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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWe are the only fools who believe in "mandates"
Pundits and others keep saying that Trump and the Republicans dont have a mandate. It seems that we Democrats are the only ones who care about mandates. Time we understood that Republicans don't give a rats ass about any of that "mandate crap," or what we think about it.
Heres what Trump and the Republicans do believe in: Control of the levers of power. And that's it. That's all they need to do whatever they want to do, whenever they want to do it, and to whomever they want to do it to. (Kind of the way the "haves" treated their slaves in ancient Rome ... and every other tyranny since then.)
Most Americans dont seem to grasp that the Republican Party is a criminal enterprise and has been for the past couple of decades. Want some proof? Try this:
0 They have passed multiple laws in many states to prevent minorities (mostly Democrats) from voting.
0 They have gerrymandered districts to ensure that they will control the legislatures of many states for the foreseeable future.
0 Theyve spent eight years opposing and spitting on President Obama who tried his best to do the right things for all of us.
0 Their outspoken agenda is Screw the poor. Give to the rich. Seems that millions of Americans never hear it or get it.
0 They impeached a president for getting a blow job, while ignoring the blatant sexual hypocrisy in their own ranks.
0 They have their own TV, radio, and online outlets that spread lies and propaganda 24/7. Josef Goebbels could only envy them.
0 They are on the verge of privatizing Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, education, the environment, and every single thing that benefits the middle class and the poor. They have the power to fulfill the wet dream theyve been anticipating for decades, and they might just get away with it.
0 They take responsibility for nothing. As soon as their voters start to look at them strangely, they point the finger at someone else (Muslims, blacks, Jews, terrorists, unmarried mothers, sexual perverts, Middle East refugees, and those who have declared war on Christmas).
0 They never appeal to the best in people. Their method of operation is to always appeal to human hatred, bias and bigotry.
0 Empathy does not exist in the Republican Party. The only reality they understand is: Hurray for me. Fuck everybody else.
So why would the GOP and their new Orange Emperor care about any of that mandate stuff? It plays no part in their reality.
But as far as our reality is concerned, anyone who doesnt realize that Trump and the Republicans are going to spend the next four years (and perhaps more) destroying our democracy is a fool. We care about democracy. They couldnt care less.
So heres the bottom line. As of January 20th, 2017, the barbarians will have total control of the United States of America, an America that may cease to exist as a constitutional democracy.
What are we going to do about it?
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,267 posts)We've been arguing that Hillary's winning the popular vote by almost 3 million means that Trump doesn't have a mandate; and while that may be technically true, it doesn't obviate the fact that the GOP now controls everything. Under these circumstances a mandate and $2 gets you a small latte at Starbucks.
Cyrano
(15,020 posts)The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,267 posts)immoderate
(20,885 posts)The daily panels would write themselves.
I agree that a "mandate" is an imaginary thing. Like "rights," it exists only if you can back it up. And Trump with the presidency, and both houses can effect a mandate.
What I foresee is the voters realizing they have been had, if they haven't seen it previously, and taking to the streets (the only place change gets made) by summer. Then, curfews and 'martial' law in the cities. Protests, incarcerations, investigations, and articles for impeachment by winter. There is nothing in his record to indicate Trump is not toxic!
--imm
Cyrano
(15,020 posts)except for the impeachment part. I believe the Republicans will go along, with whatever their new fuehrer wants to do.
The old saying is true. "Democrats fall in love. Republicans fall in line."
They will be good Germ ... umm ... Americans.
immoderate
(20,885 posts)Trump offers no line to fall in with. He will undercut and wreak vengeance on any opposition, and changes his mind daily. I think at least some will be exasperated. They can't think fast enough. I'm not a Schumer fan, but he might be a good match here. He could troll Trump.
--imm
Thor_MN
(11,843 posts)There is no connotation other than winning office. The problem arises when people see it as meaning overwhelming authority. Trump has a mandate, he won the Electoral College by a slim margin. He squeaked in while overwhelmingly losing the Popular vote. He has perhaps, one of the weakest wins in history.
We can not fail to keep reminding him of this, preferably by laughing at him as the "Accidental Precident".
Cyrano
(15,020 posts)going with his agenda. Not to mention the long-held Republican agenda that he will probably sign off on.
Thor_MN
(11,843 posts)At least laughing at the petty, little insecure man will annoy him and keep him up nights tweeting "unfair".
Implying meanings incorrectly on the word mandate doesn't do anything.
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(107,063 posts)or should I say man date.