The Dilemma

[Cyrano]

For the most part, we Dems, more or less, tend to play by the rules of civilization. Those who are following Trump don’t.

As Trump spews his deadly brew of hatred, xenophobia and racism, some of his followers are now attacking American Muslims and mosques. And the protesters at his events who have been physically attacked, are literally putting their own lives at stake by throwing themselves into Trump's “Klan/neo-Nazi” rallies.

As far as we know, there have not yet been any deaths in this current “brown-shirt/white-sheet” moment, but it’s really only a question of time before something deadly could happen.

There are far too many Americans, (ignorant ones, angry ones, and even some crazy ones), who would like nothing better than the breakdown of government and total chaos. What they want is a white, "Christian” country.

We Dems, on the other hand, (with rare exceptions), don’t use physical violence to further our beliefs.

So here’s the dilemma. Physical force always seems to win out in the short run. Rational ideas tend to win out in the long run. But how many bodies will be left in the wake of that long run?

I don’t have an answer to this dilemma and history doesn’t seem to offer one.

What are your thoughts about how we respond to this modern day assault on civilized society? Is there something more we should be doing?

[MineralMan]

1. Get Out The Vote!

That's my answer. Get involved with GOTV activism. Contact your local Democratic Party organization and ask how you can help.

That's how we can win and solve this dilemma.

[Cyrano]

2. Yeah, I did a post on exactly that

a few days ago. However, it seems we should be doing more. I just don't know what that "more" is. It's frustrating.

[MineralMan]

3. I think that's all that will be needed.

When Democrats turn out to vote in high numbers, things work out for the best. When they do not, the reverse occurs. Thus has it been and thus it will be.

[Cyrano]

4. Yeah, but

I can't stop thinking about stolen elections in 2000 and 2004. We had an unelected occupant of the White House for eight years.

And today, the Republicans control a majority of the state legislatures and they keep passing laws to block the votes of those who usually vote Democratic.

To put this in raw terms: I don't believe that "It Can't Happen Here."

[Octafish]

6. Worked in 2008.

Banksters walk free.

War criminals walk free.

Traitors walk free.

Gov. Don Siegelman is back in prison.

Like a charm.

[SamKnause]

9. Exactly.

It seems many are willing to ignore the very things you have

pointed out.

P.S. I would add to your list the warmongering continues unabated.

[MH1]

5. I'm going to be a troublemaker and point out that ISIS, like Trump,

doesn't play by the rules of civilization.

So, the argument might go that "we need a leader who will fight like ISIS fights". (Note that I do not believe that, I am just pointing out the obvious parallel.)

Actually I am pointing that out because I was just thinking this morning, that as a country we are faced with this defining moment, this fundamental dilemma of how do you face down and defeat evil without becoming evil yourself. I don't know the answer, but I know that the answer is NOT that we start (intentionally) bombing civilian social events and (er...) hospitals. Or setting off bomb 1 then waiting til first responders show up and setting off bomb 2 (pretty much the hallmark of evil).

And, the answer is not to elect a racist millionaire entertainer like Trump.

[Cyrano]

7. ISIS is a boil on the ass of humanity

There have been groups like them before and there will be again. They cannot destroy any civilized, technologically advanced country.

This country cannot be toppled by foreign enemies. We can only be defeated from within. And that's what I worry about. Trump is, as you say, "a racist millionaire entertainer." But he's become an extremely dangerous one. And it seems to me that just sitting on the sidelines, eating popcorn, is an insufficient response.

But let me take it one step further. Even if this would-be "Fuhrer" falls, Ted Cruz is one step behind him and just as bad if not worse. I believe we are coming up on a period of time which could decide whether the "American experiment" survives, or the country turns to "the dark side." I really don't have enough faith in the intelligence of the American public to predict the outcome.

Then again, perhaps I'm just being an overly paranoid asshole. It's possible.

[world wide wally]

8. As the man said: Voting is the answer!

And we have to make sure we keep the White House, turn over the Senate and the House, and definitely overhaul the Supreme Court. In other words, we need a nonviolent revolution.
That's a big order, so we have our work cut out for us.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

10. If we let Texas go, how many will follow them?

It's maddening, for sure. Unfortunately, it's going to take an indefinite period of time. I'm 50 and, now, don't expect to see the sea change in my lifetime. I think that's hard for middle class whites to accept. We can learn a lot from folks who have fought for decades for their civil rights. Change is a long, slow process.

Presently, and for years, we are resigned to voting for the "next best" option - socially, Dems are light years better than Rs. But now comes the heavy lift: we have to replace the next best option with Dems that are progressive/liberal both socially and economically. Bernie says it's going to take a revolution and he's right. I'm supporting Bernie, and wouldn't at all be shocked if he's elected President. However, we're not close to a revolution. We're stuck with next best options down ballot.