As an individual who strives to approach the world with trust, I attempt to maintain certain expectations about how things operate and how people behave. These expectations serve as a foundation for my job of analyzing events and predicting future occurrences.
However, I have continually found myself confounded by Donald Trump. His actions consistently defy my predictions, and I am constantly taken aback by his level of depravity.
From his thuggish behavior during the 2020 debate with Joe Biden to his active attempts to undermine the election, revealed during the Jan. 6 committee hearings, and even his blatant breaches of national security, as indicated by his federal indictment – each revelation has left me shocked and disheartened.
Nevertheless, I am not ashamed of my perpetual naivety when it comes to Donald Trump. I refuse to allow his influence to infect my thoughts or alter my worldview. If maintaining a sense of mental independence from Trump requires occasional naivety, then I am willing to pay that price.
As we brace ourselves for the impending 17 months of campaigning, in which Trump will likely once again dominate the nation’s consciousness, I reflect on the need to defend our inner sanctums from his invasive presence.
My worldview, which may be easy to ridicule, is rooted in the belief that while flawed, most people strive to be good. I believe that despite their imperfections, our institutions maintain a level of legitimacy that deserves our respect. I hold onto the conviction that character is important and that ultimately, good people succeed while unethical individuals face downfall.
This worldview is not borne out of childish innocence but is shaped by my direct experiences with life and my interactions with real-life politicians such as Barack Obama, John McCain, and Mitt Romney.
Donald Trump, through his mere presence, represents an assault on this worldview. Trump embodies tyranny, as highlighted by Aristotle centuries ago. Under tyranny, arbitrary decisions replace the rule of law, and no governing order exists. The whims and insatiable desires of the tyrant become the sole determining factors.
Even in his role as a cultural figure, Trump wields power that spreads beyond politics. Under cultural tyranny, internal values lose their meaning, replaced by the momentary whims and lusts of the tyrant. This erosion of values leads to a more nihilistic mindset.
Trump has already corroded the Republican Party in this manner, particularly when it comes to the connection between beliefs and words. The idea of hypocrisy has been diminished, and personal morality is no longer deemed important.
Furthermore, Trump’s corrosive influence extends beyond his own party. It undermines the sense of legitimacy that any stable social order depends on. Trump dismisses prosecutors as political pawns and labels civil servants as “deep state” operatives. This cynical attitude has permeated society, breeding mistrust and cynicism towards our institutions.
As we enter the coming months, we are not merely facing a political contest, but also a battle between those who believe in ideals, even if it makes us appear naive, and those who advocate for a remorseless struggle for selfish gain. Allowing the latter mindset to prevail would be a step towards cultural barbarism.
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