1. We are offered two distinctly different messages in response to the political actions and climate of the Trump era. Two fundamental philosophies that will shape the course of our country:
We Are Better Than This
vs.
It Doesn't Matter, We Won
We Are Better Than This
vs.
It Doesn't Matter, We Won
2. One, an optimistic appeal to the integrity of the people of our country, offers hope for the future. The other hints at a slippery slope with no bottom. The end justifies the means no matter the cost. I find it doubtful this dark message is what Republicans teach their kids
3. There's no daylight between Trump and #GOP leaders who've have had 2+ years to decide who they are - those of character have already left the party. The rest have gladly molded themselves into Trump’s vision, fully embracing fear-mongering, nationalism, division and lies.
4. If “ginning” up the base increases vote turnout- then they are more than willing to chum the waters. If they have a moral compass, it has been buried under the weight of the required sycophancy. Fringe conspiracies and blatant racism are openly espoused and mainstreamed.
5. Is it dangerous to use fear and hatred to hype up an economically frustrated base who already has a healthy mistrust of ‘the other”? Given the massive increase in hate crimes - the answer is clearly yes. But, they don’t care.
6. Is it irresponsible to manipulate the undereducated or grossly partisan into believing “truth” is unknowable? That the media is being negative to the President when they fact-check him? The role of the press in our democracy is absolutely crucial.
7. It’s not only irresponsible, but dangerous, and destructive to our democracy. But. It. Works. So well, now GOP candidates feel comfortable baldy lying about their intentions for protecting pre-existing conditions despite a full court press to abolish those exact protections.
8. Trump lies, they lie and anyone who points out the lie is accused of being ‘negative’ and engaging in ‘fake news’. Anyone slightly familiar with world history knows this isn’t a new tactic. It’s common in authoritarian regimes.
9. And while, DT has balked at being compared to ‘historical villains’, the uncomfortable truth remains. Raucous rallies from the leader of a country designed to foster division, seed doubt in our institutions, and spread propaganda fits a model that should chill every American.
10. Violent, hateful rhetoric, attacks on our institutions, unwholesome policy, the removal of protections, the debasement of women, LGBTQ and people of color, tax cuts for the rich, romanticizing authoritarian monsters and sparring with allies -of course, we’re better than this.
11. But this doesn't matter to the GOP. The question becomes whether it matters to the American PEOPLE. Does multiculturalism vex them so much that they are willing to believe any lie fed to them? Does judiciary control mean they are willing to look away as democracy dies?
12. Will they keep cheering at the the vilification of #Democrats while their Social Security disappears? While Medicare/Medicaid benefits shrink? While the planet is destroyed? While minorities are targeted? While healthcare becomes a privilege of wealth?
13. We’re going to find out on November 6. We're going to find out what world our children will inherit. One of hope and progress or one of cynicism, darkness and lies. This is your chance to speak out. I believe WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS. Do you?
