Heretics on Display

I’m going out on a limb, but what the heck; here goes.

In no way shape or form can I be called a “Trumpbot”.  My first choice for the GOP nominee was Senator Cruz. I admire his adherence to the Constitution, his obvious intelligence, and grasp of the important issues facing America and the world. Is he perfect? No. Perfection is not humanly attainable. Would he make a good president? I believe so but that is background, and not what I wish to address.

I thought this election cycle would bring a chance for a new beginning as was experienced in 1854 with the birth of the Republican Party. Can you imagine the electricity in the air in Jackson Michigan when the fledgling Republicans held their first meeting since inception and thousands attended? No internet, no phones, no TV, no radio. Now that is magic; and that is what I wanted to happen this election cycle; a cleansing, a rebirth, a recommitment to core values. Well, it happened; just not the way I expected.

It was a movement of everyday Americans eager to put forth a more realistic and moralistic government who formed the Republican Party and brought about the changes needed to ensure civil rights and equal rights. The same people who made up the constituency of the new Republican Party in the 1850’s are the same as we find in the current conservative/populist movement; mostly good decent Americans seeking to make a better way for themselves and their families without infringing upon the rights of their neighbors, and without the government infringing upon them. The Republican Party was born of Americans seeking to carve out a fair and equitable existence for all, with a clear disdain for elitists. After all what could possibly be more elitist than pro-slavers?

It would be quite easy to find positions held by the new Republican administration that are worthy of criticism, but keep in mind that we are all human and very imperfect. What I am having difficulty with is the progressive wing of the Republican Party; those people who claim to be Republican while actively working to subvert our new Republican president. What has Trump done that so infuriates them? How is it possible that the party of Lincoln and Reagan can be so offended by the free exercise of our constitutional right to choose our leaders? I maintain that President Donald J Trump has shown incredible negotiating skill and has already been more presidential than Barak Obama in his entire eight years as president – and President Trump has just taken the oath of office.

As the Trump administration reasserts the exceptionalism of America, he may well also be heralding a new era of détente. I for one hope and pray that he succeeds. Since America is in need of serious rebuilding, I say let’s pitch in and give President Donald J Trump a hand.