Elections matter, as President Obama once said, but sometimes election outcomes have such a deeply emotional impact that some individuals are not ready to face the next four years.
Tony Trupiano, a Michigan-based, longtime liberal commentator on radio and online broadcasts, announced today that he is saying goodbye to the world of politics. Trupiano had made his name on AM radio and, more recently, on Internet shows and podcasts, for more than 20 years. He was also a dedicated activist, engaging in numerous liberal causes, often as a public speaker at countless political gatherings.
Tony was also a columnist for Eclectablog, and he made his surprise announcement within that forum today.
After the stunning win by Donald Trump last week, Trupiano said that he had gone through about fifteen drafts of a post-election column, but “none of them felt real or right.” Tony decided that it was time to walk away. Unfortunately, in his post-election dismay, he had drawn the conclusion that his many forays into various causes had made little difference.
Here is a portion of his dire message:
I do know I cannot spend the next two to four years posting about, writing about, and speaking about the evils of Trump. I know I can no longer attend meetings, webinars, and discussions that NEVER lead to change, ever! I know that, as a communicator, my message did not succeed and if I did have the answers, and I obviously do not, then I would not be writing this at all, would I?
Yes, we can mobilize and try to lead. Yes, we can form new organizations and try to change things. Yes, we can pretend that our passion is stronger and our resolve is more robust than “theirs”, but I am no longer the messenger the movement needs and it is clear to me that effort and hard work, most especially in politics, is not rewarded. If we are to be honest, and we must, we all know this to be true.
The Democratic Party, both at the state and federal level, has failed us miserably, and we know that, too. The “insider” knowledge I have is astounding and, again, is embarrassing, even disgraceful. We do have politicians who endeavor to lead and some who push for real change and advocate the way we would like them to, but they are too few and the rules of politics will always work against them.
… We all have to prioritize where we are at in our lives. A kind of a personal inventory. I have been doing a lot of that the last three years. Yes, three YEARS. I read too much. I get offended, as many of you do. I wonder and watch and scream at the television. I shake my head in disbelief at the stories I share and the information I get. And I am scared for this country in so many ways. I am frightened for our collective and my personal future but mostly I wonder how much more pain can we endure?
When I first appeared on his AM radio show several years ago, he was buoyant. Now, he appears broken.
In 2015, Tony poured his efforts into a new show on Blogtalkradio.com, without realizing financial gain. When that frustrating endeavor ended, throughout 2016 he appeared on national online shows and podcasts, even as he struggled to balance work and family.
Over time, I think we bonded, in a strange way. In recent years, we both dealt with the slow deterioration and caretaking of a father who took an agonizing road toward death. Decades ago, we both grew up in the maelstrom of an old-fashioned blue-collar, ethnic family where success was not a hope, it was an expectation.
Out of this background, Tony became engaged in countless progressive issues, determined that new public policies and admirable public officials would bring change. As for me, I drifted into what Tony’s colleagues call the “mushy middle,” resolved to a pragmatic, incremental path forward.
I was probably the most centrist guest he had on his shows. But we found common ground in wishing for a better life for “the little guy” – the working class man or woman struggling to pay the bills while putting in long hours for little pay. Tony was passionate in his advocacy for a higher minimum wage, better workplace benefits and protections, and stronger labor unions.
He is, as the old label goes, a “bleeding heart liberal.” Obviously, many in Michigan and in America no longer acknowledge that viewpoint as a legitimate ideology.
So, here is the oddest thing about my relationship with the man – I have never met Tony Trupiano, face to face. We have communicated through the years by email and phone, but mostly we have had heartfelt conversations, on radio and on the Internet, that countless thousands of people have been a part of.
At the end of his goodbye column, Eclectablog founder Chis Savage offered this editor’s note:
“Everyone here at Eclectablog, and me in particular, are sad to hear that a true progressive warrior is laying down his sword and shield. We will sorely miss Tony’s contributions to the ongoing conversation in our state and in our country. I, for one, disagree with Tony’s characterization that he has not changed the world. The world without an activist like Tony Trupiano would look significantly different than it does today and for that we all owe him a deep debt of gratitude. We wish Tony godspeed and will welcome him back with open arms and open hearts should he ever decide to return.”
My wish is that Tony does not return to the distressing world of partisan wars and the social media sewer of 21st Century politics. There are so many things a man of his knowledge and talents can tackle to make a piece of this world a better place.
I say, Tony – one piece at a time.
Photo: Anne Savage
