reply.

    I submit to you that a person might reasonably believe — for reasons more substantial than “I don’t happen to like Donald Trump personally” — that the country will be better off if he’s a single-term failure, decisively repudiated in 2020 if he cannot be hounded from office at an earlier date, and that relentless criticism is a means to that end.

     

    • #27
  28. Joseph Stanko Coolidge
    Joseph Stanko
    @JosephStanko

    Susan Quinn: Some of you may say you won’t give up your principles, beliefs, and values.

    I suppose I say that often: I won’t give up my principles, beliefs, and values, ever, for any reason, period.

    Apropos of what, though?  I don’t have to vote for a president again for 4 more years, and that’s plenty of time for President Trump to earn my vote if he governs wisely.  In the meantime, no one from his transition team has contacted me about serving in his administration, nor am I waiting with bated breath for such a summons, so — what is it exactly you’re asking me to set aside my principles in order to do?

    If all you’re asking is that I “be positive about the future,” I already am.  That doesn’t conflict with my values, that basically is one of my values.

     

     

    • #28
  29. Publius Inactive
    Publius
    @Publius

    Susan Quinn:

    Publius:

    Susan Quinn: So I’m letting go of my former preferences and facing the future, cautiously optimistic. It’s not easy, but it’s getting easier every day.

    The trick is to set reasonable expectations and not get caught up in the nigh-messianic hype about the coming Trump administration. He’s simply not going to meet some of the expectations that are being set for him here on Ricochet, but it’s unlikely he’s going to leave the country a smoldering dystopian ruin as predicted by others.

    Barak Obama set a pretty low bar for him to clear both in foreign and domestic policy so he doesn’t have to do all that much to be judged favorably compared to him. Being judged as a great president compared to a larger view of history is quite another matter. We’ll know more soon enough.

    So what is going to be your benchmark for judging him to be a succesfull president, Susan?

    Setting reasonable expectations is extremely important, Publius–well said. Expecting the perfect President who gets everything right is a guarantee for disaster. I have no idea what my benchmark would be. I don’t want to set it too low, nor too high. Ask me in a year and I might have a better idea. In fact, make that ten years! Seriously, it’s too difficult to say, because some of the things he does may be partially successful or unsuccessful. Not only that, it might take a while to see if something works out. Have I squirmed out of your question well enough?

    You did a fine job and I agree with your answer.  I’m not sure myself what my benchmarks will be either and I think I’ll have a much better idea a year from now also.  We have the luxury of not having to make an serious voting decisions for another couple years which is plenty of time to assess how things played out.

    There’s also much wisdom in the ten year standard.  It’s easier to assess things farther out when partisan passions have cooled, the trivial political as melted away, and you can view an administration with better historical context.

    • #29
  30. Wintermute Member
    Wintermute
    @Wintermute

    Good post and I agree completely.  Who was it who said that you go to war with the army you have, not the army you wish that you had…

    • #30
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