The Trump presidency has caused me to lose faith in the USA

[Kyblue1]

I have studied American history and politics all of my life. I have an advanced degree in both topics, and have always believed in the basic goodness and mission of the American experiment. However, I now have to question whether we are the shining example to the world of a freedom loving democracy that we have proclaimed to be.
I have been saying since the rise of the tea party that this country is ripe for an authoritarian takeover of our government, and the last few years have, unfortunately, given weight to my prediction.
I was greatly disappointed and concerned for with the election of Trump, but was able to chalk it up to a convergence of negative factors, including lingering misogyny and Clinton fatigue. But the amount of support for the re-election of Trump and the type of campaign that he is waging has made me question not only the wisdom but the basic goodness of my fellow Americans. I was horrified in 2016 when his crowd chanted for the jailing of his political opponent, and now Trump has doubled down on that insane message, to the point of implicitly encouraging violence against those who disagree with him. SHAME on all who tolerate such behavior, especially Republican officeholders who do not condemn such conduct from their leader. I always thought Republicans were uber patriotic.
I only hope that the results of this election will restore my faith

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. America isn't special, though we have long harbored that delusion.

We have just as many stupid assholes as any other country that's let itself go to hell in a handbasket.

[NurseJackie]

5. This. Truth!

America isn't special, though we have long harbored that delusion.

This. Truth!

[BusyBeingBest]

2. The fact that there's any possibility whatsoever he might win again,

after the destruction and degradation of the last four years, makes me lose faith. So many people just keep supporting him no matter how evil and clown-like his behavior--it's like an out-of-control steamroller that just keeps going, with no brakes or off button. We have to climb up into it and rip out the wires.

[NurseJackie]

6. Isn't that just the most bizarre thing to see?? After ALL THIS, people are STILL supporting him.

I wonder if it's Trump they're "supporting" or if it's the fact that someone has finally given them "cover" and approval of their racist beliefs.

[BusyBeingBest]

11. I do think he validates them, and takes away the guilt

from their shitty beliefs, just by being President. I mean, if he's President and he's banning Muslims from certain countries and holding immigrant children hostage and winking at white supremacists, then it must be mainstream and OK, right?

[dameatball]

12. Yes, it is indeed fascinating. I am watching relatives who are actually extremely intelligent people

twist themselves into knots every single day trying to justify whatever nonsense Trump puts out there. I can only put it down to the fact that they have an inner core that has become connected to some last ditch hope to maintain their idealized version of a status quo based on exclusion of those not exactly like them.

[Digger]

13. You nailed it, Nurse Jackie.

[Mike 03]

3. Disillusionment

Those beautiful words on paper that our Founders left for us, and the subsequent amendments and case law, are only going to work if people of good intention follow them.

Now we have many powerful and well-financed organizations who don't believe our country should be based on those principles any longer. Like the aliens in War of the Worlds they have been patiently playing the long game. We have to fight them back.

[PJMcK]

4. Hold onto some of your faith

All countries have jackasses. Sometimes they come into power.

It's very likely that the coming blue wave will sweep away much of the crap Trump and the GOP have wrought.

Then the hard work begins. We'll have to repair the damages Trump brought and make serious changes to our system to prevent minority rule and any chance of the reappearance of an authoritarian president.

[Solomon]

7. Why does white supremacy confuse so many people?

People of color have seen this coming for a long time. Even as a child I knew that one day the words "all men are created equal" would be sorely tested when the so called "minority" populations begin to outstrip the white population.

And here we are.

[Nay]

9. Thank you. nt

[Aristus]

8. Once you acknowledge that this country was founded by a bunch of syphilitic slaveowners,

everything else gets a little easier to accept...

[unitedwethrive]

10. This is exactly why so many were severely depressed after 2016

Because we are always taught, and constantly hear, of the goodness of the American people, no one truly thought they would vote in a misogynistic, racist, generally trashy man as president. It was a true slap in the face, and an awakening to our reality.