I said this before (see “C’mon People Now” post) but all of the attention given to the demise of the Democratic party with pretty much no focus on the Republican party continues to baffle me. In truth, both parties have their troubles. Actually, that is not quite true.
The Democrats have their problems no doubt. Democrats, however, still exist. On the other hand, the Republican party no longer exists. Their party was in such a shambles that it was ripe for takeover and taken over it was. I don’t know what party they are anymore except to say they are the party of Trump.
The US House Republicans do his bidding.
The US Republican Senators do his bidding.
Republican state governors do his bidding.
All have abdicated their responsibilities to the jobs they swore to uphold and to their constituents whom they were elected to represent in favor of the President (and Republicans wonder where the “No Kings” protests came from).
There are also the Republican Supreme Court Justices who do his bidding.
And, there is the Republican electorate, a huge portion of whom, well, worship the ground the President walks on.
There was a recent article regarding plight of Iowa farmers. They lament the rising cost of equipment and fertilizers, labor shortages, lack of support for renewable energy, the possible import of foreign beef to compete with American ranchers, the inability to sell their crops – all of which are decimating their livelihood and all due to the policies of President Trump.
Yet, a good many are still behind the President: “Doug Keller, 63, who farms about 15 miles southwest of Waterloo, said he was hopeful the president will reach a new trade deal with China that will benefit farmers in the long run. Matt Wyatt, 51, who also voted for Mr. Trump, agreed. ‘Money is tighter than it should be,’ said Mr. Wyatt, who works with Mr. Keller to grow corn and soybeans on close to 1,500 acres of land. ‘But we try to stay optimistic around here.’”
It is not too difficult to find numerous similar stories of Trump supporters who are being negatively impacted (to put it mildly) by Trump’s policies and remain loyal to him. I can’t think of anything worse you could do for yourself than support a political candidate whose polices destroy you and your livelihood.
Let’s go back to before the election. During the campaign period, Trump was convicted of 34 felonies, had more than $83 million in judgements against him for defaming E. Jean Carroll (while he was not convicted of rape, the verdict indicated he had committed sexual assault). It had been frequently reported he stiffed contractors and workers. It was and still is often reported that he lies (according to one article, supporters like it).
Even with all of this, millions of Americans voted for him, so many did so that he was elected President a second time. I don’t believe any other human being could have prevailed under such circumstances.
That leads to the question – why? Why did these people back someone who has so little regard for the law, for truth, and for the working person? And why do they keep supporting someone who (not at all surprisingly) has no regard for them and is hurting them, possibly irreparably? I have a few theories.
The first is that these people have gone all-in. They are in so deep they either don’t know how to get out, or don’t know how to get out while saving face.
Then, there is the possibility of just plain bigotry and/or hate. They are so full of animosity toward those that don’t look like them, there is no price too high to get rid of them.
There is also the cult theory (mentioned in my “C’mon People Now” post). Here are 10 warning signs of a cult from Very Well Mind:
“Cults are characterized by:
1. Absolute authoritarianism without accountability
2, Zero tolerance for criticism or questions
3. Lack of meaningful financial disclosure regarding the budget
4. Unreasonable fears about the outside world that often involve evil conspiracies and persecutions
5. A belief that former followers are always wrong for leaving and there is never a legitimate reason for
anyone else to leave
6. Abuse of members
7. Records, books, articles, or programs documenting the abuses of the leader or group
8. Followers feeling that they are never able to be ‘good enough’
9. A belief that the leader is right at all times
10. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing “truth” or giving validation
Cults are dangerous because they typically rely on deceptive and authoritarian practices
to make members dependent on and obedient to the group.”
When it comes to Trumpism, there are easily 7 of the above cult characteristics that apply.
I am going to repeat – I can’t think of anything worse you could do for yourself than support a political candidate whose polices destroy you and your livelihood.
This is the whole point not having a king, of free elections – to choose those who will represent us. Why on earth would you stand behind someone whose representation is detrimental to you? If politicians aren’t representing you in a manner that makes your life better, or at the very least holds the status quo . . . complain and complain loud. And if they still won’t listen, vote them out. That is your power. Use it.