Two days to go... have confidence, stand firm and stay, Calm-a-la

TAT readers,

Well, we’re coming down to the wire and across the spectrum of friends, family and readers, I am constantly hearing of the deep anxiety about the results of Tuesday’s election. Yes, I get it and of course, share moments of anxiety as well. Setting our clocks back has me up even earlier this morning so, it offers an opportunity for this rare Sunday TAT piece. It is a short combination of reassurance, anxiety relief tips and a plea to have faith in the overwhelming majority of those who will act on true American values, in order to put down another Trumpian assault on all that our nation actually stands for.

First, let’s talk a bit about relief of anxiety. Sure, we must do as my old track coach used to teach, “sprint past the finish line, not just to it.” This is wisdom because many simply run to the line, thereby subconsciously slowing as they get there. In a tight race, this is often the difference between winning and losing. If you sprint an additional few meters, you will still be at top speed at the finish line. This also serves to keep you fully focused until the very last moment, therefore crowding out time for more anxiety. This is another reason for my constant publishing and restacking old pieces about critical aspects of the combination of threats posed by Putin’s Trumpian Candidate. Yes, this is a play on words that refer to the classic movie, The Manchurian Candidate.

Next, make time for fun, relaxation and with those that you are close to, in person, a phone call, video or otherwise and especially, do something active to burn off that pesky anxiety. This doesn’t require anything strenuous. At a minimum, go for a walk, especially if you have sunshine where you are. That natural Vitamin D is great for stress and depression. Laugh, especially with others, as a way to offload emotional energy that is weighing you down while under assault from the cruelty and dishonesty of the MAGA crowd. Watch football, do some physical chores and for heaven’s sake, if you must talk about the election, try to focus on the positive and reassuring.

Eat something fun by making today something of a “cheat day” for those watching their weight and of course, everyone else. Finally, have confidence in the quote at the beginning of this short article from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If enough people adhere to morality instead of alternative realities, “the arc of the moral universe, does indeed bend towards justice.” If today is a day to participate in your religious beliefs, please do so. For readers, look up the brilliant and courageous perseverance of our founders, in achieving a nation dedicated to our “inalienable rights” of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Remember, there is no happiness in MAGAland. They exist on dark conspiracy theories based on manufactured outrage and lies.

These are just a handful of basic tips to help relieve your emotional burdens and there are plenty of others as well, from any reputable, googled site.

As for reassurance, I am finally beginning to feel a lessening of my fears about Tuesday. In my line of work, analyzing threats and acting on what I learned, shows that there are plenty of signs that MAGA, is slowly becoming less sustainable for today’s far-right extremist GOP. Sure, those who have been on the Trump Train from the beginning of focused Russian assistance to his original candidacy, will still vote for him. Those former MAGA supporters who are feeling the shame they now wear from supporting his un-American and dangerous propaganda, is a group that is slowly gaining momentum. Many in this group, will still vote MAGA but quietly and likely dishonestly to avoid local persecution, will also vote for VP Harris and Gov Walz.

During the middle of September, I drove the expanse of our nation twice and saw far fewer visible signs of Trump support, than in previous elections. Trump signs were mostly old, and wear worn. Trump flags almost always were tattered and faded and in most of the country, those obnoxious little read hats, were far fewer. Here in MAGA Texas, the campaign commercials are just more of the tired old rhetoric of GOP culture wars, devoid of substance. The brash, in-your-face aggressiveness of MAGA/ GOP voters is somewhat less.

This doesn’t mean that we don’t suffer from steadily increasing voter intimidation, election/poll worker intimidation and all that goes with it. Fortunately, most cities have more security, and these threats are largely investigated with vigor and a sign of urgency. Yes, we still have a nation full of the extremist, Constitutional Sheriff types in law enforcement, but even they have a reduced presence these past couple of years.

Overall, there is a significantly notable trend in more people speaking up against MAGA and a great many, are the more principled Republicans that are fed up with the shame imposed by their leadership. Even elected leaders like my congressman, Rep. Tony Gonzalez of TX 23, has gone into the witness protection program, demonstrating a spineless, hiding approach to the treason and insurrection preached by Trump, the GOP Platform and Project 2025. Not one GOP representative in Congress has the guts to take on the slow-roll coup of MAGA publicly and in a sustained manner. They may be Republicans, but are most certainly, not conservatives. Every single one of them should have no role in government if they refuse to honor their oath to “protect and defend the constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.”

The US national security community is still mostly impotent in protecting our nation from the types of false narratives and conspiracy theories, that are the lifeblood of MAGA. This brings me to the most reassuring point of all. In the absence of a competent government effort, the majority of Americans of all political beliefs, are stepping up and meeting such threats on our own, just like the Minutemen did at the beginning of our War of Independence. This time around… it is like the title of my recent book, it’s about Minutemen and Women, protecting who we are as Americans. Those of you in this role… my undying gratitude.

Now my friends, make the most of your day and let’s all, “sprint through the finish line” and restore our nation to the esteemed, high moral principles that are bending towards justice.

My very best,

Paul