Hillbilly wisdom: There is a sickness in suspecting everyone. We expect others to uphold the same code to which we adhere. Good or bad? This is transference We are surprised when this does not occur. That surprise influences our future expectations. The bar in regard to others moves. If the bar moves negatively, others are no longer trustworthy. And reality is less positive. The black and white is filled with gray areas. What was taken for granted suddenly seems impossible. The foundations we stand upon are eroded resulting in bitterness and dissolution. When others excel the opposite reaction can occur. They can inspire US.

Our nation is composed of many mini-societies. Does this make us weaker of stronger? “A nation divided can not stand”. (Lincoln). The answer depends upon the individuals and the choices they make. A fork in the road is not always left/right, up/down or forward/back. The easy way or the hard way is a choice. Easy or hard has two very different implications.

Trump’s easy or hard does not imply a choice of options but the amount of persuasion (force) needed for you to come over to his way of thinking.

In another context, the easy way is the shortcut. So what if it is necessary to break a few rules. The hard way takes dedication, preparation, and application over an extended period. Slow and Steady. But there is a goal.

Decisions are, first of all, personal choices. Make good choices.