Mon | Dec 2, 2024

Possible takeaways from the US elections

Published:Saturday | November 9, 2024 | 12:07 AM

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The recently concluded US elections have left in their wake much food for thought and reflection.

I don’t understand Americans. I thought I did, but I don’t. A few things are certain at this point in time, though. (1) The lived economy – i.e. being able to afford gas, groceries, etc. and who is responsible for creating that economy – trumps all other issues. Insofar as who Americans think is best to vote for, in a presidential election; (2) the US still has a race and gender issue when it comes to voting for president, unfortunately; (3) Lying to some Americans, well enough and often enough, works and will get a candidate elected as the president; (4) Planting seeds of fear, doubt, gloom and doom in American people’s minds, well enough and often enough, works and will get one elected as the president; (5) Enough Americans don’t care enough about preserving their democracy, sadly; (6) Being a convicted criminal in the US is no longer an impediment to becoming president; (7) In this new dispensation, idealism and saying and doing the right things will get an American presidential candidate only so far; (8) If you’re a male American presidential candidate, Christians are willing to turn a blind eye to your character flaws, criminal convictions and lies.

PATRICK GALLIMORE

pagalley@protonmail.com