Saturday, June 06, 2020

What Must Be Said


This blog has long been my refuge from the sometimes harsh aspects of the real world. And I hope it occasionally serves that cause for you as well. It’s a great break when we get to discuss sexy, funny, exciting spanko subjects in a fun and supportive fashion.

Today, however, I choose to step out from behind my blog set and talk with you as a human and a responsible member of society. I choose my words carefully and please know that they come from my heart. Speaking out is not a decision I make lightly. If you, my dear readers, decide that you find this post offensive and don’t wish to return, then I will respect your judgment as I now ask you to respect mine.

The time for change has arrived. As we commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day invasion, we are reminded of the many sacrifices that previous generations made to build and protect our American democracy. Now it’s our turn.

I am convinced that the current administration in Washington poses an existential threat to the survival of our country and our civil society. We’ve watched for four years as this unholy collection of greedy profiteers, shameless charlatans, bellicose autocrats, cowering toadies, and evil misanthropes has hijacked our American dream for their own destructive purposes. Each day, they add to a growing mountain of Orwellian lies as our people continue to suffer and perish needlessly.

In recent days, we’ve witnessed:
  1. Yet another senseless murder of an unarmed African American citizen in police custody

  2. Millions of jobless workers without health care, bankrupt businesses, and a wrecked economy

  3. A tragically mishandled and still spreading pandemic that has killed over 110,000 Americans so far

  4. A preoccupied president who is more concerned with re-election than serving the nation

  5. US military troops attacking peaceful demonstrators

  6. An unknown number of immigrant children still living in cages
Is it any wonder we see daily protests in dozens of US cities? Any one of these outrages alone provides ample cause for action. And there is so much more.

I ask you now to speak out for truth, act for change, and vote for our future. This is no longer a partisan contest. It’s a struggle for our collective survival. We need every person of conscience to add their voice. All of this must end. How it ends, when it ends, and what follows are up to us.

For anyone tempted to post angry comments, please don’t.

35 comments :

Anonymous said...

Bravely stated and wholly correct. In the UK we are rapidly approaching a similar situation while watching the US closely and with hope in our hearts. The climate emergency and the threat of future droughts and pandemics remain ever present This is a time for unity, please think before you vote.

Bernie said...

We are at the point where we have to set aside differences in our personal politics. You can be of any political persuasion and still say I'm X and I'm also for facts, truth, and social justice.

Dan - A Disciplined Hubby said...

[Previous version deleted for typos. Not enough coffee yet this morning.]

Bonnie, totally agree. Conservative and former Republican commentator George Will recently had a column in the Washington Post that called not just for Trump's defeat but for a rout of the Republicans in the Senate, who have almost without exception either supported Trump's attack on basic human values and democratic norms or sat silent and let him get away with it. I've been both a Democrat and a Republican, and to me it is not a stretch that regardless of which party you are in (assuming you are in one) any honest assessment of the last three and a half years would lead you to conclude we can't have another four.

Erica Scott said...

I love you, Bonnie. You know I am 100% behind you on this. I am scared, angry, and trying very hard to stay in the moment, but it's hard. Thank you for speaking what so many of us are feeling.

Bonnie said...

Anon - Thank you. I didn't even mention the climate crisis which also belongs near the top of any problem list. That's how far down this road we have come.

Bernie - Yes, exactly!

Dan - I read that Post article by George Will. He has some good points. I also saw an article in The Atlantic today that compares the current crisis to historical regime changes. In any case, we need to find our way out of this thicket.

Erica - ♥ Erica. Following your tweets helped to inspire me to join the effort. We need everyone now. Let's stand together in support of compassion, justice, wisdom, and hope.

abby said...

A thoughtful, much needed post...thank you for using your platform to share this. I am scared when I think what is happening in my country...not scared for myself.. but for the many who are risking their lives protesting for the change we need...for my grands, who are just getting old enough to know what is happening....for the many who have suffered losses and feel alone. Silence is no longer an option...hugs abby

Midwest Reader said...

Agree in full. Thank you for posting this.

Anonymous said...

I have always enjoyed your posts, but now I can't help but be both moved and impressed. There certainly seems to be a time for any tolerant and reasonable person to finally say, "enough is enough". Thank you for joining those among us otherwise "lifestyle" bloggers to assert an opinion and declaration beyond what implement makes for the most effective spanking.

Fondles said...

My thoughts are with you from way over here in Asia. We watch the news with horror on our faces, and I imagine it's a hundred times worse from over there.

We're looking at holding general elections here too and the people are wondering if that's even a good idea amidst the lockdown. Everything seems up in the air right now, but it's nothing compared to what you're going thru as a country / society. Sending much love.

