“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” - Buddha
My condolences on your loss of your mother. Time may make the pain less sharp overall, but it can reappear suddenly at any time. I hope your memories of her help you through those times.
What has bothered me the most since the felon entered our politics is not just the indifference to the suffering of others, but the absolute glee with which the Republicans have inflicted suffering on those who do not have the resources to resist.
I was absolutely horrified by Kristi Noem's account of her killing of a puppy and a goat. She showed no trace of remorse and thought she needed to tell that disturbing story to qualify for a position in the felon's Cabinet. Evidently, she was correct.
Even with those revelations, a third of the US population reelected a man who rewards people like her: cruel, sadistic, and soulless. They voted him back in because they didn't feel like their own suffering was being addressed, yet they refuse to recognize the suffering of others.
They're going to be unpleasantly surprised, I think, when this particular hypocrisy eventually comes back at them -- because it will. I keep hoping that there will be some realization that we are really all the same in our basic needs and desires, but it seems that this is a difficult concept to grasp. It is necessary, however, for our survival. I continue to hope, and to work toward that goal.
Yes, it is. I'm a retired veterinarian, and worked with people who had empathy for other species, not just their own, so I especially do not understand the apparent enjoyment of cruelty and hatred shown by the felon's supporters to their fellow citizens. What does it provide them? Harboring hatred is ultimately exhausting and erodes our collective humanity.
It is so difficult to realize that someone you love is dying and leaving a void in your life that can’t be filled. It happened to me in November 2024, my son in law of 36 years was on hospice care and passed away two days before the presidential election on November 3. I was so grateful that, if he had to die, it was before the election. He would have hated the outcome. My daughter, along with his three siblings made the tough decision to put him in hospice and on palliative care. Compassion was the only choice.
Yes, he was. We are a very close family, and everyone is loved and well regarded by all. I do know how blessed I am to be in such a special group of people.
Steven, I'm sorry for the loss of your mother. Thank you for being there for her so she knew how very loved she was.
And thank you for this post. It may be the most hopeful thing I've seen through all of this incredible nightmare.
Please, keep repeating these words to your followers? We all need to be reminded when we feel helpless and hopeless... that staunchly standing by our empathy not only is the humane way to live, but can topple darkness and evil.
Light surely conquers darkness. History proves this.
Whatever trance, spell, or alternate universe those following trump have come under... can be undone.
Instead of a single event or the clapping of a hand by a hypnotist... it will be a rolling wave of normal, beautiful humanity that will finally pierce through.
Having faith in that... and feeling the empowerment of knowing our daily decisions affect the present as well as the overall crisis of maga cruelty... will be the way through this. Reversing the madness.
We need the "normal" to be so strong, so very blatant. The *best* of a human to be what people expect and see daily.
trump may be on TV and social media... but in our communities and neighborhoods, *we* are the true spokespersons for the state of humanity.
Thank you for sharing your reflection, Tina. I honestly hesitated publishing thus now because the cruelty is so massive that talk of compassion can seem quite minor in the face of it.
Thank you for this reminder. I will ponder the message, pass it on and keep it as a reference in 2026. I’m glad I received it in this Christmas season.
How do people get to the place where they feel no compassion for others? Our dog grieved for months after losing his partner. As the great Jane Goodall said "people may be the most intellectual species on Earth but they are not the most intelligent". Choosing to feel compassion and ultimately empathy for others is a great and powerful gift that requires something of you. Ignoring them is the easy path towards a very shallow and meaningless life. Random thoughts.
I do not believe we have roles given to us at birth - some with compassion and inclusion and others with hate, violence and cruel power. We all have the instincts for both. With education, understanding and wisdom, we overcome the powers within us for meanness and petty jealousy. It is jealousy - someone else has more (love, money, ability) -that drives the souls of those who cannot live in harmony and always feel the twin feelings of being inadequate and yet deserving more. They will always be with us, but we do not need to let them lead.
My condolences to you and family at the loss of your mother. The grieving process is a personal experience. No one grieves the same. Remember to be kind to yourself.
What troubles me more about all that we have experienced in the last 11 months is that there are so many in his regime that mirror his behaviors and actually have worse psychosis tendencies.
Just take him he is clearly a "narcissistic sociopath" who displays traits from both narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). They may also be called malignant narcissists or narcopaths. And he’s displayed also behaviors throughout his life as a psychopath. Which are colder, more calculating, and remorseless, driven by power/control. Every baby starts with "primary narcissism" (self-centeredness), but healthy development teaches separation and empathy; a failure to learn these, often due to parenting styles (indulgent, critical, or emotionally absent), can lead to narcissistic traits or NPD.
While narcissists are fragile, need admiration (supply) for their inflated self-image, and react intensely to criticism, often feeling shame or insecurity beneath their grandiosity. Which at this point in his life has been squelched on feeling any shame.
