Are We Too Far Gone?

I have been in several “dialog events” with Trump supporters in the past few days on social media.  It has been quite a challenge to get some degree of validation that they are actually listening.  It is apparent that on a majority of the time they are warming up their next ‘right wing talking point’ or ‘Fox News commentary line’ with the predetermination that it will stop the world turning, leaving the participants under a pall of shock and awe.  No.  It is usually a cliché that makes one laugh and wonder if their diet of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Anne Coulter has not permanently damaged reconfigured their morality.  Sadly if one listens to any of these conservative commentators for any period of time you run the risk of becoming morally bankrupt.

Many of these Trump advocates seem to be so profoundly convinced that he is the ONLY person who can rescue the country.  They whip themselves into a profound rage state that borders on a ‘Trump Jihad’.  The only thing missing is Allah Akbar.   What is astounding is that these people emulate their leader to the extreme.  There is only one emotion that seems to pour from them is FEAR.

Initially one may think that the anger and hate would be broadcast.  This is not the case.  Anger is a secondary emotion based on a primary emotion driving the anger/hate.

When talking with anyone who openly supports Trump; one must keep in mind that you are trying to communicate with a very special group and must adjust your language accordingly.   The presenter must keep focus that your audience is a group of hysterical fourth graders who unquestionably cannot accept the fact that the recess bully was wrong, and they are not going home early today.

The recess bully also knows he is wrong, but if he can keep everyone guessing what his next action is he feels he has the advantage.  Given there is a moment where he is cornered by facts or reality he creates a make believe desperado on the playground and convinces his followers only he can protect them.

The followers are; Too Far Gone to realize they are only pawns in a juvenile chess game, to be sacrificed at the master’s whim.

This has become so profoundly prevalent a feeling in this area that many are comfortable openly pushing a hate fueled agenda.  Much of this bubbles to the top of the social dynamic as open racism, xenophobia, and expected persecution of those parties that they feel are a threat to them.  As evidenced by several events specific to Idaho.  The accusations of sexual perpetration on a 5 year old girl in Twin Falls have made national news.  The sexual assault of an African American special needs individual in Dietrich.  I am personally aware of some churches openly fanning the flames of this racism directed at the refugees from the Middle East.

These perverse humans openly display Trump bumper stickers, and fly the confederate flag on their trucks.  They are also convinced that the current president Barrack Obama is a Muslim and a traitor.

I have grown up in Idaho and experienced much of this by observation as the disdain directed at the Hispanic population by my father referring to them as ‘Spics’ , ‘wetbacks’ and Arabs as ‘sand niggers’.  I have known the shame of family members who are active bigots.  I have done all in my power to ensure that my children are fully informed and are not afraid.

I know that Idaho is better than this.  We are better than Trump.  In some way we have to convince his followers that he is not the second coming of Jesus and he is not the only person who can make them feel safe.  The fear is misplaced and unnecessary.  I do not hate Trump.  I hate what he has inspired in people   We must demonstrate by example that we are NOT too far gone.