Fondles said...

(Also, I'd like to link your post on my blog... if i may)

Roz said...

Hi Bonnie,

Very well said. Thank you for speaking out, a change is desperately needed.

Hugs
Roz

trentblake26 said...

As someone who has suffered (in a small way) in an academic setting what Brett Kavanaugh went through - a totally bogus attack from a woman who was obviously lying to get a reward from the administration (which she got) and seeing every Democrat support the attack on Kavanaugh, I am amazed at the people above swallowing every lie from the mainstream media.
The mishandling of the virus was concentrated in Democratically controlled New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, where infected nursing home patients were shoved back into nursing homes to infect others. Meanwhile, in Florida, infected nursing home patients were separated from the others, and the nursing home death rate was much, much smaller. Yet the lying main stream media attacked the Florida governor, while refusing to criticize the Democratic governors who sentenced their nursing home recipients to death.
And now we have rioters destroying black owned businesses and black people's neighborhoods for fun and profit, while the main stream media and Democrats cheer them on.
What planet do you people come from?

PK said...

I've read here since 2006. To the best of my knowledge this is the first post of this nature you have ever put up. I think this speak to the extreme seriousness of the situation. I agree with you completely and pray that not only is this horrible and corrupt administration voted out in Nov. but that they will leave peacefully. I have a great fear this might not happen. Thank you for this post.

Hermione said...

Bonnie, thank you for speaking out. Your voice is heard by a great many, and today you told it like it is. Something must be done to stop this escalating trainwreck.

We Canadians look at our neighbours to the South and shudder. The line that sticks in my head from George Will's piece is, "...there is no such thing as rock bottom. So, assume the worst is yet to come."

Hugs,
Hermione

Deena said...

Yes to everything and thank you thank you for this. It is sometimes scary to get on social media and see that there are still people who support this corrupt administration. That being said, I am heartened that many are changing their hearts and points of view and starting to speak up - including clergy of various religions.

Admittedly I am afraid to get my hopes up, but I sure will speak out and I will be voting my conscience. Wishing you and all, peace of mind and good health.

Dale said...

Hopefully a majority of Americans have seen enough of this maniacal so-called president and will see fit to vote accordingly.

Bonnie said...

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful responses. And thank you as well for your support for this very off topic discussion. I never expected to talk about public affairs on MBS. But I woke up early yesterday morning and decided to share this important message with my dear readers.

Abby - Thank you. I too am scared for the future of our country and my family. My response is to resolve to do what I can to help steer a new course, away from disaster, hatred, and selfishness.

MWR - I greatly appreciate your support and continued readership.

Windy - We know those people too. I am encouraged by the recent appearance of cracks in the bubble in which many live. When respected conservative leaders from government, politics, and the military publicly break with the administration, they shake the trust of many supporters. I think there may be a tipping point when center-right supporters and their elected representatives decide that they no longer wish to be tied to this monstrous malignancy. If this scenario plays out, the end is likely to come quickly and decisively.

KDP - That was precisely my thought process that led to this post. I'm in.

Fondles - Thank you for your understanding and support. After this debacle is over, we look forward to rejoining the world community. We find better solutions when everyone participates. And, yes, you may link me.

Roz - Thank you!

Blake - I don't agree with you, but you are civil so your comment can stay.

I don't know about your situation so I have no opinion to offer. As for Justices Kavanaugh and Thomas, they enjoy lifetime appointments to our nation's highest court. The fact that they had to face their accusers during the vetting process makes little difference today. At least in my mind, this issue is less significant than those I mentioned above, not to mention climate change, poverty, infrastructure, equal justice, education, and voting rights.

It may be a bit early to tout Florida's Coronavirus performance. There appears to be a new spike emerging with record levels of new cases being reported over the past five days.

Ultimately, it will be the historians, and perhaps the courts, who judge this president and his posse. Until then, I trust my own eyes, ears, and common sense.

PK - Yes, this is a first. I may have offered a sentence or two of gentle commentary in the past, but I never before felt the need to speak so directly. I believe if we work together, we can survive these dark times and inaugurate a better era. Please keep the faith and let's help spread the word.

Hermione - I am grateful to our our peaceful, polite neighbors for providing a continuing reminder that civil society can work in the modern world.

Deena - Yes, I see those hateful Facebook posts as well. But as you note, there is hope. People from every walk of life are starting to speak out. I'm just a little grandmother, but I have a voice and a vote. I vow to use them in a constructive manner to help our nation get beyond this horrible time.

I encourage you to hold on to that hope. Hope motivates us to create a better reality. Let's visualize a positive future and make that our goal.

Thank you for your well wishes, and same to you!

