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Sure there are dishonest men in local government. But there are dishonest men in national politics, too.
-- Richard M. Nixon
I was talking with a friend this week about Trumps upcoming presidency. She is a registered voter, though not affiliated with either the republican or Democratic Party. Still, she had assumed that there was zero chance that Trump could possibly win the 2016 election.
She was convinced that the public would overwhelmingly appreciate that Hillary Clinton would be a better president than Trump. I pointed out that Trump sets the bar so low that even Richard Nixon would be a far superior choice. How then, she asked, was Trump able to win the election -- despite the popular vote -- and what might we expect from his presidency?
First, as outrageous as it was, Trumps campaign was far from original. In fact, too much attention was paid to his often purposeful bullshit. More should have been focused on why he was performing that way. Many of us are old enough to remember how Ronald Reagan was packaged -- based upon using his previous television image to distract from his true nature -- and recognized that Trump was running the modern equivalent, exploiting the internet. This included the intentional appeal to the alt-right, a collection of sub-groups that generally are not considered likely voters. Thus, the unanticipated wins in several key states.
The campaign also copied the law and order message that Nixon ran on. Like Tricky Dick, he excuses his own behaviors -- both of their campaigns were influenced by other nations, among other things -- by combining denials with a thats how its done approach. President Nixon sought an advantage by promoting the idea that he was unstable and angry when it came to international issues; Trump has not waited to be sworn in to engage in similar behaviors.
President Nixon sought an advantage over the Soviet Union, by playing a China card. Trump is seeking to gain advantages over China, by cozying up to Russias leader. There are, of course, many significant differences. The world is a very different place today. Also, Nixon was actually well informed on global relationships, and had decades of experience in this arena. Thus, he was viewed as capable, though unstable, while Trump is viewed as not capable and unstable.
In domestic terms, Nixon represented phase one of the republican partys attempts to dismantle FDR and LBJs social programs. Reagan, of course, was phase two. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney instituted the foundation for a high-tech feudalism. Already, in my region, funding for non-profit agencies is evaporating, in anticipation of Trump.
Since winning the election, Trump has displayed little if any loyalty to his campaign promises. The selections for his administration indicate that they will pursue an aggressive, reckless foreign policy, and an anti-environment form of social Darwinism domestically. Bad as these are, what is definitely worse is that Trump is largely being allowed to dictate what field the contest will be played upon.
Its not limited to the power of the office of the president, although as we have seen in recent times that while there are limits to what good a president can do, the ability to do bad is limitless. Nor is it because 90+ percent of elected representatives in DC are puppets of the 1% and multi-national corporations. Or that the media is a pathetic excuse for the free press defined by Amendment 1.
The biggest stumbling blocks that threaten to prevent effective resistance to the Trump administration is found within the grass roots. The first is the belief that some leader is going to save us. If only Adlai Stevenson would expose Trump. Maybe the Beatles will reunite. Or a flaming apple pie will appear from the heavens. Where is Gandhi when we need him?
The harsh, cold truth is that it is up to us. You, me, and everyone else that did not vote for Trump. Thats the starting point. And it brings us to that second stumbling block, which by no coincidence is also found firmly planted between peoples ears -- the foolish, self-indulgent divisions that fester when some insist that they will refuse to work with those who have different opinions, or hold different values. One example should do (although the same concept can be applied to many others): the silly, irrational stance that Bernie Sanders is not a democrat. As if the reality of the 2016 Democrat Party primary can be ignored, and that very ignorance will result in a stronger party.
Factionalism, self-righteousness, and aggressive ignorance create the arena in which Donald Trump wins. He depends upon people like you and I to react mindlessly; instead, we must respond intelligently. That does not mean that we have to think alike, or hold identical values. Far from it. Instead, it requires that we put forth our best efforts -- and that isnt limited to posting on the internet -- with full confidence that the movement will bring forth its own leadership.
