Op-Ed: Martin O’Malley 2020

[Koinos]

7. It is possible that the next president will serve only one term.

Frankly, I have been following the character and the conduct of the other two Democratic candidates, and I cannot bring myself to vote for either of them in the primary. I will hold my nose and vote for the Democratic nominee in the general election; but beyond that, I will do nothing. O'Malley, whom I considered to be the best candidate, was rudely shoved aside, blatantly ignored, and even needlessly slandered.

This country is burning with the fire of anger and hatred. Candidates and their supporters are at each others' throats. The people are in an ugly mood. They don't want incremental problem-solving; they want everything all at once. They don't want brotherly love; they want revenge. They want to even the score against their enemies, both real and imagined. They don't want to listen to "their better angels."

O'Malley was too good for this election cycle. I am heartened by the humanity and goodness of those who supported him.

If O'Malley runs again in 2020 and if there is anything left of this once great country, I will work as hard for him as my elderly constitution allows. Hopefully, by then, we will have a rebirth of common sense and mutual respect. Maybe, by that time, people will outgrow their anger and be ready for the full breadth of O'Malley's indefatigable optimism and faith in human nature.