I am so depressed

[Pototan]

Not for myself. After 50 years in the political trenches (I am 71 Years old) I have retired to the central Philippines, with my wife, on a 25-acre family farm. I live a very good life, so I'm not depressed for myself, but for my native country and for the world.

As a product of the late 60's and early 70's, during my early adult life I had such hope for the future of mankind. Like most of you, providing for my family and having a solid, rewarding job was a priority. But working for peace and social justice was always on my plate, as I became a Union Business Agent with political functions as part of my responsibilities.

Having said all that, the most recent news could not be more depressing. Right Wing, Authoritarian governments on the ascent throughout the world. Wars on multiple continents. A no-good piece of shit, like Donald Trump, almost assured of the nomination from one of the two major political parties in America. And worse yet, a plausible chance of becoming President again.

I know some here think, "well, if that's the way you feel, why didn't you stay and fight"? First off, everyone deserves a peaceful and dignified retirement, me included. My work contributed, in my small way, to a pro-worker, progressive government in deep blue Massachusetts. But let's face facts, there was little I could do to affect change in West Virginia, Florida and Ohio, let alone Europe and the Middle East. Second, I love my 68-year-old Filipina wife, who sacrificed to help us live a successful life in America and to earn a solid retirement in the Philippines as we enter the final chapter of our lives.

So, nothing says that I can't enjoy my personal life and still be depressed as a member of the world community. After all, I think you will agree, the news is quite depressing.

[progressoid]

1. I've noticed that my alcohol consumption is on the rise again.

[Redleg]

19. It's funny that I do just the opposite

The more depressed I am the less likely I am to drink. I do find it quite difficult to focus on my work.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Thank you for speaking up, my dear Pototan. It's important.

And yes, the news is depressing.

I try to keep in mind that there are many good people, even in our government, who are working to make the world a better place.

The authoritarians and oligarchs sure want to defeat us! We must not lose heart or give up.

It's difficult work and that's a challenge.

[Walleye]

3. It is depressing when all the things we have accomplished are being trashed

Especially speaking as a woman, 50 years of progress gone. It’s up to the younger women now. We did what we could and we’re tired. But the Polish election today was kind of a bright spot. You do deserve a peaceful retirement. Keep hope alive

[tiredtoo]

4. 40 some years of hate radio and fux news created this. eom

[BigmanPigman]

5. "Why didn't you stay and fight"?

Who thinks something like that? I doubt anyone on DU would even suggest such a thing. People on this site are pretty rational and grounded.

[Pototan]

8. I was told that in a previous post...

... about my move. To be sure, there was only one like that and many more who defended my position.

I tried to locate that post, but the DU system doesn't go back that far for my previous posts. I hope that you will take my word for it.

[BigmanPigman]

13. I believe you and am

I am glad there was only a single reply of that nature.

[Deuxcents]

6. I am happy for you, Pototan.

You are absolutely right about working hard for you and your family and now you have what you both have worked for. You are also right, imo, about being depressed about the state of affairs here and in this crazy world we live in. There are times I wonder what I would do if the next election puts the madman back in our White House. Where can I go..I don’t even have a passport! Seriously, I try not to dwell on it but I’m a liar if I say I don’t think about it..sometimes, too much. I hope for you and your family many years of health and happiness and peace..we seem to get things right even in spite of ourselves

[Pototan]

9. By the way

my screen name, Pototan, is the name of my adopted town here in the Philippines.

Take a look at it.

[Deuxcents]

10. I did take a quick look..sure like their festivals.

It was so different than what I had in my mind about the Philippines but it said a first class municipality..looks like the weather is moderate and beautiful architecture. I always learn something here..ty

[Pototan]

17. Pototan is a suburb of Iloilo City...

... a most beautiful and modern city. It's about 17 miles from downtown Pototan to downtown Iloilo City. It takes about 45 minutes from my house to get to the center of Iloilo City.

Pototan is in Iloilo Province with a population of 77,000 people. Iloilo city is the Capital of Iloilo Province.

Think of Iloilo Province like New York State, if New York City was its capital (I know it's Albany), Iloilo City is in the province and the capital. Hence, Iloilo City, Iloilo. Buffalo, New York; Pototan, Iloilo.

I just was approved for a 13a visa which is similar to a green card in the U.S. I qualify as the spouse of a Filipina. It gives me all the rights of a Filipino, except the right to vote or own land. I have free exit and entrance into the Philippines, access to discounts because of my age, a driver's license and to participate in the nationalized health care system.

[BigmanPigman]

14. I had many students from the Philippians in my first grade

classroom and I was always so glad. I learned a lot about the food from their parents who would bring tons of food. They always invited me to their birthday parties at their home. I always left with enough food for 3 days.....yummy! Adobo, lumpia, lechon and even balut. No one could believe I liked balut but when eaten slightly warm with salt and vinegar it is heaven. I think that in one of the few things I miss about teaching.

[usonian]

7. Fascism raises its ugly head every so often.

I'm fighting it, in my retirement here.

What about communism? There is no such thing, just authoritarian states.

Fight movements that take advantage of people. That struggle never ends. What matters is what you and I do.

[RussBLib]

11. you have the luxury...

...of watching from afar.

All is far from lost, no matter how fucked up things may seem.

https://russblib.blogspot.com

[delisen]

12. Keep doing what you can where you are in the Phillpines

It is becoming a very small world and I think it is great that you are still posting here.

Things may seem very depressing but I am seeing some progress. The elections in Poland are looking good and Bolsonaro gone from Brazil is a positive. We will soon be seeing a ramp up on addressing climate change.

What I find very helpful is hearing what is happening in other countries from people actually living there. I hope that you and your wife will share with us

[Random Boomer]

15. These are the "good old days"

No matter how bad things are today, they will be worse tomorrow. The human world is on a terminal decline as we gobble up diminishing resources and climate change escalates. Savor what you have now, while you can.

[Snackshack]

16. Ditto.

[Bayard]

18. You have earned your retirement, and to live where you choose

You're not the only one feeling this way though. We'll be lucky if all of us don't come out on the other side with PTSD.