Psychopaths are often impulsive, predatory, and engage in antisocial behavior without guilt, whereas narcissists seek external validation and can experience some guilt (though often just shame). Again, he has no shame he reveals in the cruelty.
He displayed this his entire life and especially on that program “Apprentice” who engages in pleasure by saying to someone with such fervor “You’re Fired” with a smile on their face. Saying you could shoot someone and not be held accountable. The list just goes on about him. Now with his obvious cognitive decline he’s loosing any ambitions if he had them in the first place.
But the minions who do his bidding as well as their own like Miller, Vought, Noem, Bondi and Hegseth just to name a few is staggering. The old adage is “Like Attracts Like” is validated. Because they all see these behaviors as “normal” that boosts their confidence to such cruel and brutal acts to do more outrageous harm.
What I really can’t comprehend is that he will run any of those that are in this regime down with a bus and back up to ensure they’re done. They take the responsibility because he’s untouchable in his mind.
What also is unbelievable is all the MAGA followers. How can 36% of the population polled support any of this? Staggering utterly unbelievable..
Do not expect any of these things in this entire regime to develop one drop of empathy moving forward… They’ve made their own bed and hope more people see it in the light of day. It’s a shame it will only hit people when it comes to themselves versus their family members, friends and neighbors. Way too many narcissists in this country at least 36% of the population.
We will find our way out, always Hope and rely on the empathy and compassion of fellow citizens. We are strong in numbers. Always Hope and using our voices.
The hatred, cruelty and lack of compassion has greatly increased since Trump became president, so the last ten years. Yes it was always there with a minority of people. Now it’s blatant. Those of use who do have empathy and compassion need to encourage others to use it.
Thank you Mr. Beschloss! the empathy void we now live in is devastating. This will and must end. Your posts are always so thoughtful and on point. Happy Holidays!
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” - Buddha
Nor does compassion. Or empathy.
I think this is the most hopeful, inspiring thing I've heard in a long while.
Thank you for sharing this. ❤️
My condolences on your loss of your mother. Time may make the pain less sharp overall, but it can reappear suddenly at any time. I hope your memories of her help you through those times.
What has bothered me the most since the felon entered our politics is not just the indifference to the suffering of others, but the absolute glee with which the Republicans have inflicted suffering on those who do not have the resources to resist.
I was absolutely horrified by Kristi Noem's account of her killing of a puppy and a goat. She showed no trace of remorse and thought she needed to tell that disturbing story to qualify for a position in the felon's Cabinet. Evidently, she was correct.
Even with those revelations, a third of the US population reelected a man who rewards people like her: cruel, sadistic, and soulless. They voted him back in because they didn't feel like their own suffering was being addressed, yet they refuse to recognize the suffering of others.
They're going to be unpleasantly surprised, I think, when this particular hypocrisy eventually comes back at them -- because it will. I keep hoping that there will be some realization that we are really all the same in our basic needs and desires, but it seems that this is a difficult concept to grasp. It is necessary, however, for our survival. I continue to hope, and to work toward that goal.
The glee, as you note, is especially chilling.
Yes, it is. I'm a retired veterinarian, and worked with people who had empathy for other species, not just their own, so I especially do not understand the apparent enjoyment of cruelty and hatred shown by the felon's supporters to their fellow citizens. What does it provide them? Harboring hatred is ultimately exhausting and erodes our collective humanity.
Martha, so well said. ❤️
It is so difficult to realize that someone you love is dying and leaving a void in your life that can’t be filled. It happened to me in November 2024, my son in law of 36 years was on hospice care and passed away two days before the presidential election on November 3. I was so grateful that, if he had to die, it was before the election. He would have hated the outcome. My daughter, along with his three siblings made the tough decision to put him in hospice and on palliative care. Compassion was the only choice.
I'm very sorry for the loss of your son in law. Who was a son in every sense. 💔
Yes, he was. We are a very close family, and everyone is loved and well regarded by all. I do know how blessed I am to be in such a special group of people.
My heart to you. ❤️
Steven, I'm sorry for the loss of your mother. Thank you for being there for her so she knew how very loved she was.
And thank you for this post. It may be the most hopeful thing I've seen through all of this incredible nightmare.
Please, keep repeating these words to your followers? We all need to be reminded when we feel helpless and hopeless... that staunchly standing by our empathy not only is the humane way to live, but can topple darkness and evil.
Light surely conquers darkness. History proves this.
Whatever trance, spell, or alternate universe those following trump have come under... can be undone.
Instead of a single event or the clapping of a hand by a hypnotist... it will be a rolling wave of normal, beautiful humanity that will finally pierce through.
Having faith in that... and feeling the empowerment of knowing our daily decisions affect the present as well as the overall crisis of maga cruelty... will be the way through this. Reversing the madness.
We need the "normal" to be so strong, so very blatant. The *best* of a human to be what people expect and see daily.
trump may be on TV and social media... but in our communities and neighborhoods, *we* are the true spokespersons for the state of humanity.
Again, thank you for this post.
