This isn’t our America
Donald Trump promises to make America great again, apparently by attacking the media, judiciary, intelligence agencies, science, and other democratic institutions. This will undermine public trust in these crucial pillars of democracy, and weakens the foundation of democracy itself.
By exploiting cultural, racial, and socioeconomic divides for political gain, Trump deepens existing rifts and fosters an environment of hostility and animosity. This creates a deeply divided society that is less capable of functioning effectively as a democracy.
Trump has propagated baseless claims of widespread voter fraud and sought to undermine confidence in the electoral process. Such rhetoric undermines the legitimacy of elections and weakens the democratic principle of peaceful transfer of power. Efforts to restrict voting rights under the guise of combating fraud also threaten the electoral system.
The MAGA universe has contributed to the normalization of disinformation, conspiracy theories, and “post-truth” politics, where objective facts are often dismissed in favor of partisan narratives, misinformation and “alternative facts.” This erosion of truth and factual discourse undermines the public’s ability to make informed decisions and weakens the credibility of democratic institutions.
Trump’s behavior and rhetoric has set a precedent that undermines the values of accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. He often displays authoritarian tendencies, such as his admiration for strongman leaders like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un. These tendencies can pave the way for the concentration of power in the hands of a single leader or ruling party.
This is Trumpism. It represents a significant challenge to our democracy by undermining 250 years of democratic norms, institutions, and principles, and fostering polarization, division, and distrust within society.
Many Republican politicians and evangelical Christians embrace Trump’s brand of populist nationalism, but I fail to see when America ever represented these values, and I fail to see how these values will ever make America great.
RICK ARMELLINI Eureka Springs