
17 Mar The Gulf of America
It is a geographical phenomenon, for sure, one nearly as large as our country’s central and southern regions. Strong winds stir up in it, and those storms cause damage when they strike our coasts. And immigrants from the south have struggled to overcome it.
It is the real Gulf of America – the wide, daunting gap between Trump-loving middle America and the Trump-despising coasts. It also is the deep, frightening chasm between the Trump-admiring “working class” and the Trump-abhorring “elites” throughout the United States. It is the seemingly impenetrable divide between a pro-Trump and anti-Trump vision for our country.
I don’t care what the body of water is called south of Mississippi, east of Texas, west of Forida, and north of Cancun. But I do care greatly about the body of humanity caught between the Trump haters and the Trump MAGA-hatters.
How Bad is the Storm?
The Base Trumpeters appear to think their conductor can do no wrong, at least not as to policy and political action. Oh, they may acknowledge that his “personality” is lacking, but they brush that off as meaningless compared to his excellent policies – as if being a dishonest, corrupt, immoral jerk was merely an inconsequential (maybe even helpful) personality style.
Channeling their leader – who boasts “I have certain hatreds of people” – many of these Trump lovers in turn despise “the Left,” “Libs,” and ordinary Democrats as “America haters.”
It is no better on the other side of the aisle. Those who loathe Trump often cannot resist loathing his voters nearly as much, referring to them as “racists,” “misogynists,” and “fascists.”
This divide is proved by data, as well as evidence we all see everywhere. Republican views of Donald Trump are nearly unanimous in their approval of his various statements and actions from the Oval Office, according to national polls. Non-Republicans disapprove by nearly the same margins whenever Mr. Trump does anything or doesn’t do something. They seem to detest Every. Single. Thing. that President Trump even considers, and all who support any of his ideas.
The destructive nature of this swirling storm is most sadly evident in its effect on our personal relationships. Families and friendships are torn apart over the question of whether Mr. Trump and his policies are great or grotesque. I need not elaborate, as you have seen this on Facebook and on faces at family gatherings.
Of equal importance is the insidious distrust the Trump Effect has had on institutions. Schools, legislatures, international alliances, even churches have been torn asunder.
How to Still the Storm
I have a few ideas for how to calm this destructive tempest, and they start with each of us. My ideas are questions, really, that one could ask oneself when evaluating the daily onslaught of political announcements and “breaking news.” Using today’s theme as an example, if the report is that President Trump has ordered Mexico to be changed to America in The Gulf of _____, we each could ask:
- Do I hate this because of who is doing it?
- Do I hate this because my own political leaders and influencers hate it?
- Would I mind this if someone else was doing it?
- Would I mind this if my own political leaders and influencers wanted it?
- Do I really hate the people who have different views from me on this?
- Is it possible they are victims, too, of being misled or misinformed?
As you apply these questions to the myriad issues and policies being tossed about, I hope this helps you avoid being swept away or engulfed in the storm of hatred.
Written by Quentin R. Wittrock, founder of Principle Based Politics.
Look for his periodic, principled political posts, as this blog will explore and promote the idea of principle in politics, both as to individual elected leaders and our federal government as an institution.
Principle Based Politics does not endorse or support any particular political candidate or party.
Gary Russell
Posted at 16:57h, 17 MarchBrilliant – those are eactly the questions to consider. Maybe if each of us start there, we will slowly come together a little more.