Letter: No to Trump
The election is not Trump vs. Clinton. It’s Trump vs. Clinton AND The United States of America.
Donald Trump stands against every ideal that America stands for. His dexterous manipulation of fear has resonated, God help us, with tens of millions of Americans.
What do they fear?
The world is moving too fast for them. They fear shifting demographics which point to a time when African-American, Latino, and Oriental Americans will collectively outnumber white Americans. They fear 1.5 billion Muslims for the terrorist acts of a tiny fraction. They have yet to absorb cultural changes symbolized by same-sex marriage and an African-American president. Many fear technological advances which they believe have, or will, push them out of the workforce. Above all, most fear Hispanic immigration.
And yet, these same Americans sense salvation from a man who:
Is ignorant, xenophobic, racist, a misogynist, and fascist while marching under his sinister double-speak to “Make America Great Again.”;
Says that “Americans wages are too high.”;
Attacks immigrants and, in doing so, attacks the American ideal of “Give me your tired, your poor … ”;
Fosters fascism by bullying every minority in America, including Jews;
Debases American women by calling some “ugly,” and then tops this with lurid allusions to their menstrual cycles;
Blithely ruminates on dropping atomic bombs while affirming his fitness for Commander-In-Chief;
Absurdly promises to build a wall along our southern border and make Mexico pay for it while darkly accusing “Mexicans” of bringing “tremendous infectious disease” and raping American women.
Americans are not worthy of fear. They need not place their faith in this charlatan who would destroy much that makes the American way of life worthwhile. I ask all Americans to boldly speak out against this man. I ask those Americans who now stand for this man to turn and stand against him.
Then, and only then, can Americans sing about the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.
Tommy Birk
Jasper, Ind.
I suppose it would depend totally on the question what does America stand for.
The current liberal view is vastly different from the average view ,of the people who originally faught for America and even still vastly different than the average American today.
Like Obama, who is just as much white as he is black, your liberal view divides the American people and destroys everything America USED to stand for.
As a Christian I am not afraid of change but change for worse is change everyone should resist.
Home of the free and brave does not have a meaning that a wide majority of Americans agree on any more..
Mr. Birk definitely needs (along with any Liberals) to go see the Movie Hillary’s America, and then he will know how the Democrats have been trying to destroy the country. They’ve been at it for many many years.
I watch movies for entertainment, not for sources of information. But, can’t help but wonder what a Trump’s America movie would be like.
He’s nothing but the devil in my eyes ,and everyone even considering voting for him,need not judge but ,better think twice before voting,There’s only one word to say about this man and it’s Hate ,in every way ,no more from me for I stand for Hillary only,I want our USA to be the people’s not just one persons
Tommy, Maureen, Bev, and Hester,
Congratulations on speaking truth to bigotry. I applaud your courage, although I don’t think it does one much good to engage in substantive argument with these zealots. They have their own script and will not be confused by the facts.
The hallmark of the Trump crowd is self pity. They are a bitter, timid, and frightened lot that wishes, more than anything, that the country return to the 1950’s, essentially for the very reasons that Mr. Birk enumerates in his initial post. They fear the changing demographics, the enlightened social norms, and the technology that is going nowhere but forward.
Conservatives, for the most part, used to deplore those who claim “victimhood,” yet that’s the calling card Trump followers play. They reach out for an authoritarian figure — a Mussolini, a Stalin, a Juan Peron — to assure them that we can turn back the clock.
There was a time when one sort of pitied this crowd, but that time is gone. They are a selfish bunch of social and economic Luddites who have no business dictating the direction this country must take. When Trump loses and this group is tossed off the train, we will all be the better for it.
Scott, my old friend,
I always enjoy reading your comments and respect your points of view.
This time as I read all these entries I just feel bad for everyone. The reasons not to elect either candidate are endless. It is not like we are choosing between good or better, or good or bad, but rather bad or worse. While I do not SUPPORT either one, I will cast a vote on election day.
Both candidates are doing a great job of dividing the country. It is scary that one of them will actually be POTUS. On election day one of them will be a winner, but we all lose . Too bad the ballot does not have a “None of the above” box.
We are all suppose to unite after the election, but with all the hate being splattered, don’t hold your breath–God Help America !
Lee,
You are right, of course. This is a pick your poison election and one I wish I could avoid. I can almost guarantee you that whomever wins will be a one termer. I can also say with certainty that the Republican Party as we knew it (as my own father knew it) is gone forever. How Ronald Reagan managed to hold together a coalition of blue collar Democrats and country club Republicans I’ll never know. But the split has now become irreversible. History moves on.
In any case, all this keeps me young. Maybe the more relevant question here is this:
What would Alba do?
Stay strong, my man.
Scott
Interesting comments.
” speaking truth to bigotry.” Bigotry? That would be the twisted interpretation of bigotry presented by Progressives.
Lewinski: Aren’t you a progressive? Have you purchased a vehicle in the past 5 years? Had your home remodelled? Bought new furniture? Enjoy driving on roads that are new and cussing at those that are crumbling? Haven’t you seen your doctor and come upon all the “progress” in medical science? What about cancer research? Will you turn down the fruits of the research when you or someone you love gets cancer? What about new energy sources and the fact that the United States is becoming more and more energy self-sufficient. Would you throw away all the progress we’ve made on weaponry such as stealth aircraft and drone warfare? I suppose you would ditch the B-2’s because they were put there by progressives. Would you turn down polio and TB shots for your kids? What about new sanitary and storm sewers, or cable TV, or large high definition television? Wanna tear out all the fiber optic cable? How about cellphones and smart phones? Your computers. Do you lack these or do you plan to throw all them away so that you cannot be seen as “progressive” on anything.
Tommy, You seem quite confused about the difference between progress and Progressives. Progress is an advancement in many things. Progressive philosophy is a regressive way of thinking. It is a way to undo our prosperity, our safety as a nation, and our liberty.
Regressive way of thinking? What about “Make America Great Again”? This implies that America isn’t great now, but was so at some time in the past. Would that be the times of Jim Crow laws? Segregation? Laws against miscegnation. All, of course, backed up by “religion.” Back to the time of Joe McCarthy and the communist witch-hunts and ruined lives? Back to the time of Ronald Reagan, whose “trickle-down” policies are reaping much fruit now. Back to the time of lower wages, as indicated by Trump’s statement that “American wages are too high.”
I’d really like someone to describe to me the condition of the USA and the people when we become “great again?”
Perhaps seeing Clinton Cash and Hillary’s America for information and not entertainment would be beneficial to you. Unless of course you are afraid……. And by the way, there is a difference between PROGRESS and PROGRESSIVES. Progressives don’t get the credit for any of those things, PROGRESS DOES. Most progressives aren’t working. FACTS. LOOK IT UP!
If you comment and suggest that you have the facts, don’t tell me to “look it up.” Most progressives aren’t working? That’s new to me. Maybe you can elucidate.
Lewinski: RU suggesting that there are multiple versions of bigotry? Do this for us, would ya? In detail: Give us your definition of bigotry, and then tell us how progressives’ definition of bigotry is “twisted.”
Tom,
I’m not a clinician, but think that Mr. Lewinski has a very unhealthy fixation, bordering on obsession, with “Progressives.” At one time I tried to pin him down on which of about thirty pieces of progressive federal legislation he would abolish. These began with child labor laws and continued through the creation of the FDA and onto the implementation of Medicare and Medicaid. He refused to address any of them, relying instead on the irritating boilerplate tripe common to anti-Obama Trump types.
I suggest you’d best give up on him. He is this century’s version of a “No Nothing.”
scottt: can u send me yr contact info? friending on fb would b ok.
Lee: I have to challenge you. Just what the hell is Hillary Clinton doing that divides the country?
Throwing millions of Americans into a basket of deplorables sure does not help to unite.
