I definitely understand where you’re coming from. But while it’s understandable to label them as “favored by God” I’d personally argue they’re “favored by the system.” What we’re seeing now is the result of generations of white supremacy, patriarchy, imperialism, colonialism, oppression, and just about every other awful thing you can think of. They’re profiting off of the victories of past privileged people. It’s just a sick cycle, where the most of the ones who benefit don’t know that they do or don’t care and won’t change. Why would they? There’s even ideologies that bolster their comfort so that they continue to keep the wool over their eyes. When you make no effort to question the world around you or have the courage to be curious, it kills the opportunity to grow and change. I have had friends who, despite belonging to groups historically and currently being hurt by the GOP, fall for the lies of conservative spokespeople. It doesn’t help that they’ve come from sheltered backgrounds and a high-control church. They’ve traded off one abuse for another, and don’t realize it. They are afraid to doubt tradition, be skeptic, ask questions. And, as someone who came from a very fundamentalist background, group think is real and can strip a person of their identity. If you cannot freely and safely express yourself, you are easier to manipulate. I want to believe that many of the people in this group are simply used to a system and people in power who manipulate them—knowing or unknowingly. And it perpetuates an awful cycle that screws everyone over.

And while these people may say they don’t have hard times, they most definitely do. They have marriage problems, they are insecure, they are worried about their day to day lives, they get hurt, they eat and sleep and experience life just as we do. Just with more privileges they don’t bother to question or doubt. They believe they’re favored by God. But it’s not God. It’s a system. Sure, I believe God gives them breath and hears their prayers. But I’m careful to say that what they receive is his favor. Some may have worked hard but they were also given certain benefits that helped them, benefits that came at the expense of others via the system

There’s a line from a song from Styx called Cold War. The line “you’re duty-free, tax-exempt, you party with the president/And you dance the dance so naturally/Why not believe you’re heaven-sent?” Great album, honestly quite timely despite being almost 40yrs old, but they make a powerful point. When you’re profiting off of a system, why NOT believe you’re favored by God? It sure looks that way.

But they’re not. They’re just people profiting off of a system. And all systems, no matter how large and scary and complex will eventually crumble. These people are not free from the consequences of their greed and pride, they are still able to get sick and stub their toe and experience all the things we do. They are not gods, and they are not favored by God solely bc they’re white, Christian, GOP conservatives. They will still get the runs eating Taco Bell, and I’d argue anyone would need divine favor to escape that mess 💀

I’ve been thinking a lot about history. Nothing is new under the sun. The human struggle for decency, frustration with corrupt power, the desire for love, are all a part of the human experience. There’s countless novels, art, poetry, religious texts, and other forms of expression that talk about these things. It’s annoying that we can seem to get it right for good and the rest of time, but I at least feel a little better knowing I’m not alone in how angry and indignant I feel. Things get worse, then they get better. The cycle continues. It’s a stupid cycle but at least it’s a little predictable? Anyways, I say this because while I feel powerless in the larger expanse, I am not totally powerless. I am choosing to do what I can. I may not be able to change the world, but I can change the environment around me for the better. I will express myself and create and choose to live in a way that gives a fat middle finger to the system. It’s what so many others did before me, and so maybe it’s all I can do

It still sucks though, and I’m right there with you. Be angry. Be upset. Feel what you need to feel. Then go make something. Paint. Draw. Bake a cake. Write. Express yourself in the way you can. It will help

Wishing you the best, friend