Among other feelings . . . shame.

This morning, I woke up with an awful feeling.   After a moment to clear the sleep from my mind, I realized what the feeling was:    SHAME.

I have said some extraordinarily judgmental and damning things about this man who would be president.   I have no shame at having said those things, because they are all still true.

And yet We, the People elected him anyway.   That's the shame I feel.   That we would elect someone to be the most powerful leader in the world who is so unqualified for that trust and responsibility.

We can only hope that Donald Trump has enough self-awareness and humility to realize that the awesome responsibility of being president is beyond his capacities -- and that he will rise above retributive politics enough to choose his advisers wisely -- and then listen to them.

Above any partisan politics or personal retribution, we must cherish the essential democratic principle of peaceful transfer of power to the leader chosen by the people.  And then work together for the good of all.

So far, the right things have been said by President-Elect Trump, Sec. Clinton, and President Obama.   Trump pledged to be president for every citizen and to unite our divided country.   Clinton said, "We must accept this result.   Donald Trump  is going to be president.  We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead."

Amid a sickening grief and shame, I am trying to hold on to the hope that democracy and decency will prevail.  Ah, hey, Donald Trump is such an unpredictable performer, perhaps he will emerge as a closeted liberal.

Ralph