A Walk in the Park: A Conversation About Democracy
Walking your dogs in the park in Colorado during a Broncos game usually means an empty park. But today was different. I saw my neighbor, an 84-year-old retired US Treasury Officer and Deputy US Marshal, sitting alone on a bench. Let’s call him Rooster, after the character Rooster Cogburn.
A Troubled Friend
I asked Rooster if everything was okay. He mumbled “no,” but then said he was alright, adding that the world was “messed up.” I replied, “The world is always messed up; that’s why we have police and federal officers.” He smiled, showing his growing tooth gaps.
Political Disillusionment
Rooster then said, “I can tell you even though you’re a Democrat because we’re friends.” I replied, “Oh, we’re talking about the world, okay?”
He continued, “Dick Cheney, someone I knew from the old days, probably the most Republican conservative person I knew, said he was not voting for Trump.” Raising his voice, he exclaimed, “We’ve been DUPED!”
I smiled and asked, “And that has messed up the world?”
Questioning Loyalty
Rooster looked at me and said, “Yes, what am I to do with my vote? Is Trump really that dangerous? I hate Democrats. We’ve been holding them back since Reagan. How the heck or why did you become a Democrat?”
I got up from the bench as the dogs needed to walk. I explained, “Long story, but it started with Nixon. Then I was educated and learned history. Republicans are all about getting power to exploit it for their benefit, while Democratic politicians, for the most part, aim to distribute things more equitably.”
Understanding Different Perspectives
I continued, “Studies show that conservatives see the world through inherent inequity, believing the elite should lead. Liberals, on the other hand, see the world as unequal and seek to make it more equitable for everyone. Conservatives trust those in authority, while liberals inherently distrust them to take advantage for themselves or their constituency.”
Rooster looked up and said, “No one ever explained that to me. If Dick Cheney thinks Trump is that bad, then it’s not about Democrats vs. Republicans, is it?”
The Bigger Picture
As I resumed walking, I said, “Hey, you got it. It’s the Democratic and old Republican parties versus Trumpism, which is American fascism aided by the Russians.”
Shaking his head, Rooster said, “That’s sad, FOR REAL? But I still can’t vote for Harris or a Democrat; it’s not what I want to do if this is my last election.”
Thinking About the Future
Walking away, I said, “Rooster, with all respect, this year’s vote is more about those grandchildren who come over and have fun in your pool. It’s not about you; it’s about keeping America as America.”
