I read a tweet the other day that said the winners of the midterm elections were black lung and poverty. I’ve been too frustrated, disappointed, disheartened, and plain old angry to write up my feelings about the election outcome. I won’t give up fighting for what’s right (meaning, left), but right now I’m in no mood to put my thoughts down, because concentrating that hard on a topic that infuriates me that much will just intensify my feelings. Besides, I am trying my best to obey my doctor’s orders and de-stress as much as possible.
So instead, here are today’s Los Angeles Times letters to the editor, because our voices matter:
Paraphrasing Harry Truman, slightly: The electorate put in place the next do-less-than-nothing Congress. (“Republicans seize control of U.S. Senate,” Nov. 4)
With all the accolades being bestowed on incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for his victory speech, I hope people remember that for the past six years he has made life miserable for the president. Is he about to change?
Despite his professed hope for a good working relationship with the White House, years ago he said his biggest goal was to make Barack Obama a one-term president. He lost in 2012, but he continued to attack the president relentlessly.
A leopard does not change its spots. The electorate will find this as time passes and realize its mistake.
Gerald O. D’Sena, Rancho Palos Verdes
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The big winners last night were the Koch brothers, Karl Rove and their colleagues.
I find it fascinating that the dark money poured into this election that advances the economic interests of the wealthiest businesspeople convinced so many of those in the middle class to vote against their own self-interest. At least in California we understand that climate change, student loan debt and income inequality are the important issues of the day.
This isn’t a personality contest; it’s the futures of our children and grandchildren.
Barbara H. Bergen, Los Angeles
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The future will soon show the wisdom of their votes. For sure, for the balance of Obama’s term we can expect little change.
From my perspective, I feel it regrettable that obstructionism in Congress paid off.
Morrie Markoff, Los Angeles
I share the frustration. Words escape me. The level of stupid in this country has reached the surreal. Looking at the stats even more disappointing. Almost same dismal Dem voter turn-out / demos as 2010. And, of course, the 65+ white vote went decisively Repube. The very demo that is the most dependent on direct government services like SS, Disability, Medicare, etc. And, Red State aging-white, rural Counties by far and away the biggest benefactor of indirect government services like medicaid, roads, mail, power, etc.