David Lott on another Disputed Election in American History

David Lott offers a contrary view than many readers of this blog have about the election of the now President Trump.  David has paid his dues as a Royal Air Force pilot and a commercial aviator. He has exposed himself to public candidacy for the House of Commons as an early member of the anti-European Union United Kingdom Independent Party.  He is the quintessential English gentleman, a person of firm opinions but always expressed politely.  The following was written several days ago before the presidential inauguration here in the United States. - GNH

Below, not an Englishman's garden, but Steph's
garden in South Australia, a summer's outing in
her bird bath.  It is becoming a tradition to add
a scenic photograph from our readers to this blog.

The Presidential Election of 1876 by David Lott

We were subjected yesterday to wall to wall media attacks upon the President elect and this evening the same is being dealt out to Theresa May. The level of reporting has sunk to a level of unsubstantiated accusation that I have never before seen. I hope mobs do not burn down the White House or attack those who voted for Trump or perhaps in the UK those of us who simply want the same freedom as you enjoy in the USA.

Perhaps the little historical snapshot below will help a provide a sense of perspective. 

Rutherford B. Hayes, Republican vs Samuel Tilden, Democrat

This week’s inauguration is somewhat less controversial than that of President Hayes in the late 1800s.

It seems the Democrats fixed the votes in three southern states and did a little gerrymandering in Oregon. Louisiana, South Carolina and Florida were deemed to have flagrantly rigged the vote in favour of their candidate Tilden. After a commission was appointed from both Congressional houses it was eventually agreed that 20 disputed electoral votes should be handed the Hayes on the eve of inauguration day making him President despite losing the popular vote.

The price paid by the Republicans was to remove all federal troops from the three southern states and allowing the Democrats to dominate.

These Southern Democrats rapidly removed the franchise from black voters. These poor black Americans, people without the protection from federal troops, became subjected to a ballooning Ku Klux Klan leading to hundreds if not thousands of them being lynched.

Perhaps that election deserved an hysterical press reaction.

Surely this election does not merit the strange, divisive disrespectful harrying of the President elect. The outgoing President stokes the fire in addition, surely he should realise that he undermines the Office he holds.

I am sure that for some the change that is coming in the UK and the US is worrying but for many it is a change that is long overdue. Cannot you all wait a little to see how it pans out and then if you thoroughly disapprove complain and change things at the next election? All this protest, abuse, insult and promise of mayhem before the man even takes office or before the arrival of an independent Britain demonstrates an enormous lack of tolerance in both our nations.

Good luck! - David Lott writing from England

Comments?