The writing below was penned by a cousin of mine. He's been a good writer for as long as he's tried. IMHO, he would be a great politician, or pundit on TV. Very photogenic too, but he's not interested. So far. A few snips below.
Here we are. It's 2026, and America finds itself at a critical moment in our history, a time where there are no more excuses for people remaining under Trump's spell. I have been trying to avoid posts on politics because I believe they are mostly useless. And I hate using my feed to give the man an ounce of attention, but it is time for every American to make EXTREMELY CLEAR where they stand.
The best time to reject Trump was when he came down the escalator, but there have been countless off-ramps since then.
When he bragged about sexually assaulting women, it was time.
When he was held liable for sexual abuse, it was time.
snip
The pattern has become unmistakable. Law and order until the law applies to Trump ( a 34x felon). Free speech until someone criticizes Trump. Personal responsibility until it's time to release the Epstein files or for Trump to be held accountable. Trump NEVER admitting fault while being eager to scapegoat and demonize immigrants, teachers, journalists, or anyone who dares to stand up to him. Wearing Christianity as a badge while you cheer on greed, narcissism, and hate.
Trumpism is hollow. It has revealed the true nature of so many on the American right who have abandoned their fake projected values in favor of loyalty to a conman. Trump exploits the worst of America. He understand our fears, our hatreds, our ignorance, and our tribalism, and he exploited it all. Rather than heal, he divides. Rather than tell the truth, he deceives without a conscience in pursuit of his own self-interests. Like every charlatan, he knows precisely how to wrap himself up to sell his bullshit.
In the process, he has revealed how shallow these "conservative values" were for so many people. He gave permission for millions to abandon decency, replace ethics with resentment, and mistake cruelty for courage. His followers accepted that permission eagerly.
So this is not about policy disagreements, although there are plenty. It is about character. A movement that excuses lies, glorifies spite, and attacks democracy itself has no moral standing no matter how often it invokes God, family, or the flag. Real values are demanding. They constrain our behavior. They force us to reject leaders who fail to live up to those values. For them to mean ANYTHING, they can't be so easily set aside.
the rest can be found on my blog at
https://russblib.blogspot.com