Considering possibilities after the 2024 U.S. election

I used to be so pompous and sure of everything only 10 years ago. I've changed so much, anyone who knew me then probably would think I'm an imposter. Some of the changes I made for myself, and some were forced upon me. That's difficult to explain, but not necessary for the discussion I want to have about my government, my country, the election's results, and the possibilities for our future.

So, Trump won the 2024 election. I had decided early that I was not going to vote. I simply did not see Harris or Trump as a representative of me, and the others on the ballot had no chance to win, so why waste my time? (Though I will always be glad that other parties are on the ballot.) I read the challenged amendments carefully, and decided for myself what I thought the correct vote should be, and then I watched and listened to see what America's majority voted for. Democracy is a good thing and our elections are a good thing, in my patriotic opinion. The only time democracy is really bad, is when violence and bullying are the majority.

There are two "monologues" (an oath and a pledge) that I want to mention and dive into before I talk about what the election results mean to me. The Hippocratic Oath is known to be taken by medical professionals before they are employed. If you are not familiar with it, the abridged version is that they swear not to hurt or poison the patients or to administer abortions. It was established by the Greeks and sworn under the witness of mythological gods. The intention of the Hippocratic Oath is very good --- save lives, don't hurt people. But it does cause some legislative problems for America. The Pledge of Allegience has a similar circumstance. Whether it is a required recital in public school or whether it is just the memory of old timers like me, the Pledge is to the Flag of the United States of America. This is also problematic and though I spent 13 years of my life with my right hand over my heart reciting that pledge, I will now explain why the Hippocratic Oath and the Pledge of Allegience get in the way of peace and harmony in our democratic Republic.

The majority of voters stated in the democratic process (known as election day) that they wanted Donald Trump as President. Okay, fine. They also stated that they want to uphold Roe vs. Wade and allow legal abortions. They also stated that they want marijuana to be considered as legal as tobacco. These are three facts now as we come to the end of 2024. These "changes" are important as we face our civilization knowing what is "legal" and trying to balance all of our previously upheld (and still relevant and in effect) notions such as The Constitution, The Hippocratic Oath, and The Pledge of Allegience. Are you seeing where I'm going with this? If you consider yourself an American, (or even harder an American Patriot) we have more to juggle intellectually than one might have thought as they were preparing those ballots.

It's more trouble and paradox. How is a doctor supposed to be true to the Hippocratic Oath with legal abortions? I would have voted for the right to legal abortions, but I'm not a doctor. I would have voted for legal abortions simply because they are safer than illegal abortions. Did you ever hear about the stories of wire hanger abortions or dead baby corpses in the dumpsters? Believe it or not, that's what occurs when abortion is illegal. So to help any new doctors who may be struggling with their Oath, just remember "saving lives" is a deep subject.

In regards to the Pledge of Allegience, the arguments about loyalty to the Flag or the friction in the phrase "Under God" should not be as troublesome to true Americans as they have at times proclaimed. Some people refuse to use cash for the same reason they refuse to recite the Pledge of Allegience. "In God We Trust" and "Under God" really disturbs them. It may also be connected to the fact that America refuses to declare an official language. England doesn't have that problem, nor does Spain, nor does Russia, nor does China. Just America. In my most patriotic stance, (my middle finger up as I recite the Pledge) I say this: The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution were written and signed in English. So if you can't speak English, don't use those in your defense.

As for marijuana being considered as legal as tobacco, I think that was a foolish mistake just like increasing minimum wage. Tobacco is not classified as a hallucinogen, but marijuana is. The DEA and FDA are probably pulling their hair out right now, but at least the police (of any state) has a new way to fund their force. I expect an increase in state troopers and you should expect urine exams to be included with breathilizers in field sobriety tests. My hypothesis is that DUI's will go up, and sober drivers will eventually rule the legal road. However, that may also increase the amount of unlicensed and illegal drivers. It's a bit scary to think of what the future will be for highway travelers. Many possibilities.