Tom,
If my neurons are still connecting, I think I may have sold you some of my rock and roll equipment many many years ago.
Anyway, despite Mr. Lorey’s assertions to the contrary, I do not believe that Dubois County is a “basket full of deplorables.” I grew up there. My friends grew up there. And we all managed to emerge fairly enlightened.
Scott
s-newton@comcast.net
Trump is an authoritarian. He is not conservative. His main block of followers tend to be national populists. He also is the benefit of a horrible Democrat nominee.
His biggest problem is he presents himself as a jerk and acts like a 5th grade bully to win arguments. He doesnt have ideas, but has slogans with mostly nothing behind it to show this slogan will be achieved.
He isn’t some evil person. He is what he is, and after years of being on TV, everyone knows what he stands for. He would be a poor President, and end of being a more big government version of Nixon.
Him and Hillary are different sides of the same coin.
If that is what u want, all power to you. Just go vote your principles. If we all did that, then we would have nothing to complain about.
Adrian, I’m sure you are a good person and mean well, but your advice of “Just go vote your principles ” is easier said than done.
I am looking for a leader who is honest, trustworthy, fair , and unites. Last I checked, there was no such candidate for president with these qualities on the ballet.
Lee,
I’ve always maintained that when a citizen who thoroughly studies the issues and ultimately decides he cannot in good faith vote for any candidate, that abstention is actually an informed choice. Much more meaningful than a vote by a low information or no information voter.
Adrian, does that mean you would not complain about the evil of a Clinton regime and fight against it?
Yes, and yes. I fear for the sanity of anyone who can’t see through Trump’s craziness. He’s a mean-spirited little man who is the hero of the KKK, neo-Nazi groups, and about every other hate group in America. He’s offended everyone except haters, the ignorant, and the uninformed. If you’re planning to vote for him, it says as much about you a s it does him.
For Mr. Ross…completely agree, esp with your last statement/sentence…but whose fault is that? People can’t/don’t know where they’re going (nor how to get there) without knowing and understanding where they’ve been and how they arrived at today, and when we dumb down our schools, our history and indeed entire society as we’ve been doing for a good generation or two, what can you expect? Yes, a lack of understanding – even caring – about “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
In general, Amen to all these respondents. It should be noted how few Hillary campaign signs are out compared to the vast number of TRUMP signs. In fact, while I’m sure there are some (somewhere), I have not seen one – not a single Hillary sign – anywhere in my extensive Dubois Co. travels to friends and functions, whereas there are TRUMP signs EVERYWHERE.
Hillary, et al, is the ultimate hypocrite – the champion spin queen – the darling of deceit and the commander of corruption plus panderer to the poor. How coy she was just today in her interview about the recent NY/NJ bombing events, stating in such an unmistakably contrived low-key voice so as to appear cool and controlled, how one should wait until all the facts are in before commenting – aimed at Trump for calling it for what it was, a bombing (wasn’t it?), before the P-C police declared it such. Funny how she had no problem immediately telling the world the Bengazi attacks (murders) were a spontaneous response to a video, when we now know – and knew then within hours if not before – that it was a well-planned and coordinated terrorist attack. And so-on and so-on as it is with HRC. One of the worst fears with her is the Hillary/Billary factor – not simply “another Clinton in the WH,” but another PLUS the other – and don’t think he wouldn’t be influencing if not essentially making many decisions!
As before in so many words, Trump isn’t “your ideal” Mr. America, or mine, but he’s BY FAR – not even close for those who truly understand what’s at stake – the better choice in being a non-career politician and non-establishment candidate sorely needed as a change for the better and for the most, in so many aspects. Nope, not P-C, not totally articulate or situation-sensitive every time to every person, group, cause or country, etc., but anyone with common sense and a level head (not a subscriber of knee-jerk spin, lies and liberal media hype) knows better about Trump…that this is HIS country, too, and as it goes, so does he.
Thanks you Mrs. Green. Very articulate and spot-on. Most of us here in Dubois County, you know, the “basket of deplorables”, are informed enough to realize that just because Mr. Trump is a business man rather than a politician, comes across raw and politically incorrect. Truthfully, I find it quite refreshing! Problem is, it is misunderstood by many who have not taken the time to look beneath the surface. Not surprising in today’s rushed society though, right? Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you for caring enough to step up to the plate and speak your mind….and as you may have already gathered…..I am a Trump supporter!!!
https://mises.org/blog/free-trade-brings-abundance-%E2%80%94-protectionism-brings-scarcity
This review of the main foundation of Trump’s economic policy is why reason to not support Trump, or Hillary for that matter. Earlier letters point to third party candidates, and for conservatives and liberty people, Gary Johnson is the only one on the Indiana ballot for President, who understands basic economic principle and how to grow the economy.
I find it very sad that there are so many Trump signs.
And you are proud of the Trump signs?
I am!
What a shock.
Am I proud of the Trump signs? I don’t have one and will not have one. Trump will be a bad President. Hillary will be a bad President. Neither should be President. Hate has brought us to this point, and the unwillingness to step back and fix the situation by rallying to someone else.
Trump signs show anger. Anger to back a national socialist over a universal socialist.
Sad.
So many misspelled and misused words in the pro-trump comments. I do admit to being shocked at that. SHOCKED, I say, SHOCKED. Truly reveals the demographic to which he appeals.
BTW, all you Trumpians, my middle name is “Hilary.” (one “L”). I’m named after my godfather, my Uncle Hilary Matheis. I wish he were alive. He’d be fighting Trumpians hand, tooth, and nail.
Gary Johnson, Libertarian, is a choice for President of the United States. What news channel do I watch too much of?
Rusty, ask Gary Johnson to name a foreign leader. He can’t name even one. You want him to be President?
That is a weak generalization. To entertain your qualification, I am sure he can name one. Regardless, this holds little value. Before meeting with any foreign dignitary, there is a briefing, including names, pronunciations, and customary cultural nuances. To be honest, if that is the only mud to be slung concerning Gary Johnson, I claim he, as a candidate for President, is far more attractive than the usual choices people seem to be affixed to. The Libertarian choice will not win this election cycle, and likely not any for a time, but he is the best candidate for 2016, in my opinion, and that is ultimately the only thing that makes a difference.
http://thefederalist.com/2016/10/03/why-christians-should-reconsider-voting-for-gary-johnson/
Thanks for sharing this. I would like to retitle that article to, “Why AMERICANS should reconsider voting for Gary Johnson”. We are a diverse country, with many values and viewpoints. We as a country are also terribly divided. It is an unfortunate fracture, caused by any number of ideals. How is this to be mended? In a nation where individuals want to live as they deem fit, but constantly look at their neighbor and want to force the same values onto them, can a nation that allows communities to establish their own satisfaction of law, remain intact? Would it lead to sectarian and philosophical divides backed by local militias? To live and let live, and do no harm, in theory, would allow for peace. But people are people, and are not apt to allow themselves peace within life by having the opportunity to be free. Their idea of freedom is often contradicted by the insistence that that idea is a blanketed betterment for everyone. I have no political affiliation, but I don’t mind thinking. As long as we are able to do so without personal position or ill enticement of individual gain, we as a collective, will continue to prosper and progress. Happy voting everyone.
Rusty, have you not heard that Gary Johnson’s running mate is voting for Hillary? Says a lot about Gary Johnson. Hillary will win the election November 8th.
Weld didn’t say he was voting for her. And you are probably right, Hillary will likely win the election, but I don’t cast my vote to favor who I think will win. Neither does it mean if my selection wins, I have anything to be braggant of. The human condition is so strange. You made up your mind, it seems, so the reminder that there are more than two choices was for those who are not content with Hillary or Trump. I really am not interested in trying to rally anyone for a candidate, nor interested in who anyone votes for. Be informed, and Just Vote your preference!