Forgive me for once again "going long," as they say in football, but I feel it important and necessary to explain why I am strongly considering a vote for Hillary Clinton - not in spite of being a Republican, but BECAUSE I am a Republican. I don't totally agree with everything and am genuinely frightened by what I see as the left's defeatist and historically deaf notion that the social and economic injustices of the private sector can be ended by further consolidating money and power within a federal government which claims to protect freedom while macro-managing as much of society as its escalating tax rates and intrusive information-gathering tools will allow. However, I see Donald Trump as the kind of candidate that will likely self-destruct and take the party and maybe the country with them. To me, he embodies every negative stereotype used to describe us for decades.
I believe that this is what happens when we become so rigidly partisan that we no longer respect basic public service. Both parties are somewhat divided nowadays, but with so many choices and chances to show just how diverse and politically thoughtful we can be, more Republicans than in any other primary season "went low" and fell prey to the very divisiveness they identified in the Obama administration's alleged class warfare and identity politics. They allowed themselves to be put on the defensive and politically alienated to the point of desperation and paranoia, now mistaking needed flexibility and compromise for political duality and betrayal. In tone, it is not unlike the way post World War 1 Russia AND Germany viewed and treated the governments of its czar and chancellor, respectively. At least they had better reasons, yet look how that turned out.
Even if news networks' obsession with Trump's indiscretions makes it easier to distract with accusations of media bias, two or more wrongs do not make a right. The relevance of Friday's video and ensuing accusations stems from Trump's lack of experience and legislative record, leaving only his character and largely hollow, cliche'd and unrealistic platform with which to judge his candidacy. This week's revelations confirm what many have seen and suspected since last year, when Trump even insulted and demeaned Megyn Kelly, an anchor at the politically sympathetic Fox News Network. That he makes light of such horrendous behavior (after a disingenuous apology) and now denies DOING just what he claimed suggests a man trapped in his own arrogance and delusion, offering nothing but fuel for his supporters' unreasoning hatred. Of all people, surely GOP Christians like myself see that a vote for Trump represents a serious lack of faith which, as a friend recently pointed out, is akin to worshiping an idol because it promises lower taxes, easier gun ownership, and religious liberty.
Even more consequential is Trump's internecine warfare, which uses words like "elite" and "establishment" to demean and accuse much-needed, would-be Republican allies like Speaker Paul Ryan, John McCain, etc. Whether due to ignorance or indifference to the way America's government was designed to operate, his accusations of inefficiency and being "bought" by "special interests" BECAUSE of elected officials' legislative experience are hypocritical so long as Trump is focused on not only saving, but expanding the coal and GOP-friendly oil industry. Furthermore, many of the Republican representatives that Trump supporters demonize began as the same kind of businessmen and political "outsiders" that Trump is now, swept into office to keep President Obama from doing his job, forcing him to resort to the executive orders for which he is criticized.
If elected, Donald Trump could find himself issuing some executive orders if Democrats retake the House and/or Senate and Republican lawmakers refuse to work with him. Republicans need to realize that he is sabotaging his own potential presidency before it begins by antagonizing and threatening the re-election chances of other Republicans in the House and Senate, without whom Trump will not be able to make all of his "great deals," let alone build walls or make anyone's tax rate as low as the absurd 15% he promises. Pardon the flowery pompousness, but I think that if it elects Donald Trump President, the party of Lincoln and Reagan will officially reject the principled optimism and personal compassion that made both presidents shine in dark times. If it were to unfold as many predict, a Trump Presidency could hurt or cripple the GOP for a generation... or even destroy it. Trump's loss, however, would hopefully stimulate much-needed reform within the party. That is why I see my choice as one that favors my party.
Friday, October 14, 2016
1 comment:
I HATE censorship on principle, so all I ask is that if you decide to vehemently disagree with and challenge me, please endeavor to do so in as civil and specific a manner as possible, citing examples (if not always sources) to back up your claims. Other than that... have fun! Thanks. - JD...
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Hi Justin,
ReplyDeleteYou pointed out what is wrong with Trump (to which I do not totally disagree), but you left out the part about why you think Clinton is a better candidate. Let me help you on that...
1) She has more experience as a politician
2) She acts more "presidential" (ie.. doesn't threaten to lock up her opponent after the election)
3) She actually HAS accomplished a lot in her 30+ years of public service (Trump would argue that fact based on what laws have passed, but not based on what Clinton actually voted for).
4) She is less likely to piss off other countries (they are already pissed off at us but Trump probably would push them over the edge as I'm sure they are already close to it as it is).
5) If she does get elected she will not have a huge chance right away to do much harm if that is her intent due to Republicans holding majority in congress - although that could change in a few years.
6) We also get Bill Clinton who turned the Deficit into a Surplus in his first 4 years (I think... but is a fact it ended that way). Not saying that she will let Bill influence her but I have to admit having Bill in the White House again does sound good on the off chance he may help Hillary negotiate across party lines to get things done.
Now the problem I have with Hillary is where she stands on Guns, Taxes, Refugees, among other things. I really feel that her policies would not really be good for our country.
Aside from character comparison (they both have flaws), in looking at the differences in their "promises" and where they stand on certain issues, I do feel that Trump would be the best choice, so I have to disagree with you in whole that Clinton would be a better choice.
Screw the Republican party. Seriously. If they self implode I could care less.
Trump will learn to be presidential. He will learn these things that Clinton is so good at.
She does sound a lot better and says the right things, but she is a career politician and Trump is not. People have to understand that and realize that Trump does not yet possess the total ability to sugar coat everything he says. That is what happens when you have been a business man for almost your whole life. You get things done and if people don't like it then who cares. It works differently being in public service.
Trump has already shown some improvement in this in my opinion however the last debate was little more than trash talk from both.
Everyone can dig up dirt on anyone these days. There is nobody who is perfect. In fact, I honestly feel that neither Trump or Clinton really deserve to hold the office of the President.
The real let down here is the fact that as a country, WE voted for this in the primaries and now look where that has gotten us.
The real question here is, how in the hell did we get to this point where we must make a choice out of two main options that neither deserve the office, or would do any good once they are in office.
So whether you vote for Trump or Clinton, in my full honest opinion, there is as much "bad" in both of them.
Why am I voting for Trump? His policies and stance on issues align more with what I believe is right for this country (despite his character flaws).
I'm not asking you to change your vote. If you feel that Clinton servers a better purpose based on what you align your beliefs with and what issues you stand for then by all means please vote for her. I will not in any way shape or form think less of anyone who votes for Clinton.
A majority of people fail to take action on what they want to do. Just the fact that you and others are actively thinking about what is best for our country and actually getting out to vote is what matters to me the most.
I hope this comment meets your guidelines for being "as civil" as possible :-)
Oh, and to quote one of my truest, best friends ever, sorry for "Going Long" haha