With time and observation, the realization dawns that there have always been major philosophical differences between Democrats and Republicans. And why only two parties? Guess that’s a separate discussion.
Since Trump came along, the floodgates have opened on crazy. Maybe it was Obama’s presidency that really got the base energized in opposition. Trump stumbled onto the tact that giving voice to their fears and ignorance was the only way he could get elected.
What a way to govern, if “govern” is even the right word. The Republican platform seems to be all about vengeance and preservation, keeping the clocks turned back, or frozen. Much of the ranting and complaining seem focused on big government keeping its grubby mitts out of peoples’ affairs— unless you teach the “wrong” things in school, recommend the “wrong” reading list, or you’re a woman who prefers to have control over her own body. Or your skin tone is too dark, or your facial features are too Asian. Or until Mother Nature comes calling or a train derails or there’s infrastructure money up for grabs.
If we’re going to be one nation, under God, then concessions have to be made. The rule of law is followed, the right to religious expression is practiced, but only as this is guided by restraint when it comes to legislation and coercion and invading peoples’ space.
Republicans seem to bank on some sort of economic wizardry or sleight of hand, something about trickling down and floating all boats. They ironically boast about their Christian values and then demonstrate at every turn an incomplete understanding, or at best, convenient use of certain Biblical tenets.
They say they love this country, but it’s a misguided, selective, conditional love of a diminished and deprived land. Until they break away from the self-interested, paranoid darkness of Trumpism, they’re just wandering further into an unforgiving desert.
3 Cents' 