Peace,
H2O Man
So glad to read this
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)While I do not anticipate this will be popular with the vast majority on this forum, I believe it is both true and important.
mountain grammy
(26,598 posts)Well said.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I appreciate that you took the time to read this and to respond!
niyad
(113,029 posts)suffragette
(12,232 posts)He is experienced at creating the swirling mass of ugliness that surrounds and propels both.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)"Divide and conquer" always allows for exploitation. That applies domestically, as well as internationally.
ismnotwasm
(41,956 posts)Or the lies told about Hillary, the whole "Bernie or Bust" movement. Self indulgence does, indeed abound.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)in the arena of politics.
ismnotwasm
(41,956 posts)But so much of what politics embraces are those cousin of lies--innuendos and out of context.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I supported Bernie Sanders in the primary. Although I read about the alleged "Bernie or Bust" phenomenon -- exclusively here on DU -- in real life, I never spoke to anyone who took that stance. In fact, I never met a single human being who was invested in that mindset.
Obviously, that doesn't make it a "lie," or even a cousin to a lie. I wouldn't even suggest that it was or is a third cousin, twice removed. But I can say for certain that in my own experience, such a thing did not exist beyond DU. Yet I respect that others may have had different experiences.
ismnotwasm
(41,956 posts)A feminist who used to post here on DU--shocked me to see it in her sig line. One of my friends--who was quite active in Bernie's campaign simply told me my vote would probably have more meaning than his--another couple from Arizona, their first time in any political involvement was Bernie's campaign, they have pictures of Jane Sanders and them smiling together--have simply decided that they will try not to cause any harm or pain between friends, but there were no circumstances that would cause them to vote for Hillary Clinton. Others.
They are good people, all of them that are my friends. The ones that bother me are the ones who have left the Democrat party for the Green Party--despite the current danger.
I get them. I voted third party in the national election until the year George W. Bush came along, then the stakes were to high--I knew that motherfucker would get us involved in a war and I was right---just not the way I had envisioned
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I have family, friends, and associates who are politically active, but not registered with the Democratic Party. Most of them were excited with Sanders' run, though in our state, they could not participate in the primary.
A few years back, in a "local" incident that received national and international attention, a Town Supervisor -- from a mutant tea party group -- attacked a tiny Sufi settlement. In response, area people put minor differences behind them, and joined together to elect the first democratic majority in the town's history. This included Democrats, Greens, Independents, and republicans, joining together.
I'm not sure that same coalition of voters could have been created, without the toxic threat of the mutant. Yet, it would seem to be equally important, if only to prevent diseased minds from winning office.
ismnotwasm
(41,956 posts)There is a common enemy. It would also be great to get some much needed political reform out of this if we do
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)malthaussen
(17,175 posts)... about the incipient breakup of the GOP. It now looks as though that party is alive and well, while the Democrats are ready to splinter even further. I thought it an interesting commentary that the GOP had only two "faithless" Electors, while the Washington Democrats found it necessary to "make a point" by refusing their vote to Mrs Clinton. Just as, apparently, many voters found it necessary to "make a point" by abstaining from voting. What "point" they were making remains obscure, but I'm sure they had their reasons.
Glad you got your account troubles sorted out.
-- Mal
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)Very interesting, and extremely important.
I think that this is the best illustration of what is wrong with heading in the direction that so many people are going in.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)that the GOP is dying? Too many. During this election, if I ever did comment to that opinion, it was along the lines of habeus corpus- show me the body. The corpse, as usual, appears alive and well.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)I think they will because he's just as much a threat to them as he is to us. Maybe even more of a threat.
I do believe he will encounter a great deal of resistance from institutions too. I work in UC Berkeley and they've already put out notifications emails to all of us that they will protect our undocumented students. They've long since pledged support specifically for them. Donald Trump will be swamped with litigation. If Congress can't or won't stop him there is everything else in this country who will do their bit to stop him. I hope he becomes hog tied by a thousand cuts of litigation.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)Thank you for an encouraging response!
lunatica
(53,410 posts)Normally it would take us a very long time to see someone for what they really are. We're breaking all kinds of records in our ability to see him and his minions for what they are early on. I do believe we have each other and the media to thank for this, so I'm conflicted about condemning the media entirely. He was elected less than a month ago and already we have a good and growing understanding of what's going on.
