Now, it’s perfectly true that there was never a time in America when everyone just got along beautifully. Our history of racism and xenophobia alone puts the lie to that. But Trump’s intolerance truly is ecumenical in that it could be any group, any individual, any foe or (former) friend at any given moment. It’s entirely self-serving.
It’s making more and more people embrace political violence. The recent American Values Survey from Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) in partnership with the Brookings Institution think tank found that one in three Republicans agree that “because things have gotten so far off track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country” – up from 15% in 2021. (22% of Independents and 13% of Democrats agree, all numbers having increased since 2021.) The truly frightening number is that among those who believe the Big Lie, 46% believe they may resort to violence, as well as 41% of Trump fans and 41% who buy into the “Great Replacement Theory.” 39% of Christian nationalists are ready to take up arms to “save the country.” Those numbers represent tens of millions of Americans.
Just took another long road trip through the Deep South.
Mississippi is so broken, it’s heartbreaking. The poverty and failure, it kills me to see. Such a beautiful state, such fine people. If you haven’t been there, it’s something to behold.
Go in a random gas station on a back-country highway. Black and white people truly loving one another, totally integrated in their lives. I’ve never seen anything like it in “liberal” parts of the US. My poor words can’t do justice.
But the media tells us we’re enemies. And that’s mostly because of Fox News, but social media tells me we’re all hateful slavers down here. I catch plenty of hate here for Florida and the South in general. All so counterproductive.
Libs keep saying people like me are evil racists, but it’s not true. And, predictably, conservatives fire back and revolt, go too far and refuse to listen. How did we expect them to react after being attacked non-stop?
Sorry everyone, I’m ranting. Just thought about it a lot while driving Mississippi and Alabama this weekend. It’s not what you think. It’s not what you’re told.
If someone reads this and is confused about who I am and what “side” I’m on? Good.
I’m a violent leftist. Your comment got my upvote. I wish the rest of the conservative world were as introspective and kind as you seem to be.
I didn’t choose my enemy. They chose me. Nothing I say will change their minds that I am their enemy. They continue to insist on a violent solution to problems they invent. A peaceful solution just does not seem likely to me, but damn I hope I’m wrong.
Right with you. All the way.
I’ll fight these fascists even if it means my own death. That’s what’s on the table anyway, right? No point dying on a fucking train to a concentration camp.
Anyone think I’m being radical, talking crazy? I invite you to take a deep dive into pre-WWII European history. Meet me back here.