Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don't
"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty."
~ George Washington, Farewell Address (1796)
If you are a Republican who attacked or criticized Bill Clinton or the Democrat's unflagging support of him during the Lewinsky scandal or are a Democrat who is currently attacking or criticizing Donald J. Trump or his supporters for what he said in 2005 about how he treats women, you are a partisan hypocrite.
Neither Clinton nor Trump are destroying politics by themselves, they are but harbingers of the growing hypocritical base of both parties.
If America cannot find its way to a place where principle matters more than party, then we are well and truly screwed...and not just now, in perpetuity. My grandfather taught me that if you start bad, there is a high probability you will finish bad. You can find a way out but only at a great cost in time and treasure.
I once thought I could vote against Hillary with a vote for Trump because she would be horrible for America. Not so much her alone but her party has shown it will do anything, say anything and support any defective, deviant behavior of their leader as long as the progressive agenda was advanced. The hacked emails of long term Clinton confidant, John Podesta recently revealed that in her speeches, Hillary Clinton revealed a remarkable amount of duplicity, even for a Democrat.
The only thing they care about is putting a "W" on the board. No honor, no truth, no regrets.
I have long suspected the GOP of the same tendency, but for decades, the conservative movement within the GOP was its conscience, keeping it from being its true self.
Trump has now successfully destroyed the conscience of the GOP.
People supporting Trump in light of his progressive policies, his Democrat history and his misogynist actions prove it. He's Bill Clinton with more money, worse hair and a better looking wife. His supporters are just as blind to his character and policy flaws as were Obama voters in 2008 and 2012.
I've long suspected that Trump would self-destruct once the media unleashed the wave of October surprises they were holding in reserve until they would do the most damage.
I've previously stated that I believe Trump is the survivable error, Hillary is not. Now, I'm not so sure. I'm not sure how anyone with a modicum of principle can vote for either of these two candidates.
I have no idea what I will do now.
I was willing to vote for the lesser of two evils but there is no guide book for voting when the candidates are separate but equal evils and one will win. The one thing for certain is that I will never vote for a Clinton or a progressive Democrat in any down ballot situation...but not voting for Trump IS a vote for Clinton.
Truly a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation.