Emotions today are definitely running wild, especially when directed toward the President of the United States. With Donald, you can’t help but feel something. But are political sentiments out of control and spreading anger where it doesn’t belong? Many are now using the term hate.
In my church we weren’t allowed to hate. Father John called it an expression of evil—warning of its power. Granted strong feelings are certainly part of nature, but Plato’s dictum was that life’s a battle between feelings and reason. And emotions rarely act alone. When you learn to love, it usually spreads. Making the world a better place. Unfortunately, things work the same way with our darker side. People are now turning their anger for one to core supporters and anyone with something positive to say (like, friends and neighbours). Let’s start with his base.
The base
Not everyone makes $80K/year, then hooks up with a partner whose parents front them the deposit on a house. There are loads of paycheque-to-paycheque people who rent. These are the folk often described as Trump’s base.
In 2016, many (including people of colour and yes, legal immigrants) were looking for work. They saw Trump as a better bet to provide jobs. We then witnessed the proof behind the pudding. President T delivered more jobs, at higher wages, with greater take home pay, and didn’t touch entitlements (pensions, Medicare). But instead of being treated like any other group that voted for itself, they’ve been labeled as “racist pig farmers bolstering swastikas.” And sore losers employed banjo sounds as their inference.
Racists? In a country that voted twice for Obama? How many are there? And who are the real constructive racists, those living and working with minorities or clued out suburbanite do-gooders wishing to feel good? Don’t kid yourself, do-gooders also voted for themselves.
The rich
“Ya, but the Republicans gave a tax cut to the wealthy.” Are you sure? In the US, the top federal tax bracket was reduced from 39.6% to 37%. In Canada it’s 33%. Should we bash Canadians?
Provinces and states then add to the federal rate. Our provinces add more and provide healthcare. American states add less and don’t. It’s just a different system that they’ve been arguing about for years. If states add back the 2.6% (as per Arizona 2020), you’ll have nothing to say. Leave it to them.
Cages
“Screw you. Trump puts babies in cages.” “Everyone is bad who supports such a person.” Really? How much research did you put into this topic? How long do they stay there before the whole family is released into America, bypassing millions waiting in line? Is this the first administration to use separation as a deterrent? And what’s the current system anyhow? Is it the same as Canada’s or much more generous?
More important, WHAT DO THESE CAGES LOOK LIKE? Are they kennels used to house dogs or big gymnasiums like with flood victims? Bottom line is: if you view someone as favourable, you look into outrageous claims. When you have a penchant for dislike, you don’t need many details.
Summary
We’re all emotional. That’s the way it is. And everyone has times when they wish to lash out. But remember what Plato said: life is a balance between reason and emotion, and reason must win. Propaganda artists go straight for the heart because that’s easy. This time they’ve gone too far. Hate is a dangerous emotion that can bring down nations. Adults must rise up and act according to values. Don’t respect just the people you voted for, do it with everyone. And always let reason be your guide.
Since we’re talking politics, let’s end with a story about Justin. One day, in junior high, future PM had lunch with his dad at the House of Commons cafeteria. A member of the opposition walked by and Justin made a snide remark. Pierre said, “In politics, you never disparage the person. Only the position.” Father then took son by the hand and introduced him to the Conservative member. Now you can’t blame Justin for his action—he was just a kid. I did the same thing when I was 12.