Some Thoughts About Trumpists
-by Helen, whose father was on a list and was followed by the FBI
As an avid reader keeping up with DWT, I watched the posted video of Robert Reich’s interview with UC Berkeley professor, Arlie Russell Hochschild, and wrote a comment to Howie. We have had a back and forth and I was asked to write a piece about my thoughts.
Hochschild is a brilliant and dedicated sociologist and I found her research with Trumpists in Louisiana fascinating. Her observations and descriptions of what she called a deep dive into Trump supporters’ motivations were revealing and perceptive. She described ways of reaching out to those on the opposite political spectrum that are commendable and worthwhile. However, after I had some time to think about it, other thoughts percolated up. I especially disagreed with her take that Trump supporters, whom she clearly stated were “conned” by him, should not be held accountable. I found that despicable and unacceptable. She is giving bleeding heart liberals a lousy, impotent stance that will be completely ineffective in coming to terms with what is happening in our country.
The more I thought about it, Reich, who is a great listener and interviewer, functioned as Mr. Kumbaya. He did not raise any questions or challenge any of her conclusions about Trumpists. He gave her a pass, and thereby gave Trumpists a pass.
To be clear, members of the Republican Party are currently engaging in SEDITION.
Our Vice President, over a hundred and twenty Congressmen and a dozen Senators are now supporting the overthrow of a free and fair election in the United States of America.
Sedition is conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch.
In 1798, In one of the first tests of freedom of speech, the House passed the Sedition Act, permitting the deportation, fine, or imprisonment of anyone deemed a threat or publishing “false, scandalous, or malicious writing” against the government of the United States. ...
Sedition is defined as words or speech that incite people to rebel against the government or governing authority. Words that inspire a revolution that overthrows the government are an example of sedition. Insurrection; rebellion. An activity or communication aimed at overthrowing governmental authority.
This Sedition by elected officials is happening in large part because Trump supporters, his “conned” voters, insist that Republican officials do so if they want to maintain their power and get re-elected. Surely Trumpists have responsibility for the people they vote for, although not directly for their actions. Elected officials have their own accountability.
What can be done? Truth and Reality must reign. Exposure of wrongdoing must come first for our democracy to remain and this must be done in a BIG way. This is how Trumpists can be held accountable: by having to see and face the truth about their Dear Leader. Just like the Germans did with Hitler and the Nazis after World War II-- they had to take a look at themselves and what they had supported. Not punishment; in fact, they deserve a government that takes into account their needs and wishes for a better future, as suggested by Hochschild, but along with everyone’s else’s. Regarding punishment for Trump and the elected officials who have engaged in Sedition-- that’s another story. The Trumpists need a Nuremberg type of trial of their dear leader for his sedition. For the world to see, to reaffirm our democracy.
Helen and I didn't discuss it, but there is an undeniable and powerful link between Trumpism and COVID-denialism... and that too must be dealt with at some point. Nancy Ohanian just finished her latest portrait of Florida Governor and arch-Trumpist Ron DeSantis, just as another 10,603 Floirdians were confirmed to have COVID today, help powering the U.S. over the 21 million cases mark. At this point-- with Trumpists still pushing the failed and murderous herd immunity approach to COVID-- there are 63,574 cases per million Floridians, nearly 22,000 of whom have already died.
