We dodged the bullet, the civil war that would have begun had Donald Trump lost. Instead, Donald Trump cruised to victory, easily winning the Electoral College vote and the popular vote. And all it cost us is our souls … and the following:
The end of our democratic-style constitutional republic. Trump repeatedly stated his intention to grab dictatorial power. And now—with principled Republicans driven out of the party and MAGA loyalists in control of every branch of the federal government, including the Supreme Court—Trump’s every wish will be ratified. And, of course, hastening this transition to authoritarianism will be the craven loyalists who will serve as his cabinet members and staff.
The end of America’s opposition to dictators. Trump has repeatedly expressed his affinity for dictators including Xi of China, Kim Jong Un of North Korea, Orban of Hungary, and, most ominously, Putin of Russia. The Republican Party, long a bulwark against oppressive dictators, now follows its leader in his praise of despots.
The end of the rule of law. That a man convicted of 34 felony counts and found liable for sexual assault and defamation can be elected to the highest office in the land means that the notion of no man being above the law is over.
The completion of the corrosion of civility. If you’ve never attended or watched a MAGA/Trump rally, then you’ve missed seeing the profuse piles of “F*ck Joe Biden,” “Joe and the Ho Gotta Go,” “Hang Mike Pence,” and other similar paraphernalia. Or, for a more visceral reminder, recall the January 6 picnic and guided tour through the Capitol Building when the tour participants really did try to hang Mike Pence.
The collapse of compassion. Bear in mind that image of Trump on stage mocking a crippled reporter. Recall the separation of migrant families and the kids in cages, and Trump’s vow to repeat and expand that cruel policy. Think of Trump’s nephew’s story about the time Uncle Donald questioned why he didn’t just let his disabled son die.
The end of any attempt at compromise and bipartisanship in legislative processes. Trump and his MAGA loyalists—who now control every branch of the federal government—will see no need for concessions to the opposition party. In cases where more than a simple majority is required for passage and the Democrats try to block a MAGA-favored piece of legislation, the Supreme Court will intervene in Trump’s favor.
The advance of misogyny. The man who was recorded bragging of grabbing women by their private parts and who refers to any woman who displeases him as “nasty” is beloved by both good ol’ boy sexists and “praise the Lorda” religious bigots who see women as subordinate beings. Decency as well as chivalry—and if some Christian Nationalists get their way, women’s suffrage—is dead.
The end of America’s support of NATO. Every American President since Harry Truman—who was President when the North Atlantic Treaty Organization began—has supported NATO … until now. Trump has emphasized his hostility toward NATO and repeatedly stated that if a nation fails to pay what he thinks it owes, he will do nothing to protect that nation from Russian hegemony. So, expect to see U.S. aid to Ukraine dramatically reduced or eliminated. As Ukraine’s military armaments are depleted, Russia will intensify its invasion and eventually conquer and absorb its neighbor. Poland will be next. And then? We can only guess at how long it will take for Putin to reestablish the Soviet Union.
The beginning of a major recession—or even a 1929-style depression. Trump’s favorite campaign promise was to round up millions of undocumented aliens for “the greatest mass deportation in history.” Has it never occurred to him that among those millions are the hundreds of thousands who harvest our crops? Does he not understand that also among those millions are the tens of thousands who labor tirelessly at the nation’s meat-processing plants? Has no one explained to him the effect of eliminating these essential workers? Food prices will soar. Then, add in his massive tariffs that will fuel inflation, and then his proposed tax cuts—primarily for the wealthy—and Americans will long for the mild inflation of the Biden era.
The exodus of many political leaders who will face the real threat of Trump’s vengeance. Trump also has stressed his plan for “retribution” against prominent rivals and detractors. High-profile folks who dared to oppose or criticize him have the next two and a half months to get their affairs in order and prepare to flee the country. Good Americans such as Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Michale Steele, and of course the Bidens, Harrises, Obamas, Clintons, and many others will risk imprisonment if they remain in the USA.
The return of easily-managed diseases. Trump has indicated that he will put the crazy anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy in charge of the nation's health policies—and, likely, in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services. With vaccinations discouraged or even banned, diseases long ago eradicated from public concern will return with a vengeance.
The loss of our esteem for truth. Everyone lies—or at least has lied once or twice. But prior to the Trump/MAGA era, virtually all Americans still valued truth. Truth was the foundation of our epistemological currency. It was our common ground. While there were times when truths made us uncomfortable, frustrated, or embarrassed, we still affirmed the supreme value of truth. But now, led by a man who spoke more than 30,000 untruths during his first administration, truth is about as valuable as a Weimar Mark.
But, hey, we were upset at the rise in the price of a dozen eggs. So, we showed those lousy deep-state bastards who’s boss.
Well said, my old friend. It will take decades, if ever, to repair the damage of the next four years. I'm glad enough to be old and know that I won't likely live to see the worst of it. Hope all is as well as can be, given the circumstances, with you and your family.
Wonderful post, Jerry. I feel the anguish and anger in your words. We're entering a prolonged period of darkness. Good luck to us all.