Thread by @JuliusGoat

Oh no not a rug, help, save us.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1086252588088082432

It's worth noting the extent to which the conservative mind is driven by fear.

They're hiding behind walls, hording guns, cosplaying as mercenaries from 80s action movies.

Scared of a rug in a desert.

Warriors? Cowards.

Listen to them talk. It's all fear.

Scared of gay people. Oh no our marriage.
Scared of trans people. Oh no bathrooms.
Scared of Muslims. Oh no a mat.
Scared of Mexicans. Oh no my job.
Scared of women. Oh no accusations.
So scared of black people. So, so scared of black people.

We've seen this type. They won't be fighting to defend the freedom of those who can't fight for themselves.

They're the guys on Titanic punching women to get on the life boats first then letting them down half-empty so they can stretch their legs.

Next time somebody tells you they want a wall, just ask them "What are you afraid of?"

They'll tell you.

Then ask them: "Aren't you curious why I'm unafraid? Would you like to know what makes me so brave?"

Then tell them.

Bravery puts cowardice to shame. Explain your bravery.

What, do they think we don't have jobs and families and houses, too?

Do they think we libs and lefties control these hordes they fear so much?

If we did, why did they hit New York City on 9-11?

Don't debate them about the monsters under their beds. Just ask them why they're afraid. Then listen to them explain their fear.

Then tell them why you're unafraid of all the things that make them tremble.

They ARE afraid. They can't deny it. In fact they say it all the time.

But the story they tell themselves is one of bravery.

They're scared of things that mostly aren't really threats, but I don't think time spent convincing them of that is time well spent.

Just bring their awareness to the fact of their fear.

Let it eat a bit at the myth of their bravery.

Perhaps that can be a start.

And yes, the prayer rug in the desert isn't real. And sure, point that out. But really, believing that story requires deciding to believe it and deciding to ignore reality.

But they can't deny they're scared of a rug in the desert.

They just said so.

Oh, you want a wall? Yeah, I prefer living a brave life. I don't really need to hide behind a wall.

Oh, you want a bathroom law? Yeah, but I'm just not living my life in fear like that.

Gay marriage amendment? Why? I'm not scared of gay people.

Oh but you ARE scared, huh.

Huh

No, I'm a fan of religious freedom, so I oppose a Muslim travel ban. I actually think that's a really corrosive idea.

Sure, terrorists are dangerous. But still, I oppose the ban. I don't want to live in fear. You know how it is when you're extra brave.

Or maybe not.