When I voted in last year's presidential election, I felt hopeful. I thought, "Surely, a majority of voters realize what's in their best interest and in the best interest of the general public. Surely, they'll vote accordingly for the candidate who will improve the lives of those who need help."
Alas, that's not how the results turned out.
Today, I've been looking back on that first Tuesday of last November and thinking of the Traffic song, which is better known to many listeners in its Joe Cocker incarnation, "Feelin' Alright." If you don't listen to the lyrics and just focus on the rhythm, it's catchy. Lyrically, however, it's not particularly hopeful, and it's sometimes forgotten that songwriter Dave Mason's title actually includes a question mark. I don't usually see it written as "Feelin' Alright?" even though it's technically correct.
So, am I "feelin' alright?" Considering what this country has become and is attempting to become, no. As Mason wrote, "I'm not feelin' too good myself."
Based on the attendance at No Kings protests, however, it's comforting to know that I'm far from alone.