We know what lies ahead in general if not in specifics yet. We know it will change our country profoundly, perhaps for the worse, as far as our Democracy and freedom go. We know there will be much suffering. But many of us are not stupid and we know that the truth is paramount. I think that's pretty good given the circumstances. We're already preparing for the worst in record time.
Our country is going to change. The question is what part do each of us play in that change and in what direction do we go. Many will sit back and allow it to change for the worse. But also many of us are already gathering our wits because we know we'll have a part in the outcome of our future. Regretfully there will be violence, but that may be something we must accept as an eventuality. And Trump's appointments of Generals does not bode well because it smells like coup tactics.
I feel it's necessary to imagine the worse case scenarios and to try to prepare for them because I've always been a true believer that we are no different than any other people in the world and that as such we are just as susceptible to Fascism and Dictatorships.
One advantage, which surprises me to believe because I'm a peacenik is that our citizenry are armed. It might be that in this respect our Founding Fathers got it right too.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)makes us more susceptible to fascism than most European countries. Religion gets you comfortable with having an authoritarian figure in your life.
annabanana
(52,791 posts)Any "purity tests" will only serve to weaken our response to an outright pillaging of the public weal.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)There are not "pure" adults. Never have been, never will be. Our best bet is to concentrate on working with other human beings.
democrank
(11,084 posts)I thoroughly agree with your assessment of our "foolish, self-indulgent divisions" and believe that we stand a near-zero chance of retaking the house and senate unless we figure out a way to work together.
The dismissive tone here about how we can still win even if we ignore rural white voters, ignore young voters, ignore red states, ignore independents, ignore the Rust Belt, ignore the south, ignore anyone who doesn't have a (D) next to their name, is beyond foolish. Do we control the House? NO. Do we control the senate? NO. The White House? NO. Obviously, we must do something different.
We ARE the change we're waiting for. The grassroots should rise up, state our positions, demand to be heard, build on our unity, promise to withhold votes and contributions if we are ignored, and a leader or leaders will surface. We must stop waiting for Washington to save us. They aren't going to.
WE must save us.
~PEACE~
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)What a great response!
creeksneakers2
(7,472 posts)Democrank wrote, "demand to be heard.... promise to withhold votes and contributions if we are ignored."
Isn't that Bernie or bustism? If you don't like the direction of the party you should challenge during primaries and support the nominees.
democrank
(11,084 posts)Just so you know.....I was a proud Bernie supporter during the primaries, and voted for Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, as did most Bernie supporters I know, so I wasn't advocating "Bernie or bustism" like you suggested.
creeksneakers2
(7,472 posts)by withholding votes?
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)Dean outlined a 50 state strategy. Yeah, he now seems to have been bought and paid for, but that idea still has merit. We can't present our case to rural, etc, voters if we refuse to acknowledge that they exist.
h2ebits
(640 posts)I have been beside myself this election cycle and in great anguish since Trump was elected. Not only Trump, but the takeover of both Houses, which gets next to no mention.
Thank you for your words to attempt to turn the infighting into something productive. Your final three paragraphs speak volumes for/to me.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)There is a path to social justice. Those who sit by and seek comfort in complaining risk allowing that path time to become over-grown, and impossible to find.
hlthe2b
(102,105 posts)How is your cousin doing since the trial/conviction of the murderous cop that took his son's life. That story touched me and I hope your family is able to heal.
We had a total victory in civil court last month; the results will come in January. The criminal trial put the thug in prison, and he cannot be considered for parole until he is 98.
