The world according to Trump has drained me emotionally and mentally. I spent the first 100 days of this term recording all his executive orders and government cuts in a spiral notebook, trying to keep up with the nonsense and wrongly thinking it would not go on. But still today I wake up each morning to yet another despicable thing that has occurred. This has substantially diminished the joy and happiness in my life.
This is not the America I recognize or love. I am scared about the erosion of our democracy, our world standing and our national security. The elimination of diversity, inclusion and equality in every aspect of life is definitely taking America in the wrong direction, away from our 1776 founding ideals.
The attempts to distort American history are appalling. I despise what is happening to the immigrants, to the Palestinians and the lack of support for Ukraine. The Venezuelan boat strikes and killings are not what America does, especially without Congressional authorization.
Trump’s obvious admiration of foreign dictators is repulsive and should alarm every American, no matter their political affiliation. This administration has no empathy, no morals, and no respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. We are being governed strictly by intimidation, retaliation, chaos and corruption.
Let’s not forget the reversing of all climate change initiatives, the renaming and destruction of buildings, the acceptance of expensive gifts from foreign adversaries and the billions of dollars shamefully being extorted by Trump and his family.
The list goes on and on.
My New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to reclaim the joy and happiness in my life. I’m tired of letting all the atrocities of this administration diminish the last few years left in my life (I soon will be 76).
The question is, how do I achieve this? I refuse to put my head in the sand and not stay an informed citizen. I have attended five protest rallies to date. I’ve attempted to persuade known Trump supporters to see what is happening. I’ve written letters to senators.
What will it take to awaken the Republicans in Congress to abide by their oath of office? Have enough Americans confronted the fact that Trump is not good for America and works only to gain more power and money?
My hope is that every Democrat, dissatisfied Independent and dissatisfied Republican will vote in the November 2026 mid-term election.
Linda Walker
Oak Park resident since 1996
