Re: Trumpled (Alternative Leading)
Reply #1795 –
I have many American cousins, mostly in Texas and related to me through my father’s family. They are a diverse lot, but what they do share is a loathing of Trump and his macho populist agenda.
They are vehement and outspoken in their opposition to Trump and what they see as his attack on their democracy. What I’m not sure about is how widespread their views are. Those views are certainly shared by my American friends, but they are scientists and archaeologists and certainly don’t represent a majority.
I’m not entirely sure that Paul’s assessment of US democracy is accurate but I think that it is clear that it is struggling under the constraints of an 18th century constitution. Our 19th century version doesn’t do us any favours either.
Important points you raise, David. I have a number of friends in the US also and even a couple of clients. And they sure aint enamoured with the Orangutan. Though one buddy, from Arlington Texas as it happens, is a Republican and does make excuses for Trump... but also sees that the bloke is more for himself than anyone else. Another buddy, coincidentally from Arlington Virginia, reminded me when expressing amazement at the election of Trump that the US was settled by religious zealots and that influence is strong in around half the population, who are vulnerable to accepting anything an 'authority' says and are soaked in nationalism/patriotism which makes them very easy to manipulate. The writings of John Taylor Gatto, former NY teacher, help us to understand the poor performance of education in the US and how it actually contributes to the dumbing down of the population.
But the one thing I noticed when I was there for a month in '93 was the amazing hospitality and generosity. I stayed, mostly, in homes with families and they were amazing. Although I am a six foot, white, heterosexual male, and that sure did help... embarrassingly so. The prejudice against so many minorities was palpable. And I got the distinct impression travelling from NY to LA that human life doesn't mean as much in the US as it does here or in Europe for that matter.
I guess my point is the US is a paradox. A place of extremes. I met many socially and politically aware folks there but also many angry and downright dangerous folks. The Vietnam war protests were huge in the late sixties and were bold and courageous, but the response from authorities was hysterical and the shooting of protesting uni students reminds us of the other extreme in the US. As do their archaic and obscene gun laws.
The Orangutan knew how to manipulate enough of them to get into power and will be using the same tricks in his attempt to stay in power.