Kathy Maixner, Indivisible Bend Member
continues to believe we’re all about making deals. Instead of implementing tangible actions to mitigate Americans’ fears of income loss, healthcare deprivation and/or diminished Social Security, DJT would rather engage in “wheel of fortune” antics, especially when his own fortune isn’t at stake.
If we wanted a deal maker, then maybe the title of “Deal Maker” should have been on the ballot, certainly not the title of President of the United States. If we wanted someone in office that only sees value in the Almighty dollar and not in the American people, we would have intentionally elected him or her. Instead, we placed a dark ink circle next to the name of the person whom we thought we could trust to ease our financial woes and level out the economic playing field. But we didn’t know. Some of us really didn’t know that there would be a bait and switch in January, 2025.
Being told that we, the American people, will have to endure “short-term pain” before we could realize “long-term gain” makes no sense. Some of us define “short term” as a week or maybe even days before our money runs out. Some of us don’t have the time or good health to endure waiting for a lifeline to reach us. Some of us will die.
If there were a job description for the position of President of the United States, what would the job qualifications be? First and foremost, it would seem that one of the primary responsibilities of the job would be that an individual competently execute policies and procedures in the best interest of the American people. One’s background should reflect experience in having done so, at least similarly.
Additionally, the candidate in consideration should have experience in respectfully bringing together divergent opinions for the purpose of reaching consensus or resolution on an important issue. These requirements are minimal requirements. They are not limited to specific political or business endeavors. In other words, they are no-brainer qualifications for many jobs posted today.
Presidents of the United States do not have to submit to traditional interviews. Instead, with showmanship, articulation and brain power, some candidates rise to the top via public debates. I don’t have a problem with this screening process. I have a huge problem, however, with candidates that are disrespectful of other candidates. When one candidate goes into attack mode, we, the people, should take note, rather than dismiss ugliness with rationale.
No doubt, we are in disturbing times. We, the people, are one. We, the people, look out for each other. We, the people, know intentional brutality when we see and feel it, which is a far cry from forming a more perfect union.
I guess if I had one wish in these less-than-certain times is for all of us to lead first with a compassionate foot that decelerates any hate or rage that surrounds us on all sides, understanding that hate or love are choices – and for now, we are all free to choose. 
