A contemplation on present-day politics.

Heather Cox Richardson is so astute politically and otherwise, as many know. Earlier in the day, I listened to some of her YouTubes and she is so cogent about the state of our politics here in America…

One of myriad of details that emerged…That the GOP’s long game has been, for a long time, the acquisition of power at the top - at the executive level. This started well before this present and awful administration made an appearance. And, also, that this latest terrible bill going through congress (described as big and beautiful…What a silly and dumb way of describing a bill) is largely about coalescing money - wealth - at the top, thus impacting and taking away from those with the least, with the most need.

So, a lust for power and money, an age old story of corruption and cruelty…

If I recall correctly, Heather CR describes how liberalism is really the belief in the protection of individual rights. (I’m sure she has probably said more, and has more to say, on this matter!..) And, we’ve seen how these rights have been eroded since the start of this administration by way of the draconian and illegal immigration policies enacted.

And, the attack on education…In terms of higher education, Harvard, and other schools of its ilk, represent a tremendous boon for our country and globally. We are known to have the most respected institutions of higher education globally. It’s a win/win for this country and the world. The attempted weakening and dismantling of these august institutions filled with top level research and academic brilliance…How is this possible, this degree of profound ignorance?!..

It seems that, according to the crowd presently in power, education represents liberalism, and that must be undermined and transformed to heed to their priorities, probably along the lines of a Christian Nationalism a la Project 2025.

And, I dare say, that this particular vision definitely has the white male at the top. No doubt about that!

For me liberalism, means caring about the common person, those outside the power structure. It represents empathy and a belief that we are all connected, that when those with the least are helped, it helps all of us. Liberalism means empathy. And wokeness, to me meaning being awake to our humanity, is an esteemed virtue.

A lust for power and wealth…An age-old story sad and devoid of this essential humanity. I hope we as a country have the grace to turn the ship of state around to preserve our democracy and our freedoms, as the makers of our constitution envisioned. (And, of course this grace includes attempts to counter and reassert what is right, what is just.)

I hope the grace is there.

May it be so.

Annie Kiyonaga

June 7, 2025