This administration definitely is taking a toll on me and many, many of my friends. I will say that I've struggled more with warding off anxiety than I ever had in the past. The constant news about mass shootings--including ones that are so close together, the president misstates which victims to which he's sending thoughts and prayers--without any hope of Congress taking action has always stressed me out, but it's much, much worse now. I just feel hopeless. It's not just the big stuff--Twitter insults, health care repeal, etc., although all of that is terrible. But the lasting damage to the States is unbelievable. Completely unqualified idiots are getting lifetime appointments as federal judges, just because they are conservative and support Trump. They just announced they are reducing one of the national parks in Utah by 90%. They're rolling back environmental protections. They are stripping Title IX rights. Trump is pandering to dictators and tyrants, whom I genuinely believe represent the kind of leader he wants to be. He is undermining faith in America and destroying our reputation around the world. He sides with Putin over our intelligence community. He has zero moral compass. This administration is completely corrupt and greedy, and at no point do I believe they are putting America or Americans first.
I've never been particularly "America, fuck yeah!" and never have anything red, white, and blue to wear (barring birthdays celebrated in Brum with flag t-shirts!), but I generally felt okay about being an American. It definitely was better being an American under Obama's administration than Bush, but it was still fine. Now? I don't recognize who we are anymore. I've lost faith in our institutions and leaders. The fact that ANYONE is supporting Roy Moore's candidacy in Alabama--despite having multiple, credible accusers of sexual harassment and assault against teenage girls--is just devastating.
This is just the worst. TRUMP RUINS EVERYTHING.