Bonnie said...

Dale - That is my hope as well.

Rich Person said...

Thank you for speaking out, Bonnie. I am optimistic we will see a complete change with the next election.

People in the United States have a certain self-image. Regardless of region, people generally want to do what's right. That includes showing respect for others and treating them as equals. It includes a desire to see the needs of others met. It includes the notion that we are a good people, who set an example for others around the globe.

The past several years have been a body blow to that self-image. Video clips of how people treat each other (and specifically how police treat minorities) put the lie to any pretense to a fair and just society. The current administration undermines our country's claim to be a proper example of how to conduct democracy or observe the rule of law.

We have a chance to wash away a lot of sins in November. I hope and believe that will be our path. Despite recent history, I have faith in the goodness of humanity and the good sense of the American people, who have in the past put things right when confronted with this kind of challenge.

DaddyCat said...

Hello Bonnie,

Thank you for your post. It is always informative watching how different one group discusses a central issue such as race.

DaddyCat

Anonymous said...

Stick to spanking...

Minielle Labraun said...

I agree with everything you shared above. I’m scared. I truly cannot understand this president and his supporters. I always believe that people come to a belief system from their own experiences. I have tried to engage in discussions that are productive-however, we must WORK hard to stand up against this administration! There is something wrong going on. We must stand together for justice. Our democracy is at risk! Our constitution is being bastardized.

maraleia said...

Thank you Bonnie for speaking out. Quick question do you support the #BlackLivesMatter movement because you didn't say anything about it in your post.

spankedbywife said...

Bonnie, well said! We haven't posted much since 2017 and the reasons are outlined by your post. I plan to make a short post and refer our readers to your post. Thanks.

Mitch Philbin said...

Well said, Bonnie, and I fully agree. Even since you posted this, things have happened that continue to boggle the mind.

Bonnie said...

RP - Yes! Well said. I want our citizens to be able to have faith in a well run government, a stable economy, and capable leaders. I would like the rest of the world to view America and Americans as sensible, generous, productive, smart, just, and friendly. We cannot get there with one election, but it's a start.

DaddyCat - Thank you for your support. My hope is that recent events will ultimately unite us more than they divide. We have many common interests that in any rational analysis should prevail over our differences.

Anon - I invite you to create a blog and share whatever you feel needs to be said.

Minielle - Hi! It's good to hear from you again. I'm scared too, but this is a time for us to be brave and contribute to the greater good. Together, I believe we can make a difference!

Maraleia - Yes, absolutely. #blacklivesmatter There are many articulate commentators who are ably discussing the current crisis involving police misconduct and racial inequality. I was aiming for a broader perspective of the many challenges faced by our nation and the imperative for social and political change.

SBW - Welcome back, and thank you for your support.

Mitch - You are so right. Let's resolve to do all we can and hang on tight.

maraleia said...

Thank you Bonnie!!!

Anonymous said...

Hello! Excellent post...These are troubling times, but there are changes in the air. Take care...So good to see you again.

Dave Wolfe said...

Thank you, Bonnie, for speaking out.

I can't order my flurry of thoughts right now, although I had a related blog entry, myself.

Maybe I'll try again later, or maybe there's really nothing new to add to what's already been written here.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Bonnie, for speaking out. Well put. Graham

Enzo said...

Hi Bonnie - Thank you for this post. My small hope is that enough people have seen the ongoing disastrous and compounding situation we are in and are ready to break with party lines and stand behind what is morally right. Unfortunately there are so many out there who would rather stay within party lines no matter what the disastrous costs.
I have so much to say on this, but I wont hijack your post.
Thank you again as 'off topic' posts are needed at times.
Best,
Enzo

Billyg218 said...

Love you, Bonnie - glad you are not a Trumpkin. Everything you said is absolutely true

Leslie Jones said...

Very well put and thank you. This is the time to speak out. I don't recall people in high positions having so little decency. Thus it is critical that we vote this year and make sure everyone we know who is sane votes. Thank you again.

mysster said...

in total agreement with you -- we're in a dangerous time that needs change

Adek said...

I’m a spanko of African decent black with mixed children. I recently started to re engage with spanking content and have started speaking to my wife about this. A couple of things struck me about how I have engaged. I’ve been reluctant to disclose my race, I feel like the poisonous politics that have engulfed both our countries - I’m British - is fairly ubiquitous. I feared that there may not be space for a black man in this community so best learn what I can under racial ambiguity. This post and the comments that followed mean so much to me. I’ve felt the embrace of this community and knowing that this is a place where I don’t have to hide my identity is freeing. Thank you for your solidarity and your support and your fight. Thank you for posting this and for taking the risk by speaking out.

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