2024 Election Angst
After waking up about 4 am the other night, I had trouble falling back asleep. Thoughts of the upcoming election were ricocheting around in my head.
The electorate is evenly split, and both sides find it inconceivable that the other side could think what they think. Why so polarized? Perspectives are part of the issue, driven by differences in our information sources, but there’s something else, something deeper. We’ll start, though, with perspectives and desires.
Me
I’m a 70 year old white guy who grew up in suburban Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was a Gerald R Ford Republican and in many ways I am still conservative — I think it’s better to spend less than you make and I would like to preserve an environment and climate that is hospitable for our grandchildren.
I no longer attend church, but I have read good chunks of the Bible, including the Gospels in their entirety. I see “Love your neighbor as yourself” as excellent advice.
Now here’s my question. If I support preserving our environment and do my best to treat others with kindness and respect, including those with different backgrounds or lifestyles, does that make me a “woke” person following an extreme liberal agenda? G. R. Ford Republicans wouldn’t see me that way, but I suspect the MAGA crowd would.
Trump
What’s there to say that hasn’t already been said? He’s a 78 year-old mentally diminished con-man who lies incessantly. He is a person championed by racists, is comfortable cheating, repeatedly stiffed those who worked for him, assaulted women and bragged about it, thinks wind turbines cause cancer and thought it might be a good idea to inject bleach in our fight against Covid. As president, he took an oath to defend the Constitution and then tried to overthrow an election.
The list of things he has said and done that should disqualify him from any position of authority is endless. But that’s not how his supporters see him. We must work to understand that which seems inconceivable.
Trump’s fans seem to think he’s God’s gift to the world. What is it that he provides that others don’t? What are they expecting him to deliver? A world where our borders are sealed and everyone they deem undesirable is deported or put in camps? A world where pregnancy means forfeiting one’s autonomy to the government (i.e., slavery)? A world where his dictator friends are free to do as they please? A world where police get to act as judge and jury and rough-up whoever they think should be taught a lesson? A world where unflattering news outlets lose their broadcast license? A world where making money takes precedence over environmental concerns? A world where Trump and his minions can do whatever they want with no fear of consequences?
Given what Trump advocates, and the MAGA crowd supports, it seems they would like to morph the US into something that resembles Russia, China, or North Korea. Trump openly admires dictators and does anyone doubt their praise would bring a grin to his face?
MAGA
What subterranean fire powers the MAGA desire to redo our nation? It seems tied to their antipathy towards those who live outside the boundaries of the straight, white, Christian, nationalist MAGA world. If so, how and why do supposed Christians justify such an attitude? Did I miss a Bible section where Jesus taught us who we should despise?
Here’s what I think: Trump’s supporters fear the future. Technological shifts and the transition to a global economy have created chaos in many lives. Layered on top of that, the MAGA world sees the approach of a multi-cultural majority and the loss of their dominant societal position. The world of core MAGA rightly senses their control slipping away and they don’t think conventional politics or politicians can help.
Trump’s supporters want protection. They want to be shielded from the challenges of a globally connected world and, top of list, they want to keep their position at the head of the table. They perceive the need for a “strongman,” someone willing to break the rules if need be.
Might the desire for a rule-breaker be why the conventional candidates fell by the wayside in the primaries? Core MAGA rejects civility because they don’t see it as a viable game plan. Based on Jan 6, they seem to believe their better option is to trample those who stand in their way. Think of all the Republican office holders around the country — headlined by Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Brad Raffensperger, and Mike Pence — who prioritized their oath of office over bowing to the demands of MAGA insurrectionists and sympathizers. MAGA has not been bashful in showering them with abuse.
Trump and the MAGA core may hug the flag, but they are not patriots desirous of defending the Constitution. They are insurrectionists afraid of losing control. Beyond abusing those who would not bow, MAGA has demonstrated a willingness to be violent and push the Constitution aside to keep Trump in power and stymie the advancing multi-cultural wave.
Choosing Our Future
Trump habitually accuses his opponents of doing what he has done or plans on doing. It’s comical, but he accuses his opponents of lying and cheating. He accuses ethical Republicans of being RINOs (Republicans In Name Only). Now he claims we will no longer have a country if Harris wins. Translation: The country’s success depends on straight, white, Christian men setting the agenda. In reality, it’s MAGA’s desire to implement Project 2025 that would create a country we no longer recognize.
With the Supreme Court giving the President immunity, Senate Republicans lacking the spine to convict if the House were to impeach, and the President having the power to grant pardons, the stage is set for Trump to wreck havoc if elected. He has already demonstrated his sworn oath is meaningless.
If you’re not part of the MAGA core, but plan on voting for Trump because he is running under the Republican banner, you’re being scammed. Trump is no Republican. It is he who is a RINO. True Republicans strive to strengthen our country, not destroy it. Trump is a narcissist and wannabe dictator who has hijacked the Republican Party by conning his MAGA supporters into thinking he cares about them. He doesn’t; true concern isn’t dependent on fealty.
We must deny Trump the Presidency. We must flush him one final time. After that, we can work to address in a civil fashion our issues, including the fears of his followers.
