I’m in interfering Brit mode again. Americans may not like it, but we do have a right to an opinion because we are all affected by what happens in America. That’s what you get for being a superpower.
If I may paraphrase, the basic response from Trump supporters when he is criticised is “Look, we won. Get over it!”
And right there we have the fundamental disconnect, because we’re talking about different things.
Trump supporters think we are talking about politics; our world view versus their world view, this way of doing things versus that way of doing things.
I am not. We are not.
The reason we’re all shouting about Trump is NOT because he’s a Republican. It’s not about politics.
Most of us on the centre and left of the political spectrum would of course be unhappy if Pence was president, but if he won the election we would accept that and, as the Trump supporters keep saying, “get over it”.
This is because Pence is sane. Our disagreement with him ‘is’ political, so we could get on and debate and compromise in a grown up way. Government has to function.
Donald Trump is not sane. He demonstrably has numerous mental problems, narcissism and paranoia chief among them.
Remember, Trump was a Democrat once. He could easily have run as one this time. He chose to run for the party he thought he had the best chance of success with.
I would be just as horrified and just as scared if Trump was now the new Democrat president. Possibly more so.
IT IS NOT ABOUT THE POLITICS.
So my message to Trump supporters is this. Please, for a moment, try something.
Forget that Trump is president.
Forget that Trump is Republican.
Forget that Trump made promises to you.
Forget what is wrong in your life that you hope Trump will fix.
Think about Trump the man.
Think about the things he has said.
Think about his attitudes.
Consider that he repeatedly tells lies that can unquestionably be proven as lies.
If it helps, pretend that he is a Democrat.
No-one, if they are truly being honest with themselves at this stage, can say that they are not disturbed by the nature of Trump.
Now ask yourself this.
Regardless of which party he represents, is this man suitable to be president of the USA?
If you’re still thinking “Yes!”, then you haven’t succeeded in doing what I asked and separated your needs and politics from your perception of Trump the person. Have another go.
If you’re feeling uneasy right now, then listen to your instincts. This man is broken.
To those of us who don’t support Trump, we also need to think hard about what happens next. If Trump is removed from Office, Mike Pence becomes president. That’s when we all need to change our tune. He is not broken, he just has different political views from us. I hope and trust that there will be energetic debate in congress and senate, and across the nation, about his policies and decisions. That’s healthy and we do then all have to “get over it” and try and make things work. If Pence has any sense, he’ll throw the Democrats some bones to help grease the wheels. I think everyone is fed up with non-functional government, right.
Until then, Trump is a danger to us all.
When you hear the uproar against him, remember, it’s not about politics. It is far more fundamental than that.
Filed under: Politics & Religion
