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Kamloops News

THOMPSON: The White House of Cards

August 28, 2017 - 12:00 PM

 


OPINION


“The emperor has no clothes.” Five simple words…but the vast majority of Republicans in America simply cannot say them about Donald Trump. Oh, sure, some elected officials condemned him after his racist remarks following the domestic terrorism in Charlottesville, VA. But, when you side with Neo-Nazis and white supremacists you’d think…oh, I don’t know…that EVERYONE would be outraged!

Apparently not. This is a dangerous time for America. But it’s possible extinction for the Grand Old Party. It is an ostrich…its head so deep in the sand that it might never see the light of day again. Seriously, this splintered group is a political party in name only. Its members have little in common…other than their collective hate for former President Barrack Obama, anyone that’s a Democrat or a Liberal. More simply, anyone that isn’t an old white guy is the enemy. Republicans tolerate women…if they know their places…kind of like minorities.

By the way, I have a problem with some women in America…or I should say some white women. You see, 53 percent of white women voted for Trump. Come on, ladies, you owe America and the world a huge apology. What were you thinking?

Black women fare better…they saw Trump for what he is. More than 8 in 10 realized he was unfit to be president…from the day he announced his candidacy. Poet Laureate Maya Angelou said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them." The great majority of African-American women did. So, thanks, ladies for seeing the obvious. Now, each of you, please have lunch with a white woman of your choice every week between now and 2020. They need to know what you know.

But back to the massive failure of Republicans in all matters of conscience. Few Republicans in the House or Senate - and few considering a run in 2018 - are worthy of Americans’ votes. A look at their collective lack of performance…and a willingness to look the other way when Trump acts up are reasons enough. But remember, my fellow Americans, these elected officials remain more than willing to rob you of healthcare. Their vendetta against President Obama is stronger than being American.

A look back at previous columns will show I’ve never been easy on Trump…because, well, he’s the antithesis of American character. But, I’ve decided not to pull any punches whatsoever with Trump as well as the Republicans in Congress going forward. Of course, not every Republican is a racist. But good grief people, if your leader is a racist…and he is…and you don’t speak up…consider changing your mind and your political party. To look the other way when Trump does something outrageous and harmful to the nation and the world is way beyond irresponsible.

I know people who voted for and supported Trump…still do, I’m guessing. Ask them why, and you get double talk from Fox News or drivel directly from the horse’s…well, not the mouth! You get lies…because that’s what this White House of Cards gives. This man is ruining America…and it’s only been seven months. Quick, Trump lovers, grab your ears and pull your heads out. 

Republicans…be American first…then pick a party.

I’ve said this before because I know Trump…he’s not very smart. Republicans - 8 in 10 think he’s doing swell - how can you stand to listen to someone not as smart as yourselves? He’s not a good businessman either…he never was. He is - as the Trump University $25 Million settlement proved - a fraud. The entire family seems corrupt…too many Trump genes to be otherwise…and too many years of listening to dear old dad’s perversity.

Let me tell you how this will likely go down. At his current pace, Trump will give us all an early Christmas present. I still believe Trump will be linked to wrong-doing with the Russians. Oh, yeah, don’t forget with all of his shenanigans that there are three investigations into Trump’s collusion with Russians...and I predict Special Counsel Bob Mueller’s FBI investigation will eventually connect the dots.

But Trump won’t be impeached…oh, he would if he stayed. But he won’t. You see this is Trump’s plan...based on what I know of his character. Things are going to continue to go woefully wrong…all his doing…the remainder of the summer and early fall. Then, at some point before year’s end…he’ll resign…and blame everyone but the one who is responsible…himself. And whether it’s in time for a Merry Christmas…a few months won’t matter. I’ll take a resignation in time for a Happy New Year…or Valentine’s Day…gleefully. Time is every American’s friend…and Trump’s enemy.

Everyone with a brain knows Donald Trump is a sorry excuse for a president. But what so many - maybe 40 percent of America cannot seem to grasp - is that he’s an even worse excuse for a human being. Face it Trump fans…you were duped. Oh, you might not be a racist like him. You’re probably a decent person…but you sure as hell weren’t very smart. You saw something shiny…something different. Unfortunately, you bought an Edsel!

Everyone makes mistakes - well, except Trump - so, fess up to making a terrible mistake by supporting him. Start by no longer defending him. When you see and hear him doing and saying something absurd…admit it. Like surrogates on cable news shows, you’re really going to look stupid farther down the road. So, I implore you to get out while you can!

Oh, and don’t get me wrong. The Democrats aren’t great…they simply look good against a political party that’s not even a party. But let’s heal one dying party first.  Republicans today hurt people…especially people who aren’t like them. Come on good people who are Republicans…you’ve had opportunities to change the party and do the right thing…but you’re in denial. Like the climate change you think is some kind of scientific conspiracy…you’re running out of time.

I’m frustrated…and angry. If I could line up those who listen to the Republican-controlled House, the Republican-controlled Senate and the Republican White House and believe all the lies…I’d Three-Stooge slap all of them. Shoulder-to-shoulder, the line would stretch from Vernon to Florida and my arm would tire by Kansas City. And while it probably wouldn’t do them any good, maybe I’d feel a little better. I’m tired of Republicans appearing on CNN and after witnessing a lie, the best they can do is, “Well, that’s Trump being Trump!”

America needs someone who cares about all Americans as president. The nation needs to have serious discussions about the past…because avoiding those frank talks haven’t moved America toward “a more perfect union.” The current president’s ONLY talent is dividing Americans.

I love America…I fought for freedoms it has long promised…and never fulfilled for all Americans. But I will not sit by and let people continue to believe folklore that is largely aspirational. America must live up to the words in the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights…or why do they exist? It has been 241 years and America is hurtling backwards led by a mentally unstable president and an irresponsible Congress.

Neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan are growing in America at an alarming rate. Young white men and women emboldened by the preaching of hate and divisiveness by the President of the United States…Donald Trump…feel entitled. And like all bigots, their reality is based on a foundation of lies and twisted facts. These idiots are spreading like wildfires in British Columbia. Hatred knows no borders…so we have them here in Canada. And, they’re in Germany, England, France and Spain…among other nations.

So, Americans - especially you of the Republican persuasion - you have some choices. The right choices mean your children and grandchildren can live in a nation that would have made the nation’s founders proud. The wrong choices will - for all practical purposes - end the American Dream for your loved ones…and your grandchildren will live in a lesser place than you ever imagined. I believe we’re at a crossroads…America won’t endure a second Civil War.

Come to your senses. Donald Trump and a host of spineless Republicans are tearing pages from the documents that we need to navigate to a more perfect union. Don’t stand there cheering. What will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for you? I wonder?

Meanwhile, I’m studying the 25th Amendment to the Constitution…and I’m hoping the Republicans in Congress are, as well.

– Don Thompson, an American awaiting Canadian citizenship, lives in Vernon and in Florida. In a career that spans more than 40 years, Don has been a working journalist, a speechwriter and the CEO of an advertising and public relations firm. A passionate and compassionate man, he loves the written word as much as fine dinners with great wines.  His essays are a blend of news reporting and opinion.


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