The Trump presidency has caused me to lose faith in the USA [View all]

[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