As a friend said today, "Why did America dump me?"

It feels like a breakup.

I love this country, with all my heart. It is my home. I love the land itself, the mountains and the forests and the deserts. I love the people, the diversity of opinion, culture, and lifestyle. I love that I can live in a city teeming with life and excitement, or a small town surrounded by quiet and calm. I love that I can freely travel between the two, and that most of the time, I will find good-hearted, friendly people when I do.

That's why today has been so terrible. It's like watching someone you love continually make bad decisions, slowly becoming the exact opposite of what you love about them. Like watching someone descend into alchoholism or some other form of self-abuse. What can you do? You are helpless. All you can do is stand by while this place, this beautiful, amazing place, becomes ugly and cold. The beauty and sanctity of the land you love is polluted and destroyed. The diversity of the people is squelched so everyone must mimic the lifestyle of the powerful few. The good will and kindness and trust of the people is squandered until they become bitter and mean. The lofty ideals are twisted into self-righteousness and false patriotism.

What a shame.