The holiday time is, of course, still difficult. I spoke with my cousin yesterday; will again this evening; and will visit him tomorrow.
panader0
(25,816 posts)Great post too.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)but, as you know, the holidays are difficult for some of us. My mother died on Thanksgiving day 1981. I was 13. It takes a lot of time to come to grips with tragedies, especially during the holidays, when everybody is supposed to be happy
il_lilac
(895 posts)It IS up to us to work with EVERYone who opposes this megalomaniac. Whether the dreaded third party voters or the Mormon tabernacle choir, or Bernie supporter, we are working toward a common goal- Saving our country and possibly the world. Thank you for your wisdom!
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I think that we would do best by considering what we do have in common -- what beliefs and values -- rather than on what separates us. And, right now, we have a common enemy. That enemy is a mindset that we should avoid feeding.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,516 posts)I was not disappointed.........in fact, I am never disappointed in what you have to say.
The fact is that your thinking is so clear, so true, so intelligent, that I never know quite what to say. Your thinking is way ahead of mine.
K&R will have to do.
Thank you!
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)Of course, you bear primary responsibility for my being back here (along with RotS, Will P, and Skinner sharing the blame).
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,516 posts)spanone
(135,781 posts)H2O Man
(73,506 posts)kentuck
(111,051 posts)It is up to us.
Even if you were to disagree with Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton 75% of the time, that is still less than what the average DUer would disagree with Donald Trump.
I think that a majority of people who agree with my OP will initially view it as unfortunately true. In time, I suspect that it will be understood to be equally true that we are fortunate to have this opportunity. For as Harry Nilsson taught John Lennon, everything is the exact opposite of what it really is.
kentuck
(111,051 posts)There may be something to it.
Pachamama
(16,884 posts)H2O Man
(73,506 posts)suffragette
(12,232 posts)I'd like to point out a bright spot that fits here - the election of Pramila Jayapal to McDermott's Washington State House seat.
She comes from a grass roots and community organizing background and I think she will be one to watch and support in 2017.
During the dark years of Bush Jr., she organized and advocated for immigrant rights. She pulled people together to advocate for rights during that challenging and dark time of edicts like the Patriot Act and the push into the Iraq war.
She didn't give up, but instead organized and built an organization that continues that fight.
https://weareoneamerica.org/pramila-jayapal-leaving-oneamerica
Ten years ago, in the wake of 9/11, Pramila gathered some concerned community members to address the backlash against immigrant communities of color. A decade later, OneAmerica has grown into the largest immigrant advocacy organization in Washington State and a leading force for immigrant rights nationally.
OneAmerica board and staff thank Pramila for providing her visionary leadership and unyielding commitment to social justice in helping create a powerful, sustainable, and ever-growing organization that impacts so many residents across the state.
Please see statements below from Pramila and OneAmerica Board President Luis Fraga on her announcement. For more on Pramila's incredible leadership and OneAmerica's transition plan and our search for a new Executive Director, see below.
Now we in Washington State are sending her to DC and I look forward to seeing the work she can do with allies in Congress.
LisaM
(27,792 posts)It was unfortunate that they had to run against each other (I voted for Walkinshaw). He comes from a really great family and had great bona fides as well, especially on the environment. Too bad they were both in the same race. Really too bad.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)when there are two good candidates running against each other. In a very real sense, republicans never experience this.
suffragette
(12,232 posts)Of them in DC to work for us.
I voted for Jayapal, but Walkinshaw is also a great advocate and we need his energy in fighting for the environment. I hope we will hear much more from him in the future.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)And encouraging!
That is a wonderful example. Thank you!
suffragette
(12,232 posts)natural allies and how important it is to overcome that.
All she says here is as important and vital today as it was then.
I think you'd really enjoy the read!
http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/what-is-the-good-life/mother-of-exiles
tenorly
(2,037 posts)"The illegal we do immediately; the unconstitutional takes a little longer."
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)Henry was quick to do the unconstitutional, too.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)but when this vampire and his evil cousin Cheney kick it I am going on a bender.
Me.
(35,454 posts)I think every picture of him meets that description.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,164 posts)H2O Man
(73,506 posts)gademocrat7
(10,643 posts)H2O Man
(73,506 posts)Angry Dragon
(36,693 posts)H2O Man
(73,506 posts)Angry Dragon
(36,693 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)Best thing I have read lately.
ailsagirl
(22,885 posts)H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I appreciate that!
shraby
(21,946 posts)and not in the voter's pocket.
