9 Things that Should Be Easy (and 1 That Should Not)

Last updated on: April 28, 2017 at 9:41 am by Erin Wathen

9 Things that Should Be Easy (and 1 That Should Not) 2017-04-28T09:41:21-07:00 Erin Wathen

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I loved my previous life, I loved my previous life. I had so many things going… I actually, this is more work than my previous life. I thought it would be easier.

Incomplete sentences and 2nd grade vocabulary aside, this was yesterday’s not-so-shocking statement from President Man-Child about how very hard it is to be him. I say not-so-shocking, because his narcissism and complete willingness to be obtuse about his own privilege is something we’ve seen before. So of course he thinks his life is rough. Of course he thought this would be easy–because for guys like him, everything always is. And of course, he says something like this in a super awkward attempt to sound humble and–maybe even like a bit of a martyr? “I’m doing all this work for you people, and it’s so much work. You don’t even know. It’s so hard.”

24120120029_38478f1764_z

Completely tone deaf. As ever. Also not shocking.

All this against a background of more passive-agressive sniping with North Korea. Edging us closer to a nuclear war that will take our minds off of the whole Russia thing, and ensure his re-election in 4 years (because war-time Presidents have great job security. Just ask G.W).

When DJT says “I thought it would be easy,” I have this flashback to that appalling Barbie that giggled “Gee, math is hard!” Before the feminist thunder came down and removed her disproportionate self from the shelves, thankyouJesus. But I digress. More than likening him to an actual talking doll whose one selling point was her supposedly-adorable ignorance (note: ignorance is never adorable) I can’t help but think of all the things that should be easy. Just now, in 2017, there are SO MANY THINGS that should be easier than they are.

So in the spirit of that Facebook game, where you name 9 bands you’ve seen in concert and 1 that you have not… we’re going to play a little round of “9 Things.” Here are 9 things that should be easy. And one thing that should not.

Getting access to decent healthcare. In America, we have some of the best doctors, education, and medical facilities in the world. We should be able to go to a doctor when we get sick, without it costing as much as a mortgage payment. We should be able to go to a hospital in a crisis, without going into debt. This access should not be a privilege for the wealthy elite. Or, you know, Congressmen.
Funding public schools. Again, this is America. Free and equal education is a central value of our shared identity, and was a hallmark of the vision of our founding fathers. Education is widely regarded as THE best investment of our tax dollars; education touches everything from economic growth to national security. But ask Kansas how sure we are that our schools will even open in the fall.
Equal pay for women. Yeah, it’s 2017. We should not even be talking about this. And yet…
Avoiding nuclear conflict. With all of the shared knowledge of our global community; with all the wonderful advancements of technology and communication; with the ounce of moral direction that God gave a gnat; we should be able to get through a day without a cavalier, off the cuff remark about imminent doom for the planet.
Protecting our National Parks. Agreed-upon sacred space for over a century… Our greatest national treasures. It should be a no-brainer to protect these resources from corporate greed; not portray them as a product of government overreach and evidence of “abuse” against the American people.
Keeping White Nationalists out of major policy-making positions. Or at least, refraining from sending them an engraved invitation.
Going 24 hours without a major gaff or appalling Tweet that sends your spokespeople scrambling on every major network, and makes us the laughing stock of the free world.
Acknowledging the overwhelming scientific evidence of climate change, and prioritizing alternative energy sources to ensure the future of civilization.
Reading the occasional book and learning something about history. Especially if you have an important job that involves saying things to people, or knowing something about anything.
Being the President of the free world, and arguably, the most powerful man on the planet (Lord, in your mercy…) Being responsible for countless lives and unfathomable resources, both natural and fiscal. Being richAF and having a wide media platform for any combination of words you want to say.

So yes, there are many, many things that should be easy for one who yields the power and influence of the Presidency. 9 of the things on this list should be no sweat. A flick of the pen, and the briefest nod to human decency. But there is one big thing that should not be easy, and that is filling the office of President with dignity and wisdom, and holding the weight of respect for human life that great power demands. Nobody but him would ever say that life would be a lark, a field day, a round of golf with a piece of chocolate cake for dessert.

Only a dangerous combination of arrogance and ignorance could call such a job “easy.” And only an equal measure of courage and compassion will see that he doesn’t get to do this job for long.

Get busy, folks. This should be easy…

*Photo credit, license.

progressive christianity

thought it would be easy

Previous Post

April 27, 2017

In God's Time

Next Post

May 2, 2017 This One Is Different, and It's Also Just the Same: On the Death of Jordan Edwards

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category a good week for progress Advent and Christmas Being a Person desert life faith and community Good News for Progressives Lent and Easter Marriage and Family S*^! Jesus Says sabbatical road tripping Spirituality in Culture Talking to Strangers the "Best Stuff I Ever Ate" diet travel Uncategorized writing Writing Prompt Wednesday

Select a Month January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 February 2011 July 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does "Satan" mean in Hebrew?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Destroyer Evil One Adversary Deceiver