Thank you for sharing your reflection, Tina. I honestly hesitated publishing thus now because the cruelty is so massive that talk of compassion can seem quite minor in the face of it.
No, not minor at all. I really think it's the lifeline to normality. And it is the ultimate strength. Mostly, it is something they cannot take away.
People need it more than ever from others.
The light shined in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
In a time of great cruelty, we struggle not to become hardened but to cultivate compassion.
In An Age of Indifference
Some words are from an address by
Frederick Douglass
August 4, 1857
We keep stepping on the rake
because it is dark in the garage
and we can’t find the light switch.
We could plug in a new power cord
but that’s too much work. It’s like
we want a weed-free garden
without the rake leaving the garage.
We want rain without lightning,
an ocean without waves.
To stop rake-handles clunking our face
takes both a physical and moral
struggle we encounter every day.
It takes concern to change power.
Power concedes nothing without
demand. Depreciated agitation
may require we buy leaf rakes,
throw out those dissolute hard rakes,
or learn to enjoy the pain.
Thank you, Lynn.
Beautiful... thank you...
Thank you as always Steven Beschloss. Your grace and compassion always shine in the darkness we are living through.
Thank you, Helen.
Thank you for this reminder. I will ponder the message, pass it on and keep it as a reference in 2026. I’m glad I received it in this Christmas season.
Thanks you Steven.
Thanks for this post. Anything and anyone promoting compassion, love and human kindness is to be praised and encouraged.
How do people get to the place where they feel no compassion for others? Our dog grieved for months after losing his partner. As the great Jane Goodall said "people may be the most intellectual species on Earth but they are not the most intelligent". Choosing to feel compassion and ultimately empathy for others is a great and powerful gift that requires something of you. Ignoring them is the easy path towards a very shallow and meaningless life. Random thoughts.
I do not believe we have roles given to us at birth - some with compassion and inclusion and others with hate, violence and cruel power. We all have the instincts for both. With education, understanding and wisdom, we overcome the powers within us for meanness and petty jealousy. It is jealousy - someone else has more (love, money, ability) -that drives the souls of those who cannot live in harmony and always feel the twin feelings of being inadequate and yet deserving more. They will always be with us, but we do not need to let them lead.
My condolences to you and family at the loss of your mother. The grieving process is a personal experience. No one grieves the same. Remember to be kind to yourself.
What troubles me more about all that we have experienced in the last 11 months is that there are so many in his regime that mirror his behaviors and actually have worse psychosis tendencies.
Just take him he is clearly a "narcissistic sociopath" who displays traits from both narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). They may also be called malignant narcissists or narcopaths. And he’s displayed also behaviors throughout his life as a psychopath. Which are colder, more calculating, and remorseless, driven by power/control. Every baby starts with "primary narcissism" (self-centeredness), but healthy development teaches separation and empathy; a failure to learn these, often due to parenting styles (indulgent, critical, or emotionally absent), can lead to narcissistic traits or NPD.
While narcissists are fragile, need admiration (supply) for their inflated self-image, and react intensely to criticism, often feeling shame or insecurity beneath their grandiosity. Which at this point in his life has been squelched on feeling any shame.
Psychopaths are often impulsive, predatory, and engage in antisocial behavior without guilt, whereas narcissists seek external validation and can experience some guilt (though often just shame). Again, he has no shame he reveals in the cruelty.
He displayed this his entire life and especially on that program “Apprentice” who engages in pleasure by saying to someone with such fervor “You’re Fired” with a smile on their face. Saying you could shoot someone and not be held accountable. The list just goes on about him. Now with his obvious cognitive decline he’s loosing any ambitions if he had them in the first place.
But the minions who do his bidding as well as their own like Miller, Vought, Noem, Bondi and Hegseth just to name a few is staggering. The old adage is “Like Attracts Like” is validated. Because they all see these behaviors as “normal” that boosts their confidence to such cruel and brutal acts to do more outrageous harm.
What I really can’t comprehend is that he will run any of those that are in this regime down with a bus and back up to ensure they’re done. They take the responsibility because he’s untouchable in his mind.
What also is unbelievable is all the MAGA followers. How can 36% of the population polled support any of this? Staggering utterly unbelievable..
Do not expect any of these things in this entire regime to develop one drop of empathy moving forward… They’ve made their own bed and hope more people see it in the light of day. It’s a shame it will only hit people when it comes to themselves versus their family members, friends and neighbors. Way too many narcissists in this country at least 36% of the population.
We will find our way out, always Hope and rely on the empathy and compassion of fellow citizens. We are strong in numbers. Always Hope and using our voices.
The hatred, cruelty and lack of compassion has greatly increased since Trump became president, so the last ten years. Yes it was always there with a minority of people. Now it’s blatant. Those of use who do have empathy and compassion need to encourage others to use it.
Thank you Mr. Beschloss! the empathy void we now live in is devastating. This will and must end. Your posts are always so thoughtful and on point. Happy Holidays!