I've also learned that democrats try to help the voter but not hard enough. If they would just go hard for programs that people want they would probably do great at the ballot box.
We need to stand as one in order to tilt the playing field. Divided just doesn't work.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)that deserve close attention. Thank you!
lunatica
(53,410 posts)They've helped, perhaps unwittingly, the status quo which has led to the election of Trump. Especially by ignoring the far Left and becoming centrists. They've allowed the kind of situation in which the Right can go even further Right as they please.
We have to admit that in many ways our Party has moved too far to the right, especially since Bill Clinton's Administration. When just keeping the status quo is meaningless because it's too far Right for anyone to consider their vote to be of any importance the election of Trump is not that hard to understand. If everyone moves to the right then it's no surprise if the winner is as far Right as they come. So much so that it's closer to Fascism than to Democracy.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)It is hard to identify any other reason, for example, why a significant number of union members would vote for Trump. That just doesn't make sense. Trump has ripped off union workers over and over again. Yet, some feel that the Democratic Party -- specifically, the party leadership -- is either out of touch with their needs, or that they've betrayed working people.
many a good man
(5,997 posts)Thanks for your wise words. Now more than ever we can see the fragility of liberal democracy.
The opposite of Liberal Democracy is not Conservative Democracy as some may think. The opposite is Illiberal Democracy and now we are seeing the long arc of history bend back towards injustice. We must all fight for it now because if you don't have it it's the hardest (and noblest) thing in the world to win.
Half of Trump supporters are hopeless deplorables and the other half vote merely to hold power over the hated liberals. I think "the other half" may join us in defending our country's most basic principles once they witness the opposite.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I found your last paragraph particularly interesting. While I don't agree completely -- I've heard reports that 14% of registered Democrats voted for Trump, and question if they are accurately described as either "hopeless deplorables" or people who "hate liberals" -- I do believe that, in time, many of those who voted for Trump will actively oppose him.
I agree completely with you on the need to fight for justice. Many of the gains in civil/human rights in the past 50 years have suffered damaged in recent years. All are at risk under a Trump administration.
Thanks! Much appreciated.
voteearlyvoteoften
(1,716 posts)Peace
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)bullwinkle428
(20,628 posts)me to maintain my star membership at DU.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)MFM008
(19,803 posts)she didnt even vote because maggot had no chance of winning.
It was in the "bag".
I think that it is as much a responsibility as it is a right to vote. Thus, I vote in every election, from local to national. I've long believed that the only wasted vote is the one that remains un-cast.
There were lots of people who took for granted that Trump could not possibly win a presidential election. They were unfortunately wrong.
Blue_Roses
(12,894 posts)I needed this pep talk today.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I'm glad that you liked the OP.
myrna minx
(22,772 posts)I haven't posted here for a very long time, but I wanted to log-in to K&R your excellent essay. Thank you. It's nice to see your wisdom around these parts.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)Good to see you! I did not anticipate that this OP would get much of a response. So I'm happy with the results. It's especially nice to see some of the DU "old-timers" here.
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,852 posts)H2O Man
(73,506 posts)calimary
(81,085 posts)I'd like to offer a gentle reminder here. Let's not fall into using the bad guys' memes.
It's the DEMOCRATIC Party.
NOT "Democrat Party."
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)the OP, I see that I indeed unintentionally commit this sin. I had previously spelled it correctly in the essay. I suppose I should expect some will find that the most important part of the OP/thread. (grin)
calimary
(81,085 posts)I've begun to call out various talking heads on Twitter if I've heard them say that on the air, OR I hear a guest of theirs do it on the air and they don't correct it.
cannabis_flower
(3,764 posts)"I don't like either of them, so I just won't vote."
And don't forget: "I'm not going to vote because my vote won't make a difference."
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)elections in the past two years, the outcome was determined by a one-vote margin.