I think we've all had our limits and beliefs tested as of late. Unfortunately, I have people on both sides of my family that voted for Trump. As to the "why", I'll never understand, and honestly, I don't know if I'd accept any reason anyway (that's my issue to work out, no one else's). Granted, some are, and have always been crappy people (there's some in every family), but what's more confusing to me are the good people in my family who did- genuinely good people who I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt have such goodness in their hearts and yet still voted how they did. Some have claimed fear, ignorance, etc., and to their credit, some have completely switched sides since the election and seeing the error of their ways. Of course, the damage is done, so it's too little too late, but I have to give them credit for trying.
I've always been of the belief that we're all capable of anything- good or bad, if driven far enough. God knows I've done some pretty terrible things in my life too, especially when I found myself in a situation where I felt there was no other choice. I think we should all have the ability to learn and grow from mistakes, but even I have a line. I do genuinely have sympathy and empathy in my heart for those good family members who voted how they did, because I can see that they still retain humanity in them, and for everyone's sake, but especially my own, I know I can't lose mine by stooping to similar methods. That said, it's been harder and harder to find that kindness for others, and for some, I'm just not even bothering anymore. I hate that I've become as embittered and cold as I have, both in regards to people, the economy, etc. It's definitely made my anxiety and depression, which I'd managed to get a pretty good handle on, spiral out of control again, so it's been a trying few weeks. I do like to think that we'll get through it all together, as many have claimed we need to, but I just don't see how, with the growing distrust and unease we have. I think the finger pointing will only worsen as more and more prices go up and people look for others to blame (even if it's pretty clear who's to blame).
That's why toys and talkin' toys is such a bright spot for me, and I do worry that I'll lose that, or it'll lessen, with these tariffs. On one hand, like I said, it could force me to appreciate things more. On the other, I worry it may make me grow even more bitter and angry that I can't obtain the things that bring me joy (a first world problem, ultimately, but still).
