Just because our country is about to be overrun by a crazed gang of ignorant hooligans is no reason to be unpleasant.
On the other hand, we need to put down our smartphones occasionally and get some exercise. We don’t have to be as nasty as Trump henchmen like Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller to organize a broad-based resistance to fascism. We need only remember our brave ancestors.
When televangelist Kenneth Copeland said after the election, “No more rainbow flags,” he was asserting a false narrative that the election result authorized Christian supremacy, in violation of the Establishment Clause. And Republicans call Democrats out of touch.
Set aside the fact that Copeland’s version of Christianity bears little resemblance to Gospel teachings. His triumphal declaration is one of many noxious policies that were nowhere on the ballot, but which Trump & Co. claim a mandate to impose.
The fraudster in chief claims “an unprecedented and powerful mandate” though his popular vote total was short of a majority. To be sure, he is not the first person of modest endowments to resort to exaggeration. He is, however, the first to assert backing for sweeping changes to the structure of our government — possibly in fulfillment of the old Washington quip, “If it ain’t broke, break it.”
Furthermore, Trump is not the only person who won the election on Nov. 5. Senators elected include Democrats Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, Andy Kim of New Jersey, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, and Adam Schiff of California. On the House side, Sarah McBride of Delaware will be the first openly trans member of Congress.
We need to confront the problem of the Republicans’ malevolent overreach. As one example, they have misgendered and demonized McBride and banned trans women from using women’s restrooms on Capitol Hill; they also propose to do so across the District of Columbia in violation of home rule. As another example, Trump calls Schiff “an enemy from within” who should be dealt with by the U.S. military.
McBride and Schiff have already made clear that they will not be distracted from their work. Let us take inspiration from their courage.
It is amazing how one word, “woke,” has been seized upon by so many people to indulge intolerance while striking a righteous pose. But no matter how much repression may surge, we live in a highly diverse society. This will not change short of genocide.
The thin Republican House majority prompted this Axios headline: “House Democrats prepare to make Mike Johnson’s life hell.” As well they should.
One thing we must do if our republic is to survive is to stop acting as if whatever voters decide is by definition correct and requires abject pandering by Democrats. Voters made a disastrous mistake in this election, especially those who stayed home because of unhappiness over Biden’s failure to rein in “Crime Minister” Netanyahu of Israel. When the ethnic cleansing of Gaza and Palestine accelerates with a nod from Trump, maybe those who withheld support from Kamala Harris over the issue will come to their senses, though I am skeptical.
It is the height of folly to denigrate Trump without recognizing that his years of assault on expertise have had a devastating effect. If we do not get our fight on, we will be like parents failing to stop unruly children from running around a restaurant. Crash!
The truth does not magically alter itself in deference to know-nothingism. Refusing to recognize the efficacy of vaccines, the reality of climate change, or the crucial role of immigrant labor in our economy will not alter the truth nor protect us from the consequences of denial.
In this respect, trans folk are the canaries in the coal mine. Falsely pretending that biology is only about genitalia to the exclusion of brain chemistry does not make it so. Doubling down on mockery and cruelty does not validate the lie about trans women being predatory “men in dresses.”
The bankruptcy of this cult of meanness is particularly stark considering the president-elect was himself found liable for sexual assault and chose several men credibly accused of the same for his cabinet. There is scant greatness or decency in a country where rape culture is celebrated with the slogan, “Your body, my choice.”
We must not be resigned to our fate. We are still creating this country.
Those dedicated to upholding the promise of America are living proof of its brave, strong, pulsing heart. For them — for you — I give thanks this Thanksgiving.