Intersecting Identities: My Journey with Donald Trump

Introduction

From a young age, I had a set of core beliefs that aligned closely with liberal, inclusive values. The idea of being a family man, living and letting live, and maintaining honesty and integrity were virtues deeply ingrained in my identity. This perspective is not identical to being a Christian, nor is it purely Luciferian, but there's a stark contrast with the vision espoused by individuals who self-identify as ‘Luciferian CIA officers.’ It seems that such figures can confuse and misinterpret the spectrum of beliefs to fit their own agenda.

One such figure who embodied the antithesis of my values was Donald Trump. The first time I saw him during the 2016 election campaign was both a shock and a confirmation of many assumptions I already held about him. Trump presented a amalgam of negative traits that seemed to embody the very opposite of my beliefs, and it sparked a visceral reaction that many felt towards him.

The Visceral Reaction to Trump

The reaction people have towards Donald Trump is often driven by a deep sense of personal identity and values. Supporting or opposing him amounts to more than just a choice of policies; it is a statement about who we are, where we came from, and what defines us. Supporting Trump is often a way to reclaim a sense of American identity that was perceived to be under threat. For many, the Trump phenomenon is a reflection of a broader societal issue.

Why People Supported Trump

While Trump might not have been the worst US president, his rise to power was undoubtedly unsettling. Many believed he represented the decline of American values and the turmoil within the country.

There were several reasons why people supported Trump:

Economic Appeal: Trump promised to bring back jobs and protect American workers from the effects of globalization. Cutting taxes, closing loopholes, and reducing illegal immigration were central to his campaign promises. Ethnic Identity: Trump capitalized on fears of changing demographics by strongly advocating for a "white" America, highlighting the importance of American-born citizens and criticizing countries he deemed as "shithole" areas. Polarization: Trump skillfully targeted the corrupt and powerful opposition, often pointing out the corruption within the Democratic party. This polarization reduced the political center and polarized public opinion. Theological Support: Many Christians supported Trump as an ally in the Republican party, despite his personal and moral failings. The conservative base provided a significant proportion of his support.

While some of Trump's policies and rhetoric were problematic, the underlying issue was the deep flaws in American politics and society. Trump was a symptom, not the cause. Issues such as excessive unregulated capitalism and globalisation were at the root of many societal problems.

Reforming American Politics

To address the root causes of the Trump phenomenon, significant political reforms are necessary. Here are a few key areas:

Political Finance: Cutting campaign funding, banning political lobbying, and campaigning by corporate interests would significantly reduce the influence of money in politics. A more transparent and fair electoral process would lead to a healthier democracy. Gerrymandering: Illegal redistricting practices need to be abolished or significantly regulated to ensure that political representation is based on the will of the people, not the arbitrary decisions of politicians. Electoral College Reform: Abolishing or reforming the electoral college system to ensure that every vote carries equal weight is crucial for a fair democratic process. Rule of Law: Upholding the law, especially regarding Guantanamo Bay and international law, is essential for America to regain its global standing. Supporting countries with poor human rights records must cease, and the use of the veto by the USA to condone law-breaking must be stopped.

A Personal Reflection

As a European, my experiences with the United States in the 1990s were overwhelmingly positive. America was seen as an advanced and progressive country. However, with the passage of time and the rise of figures like Trump, the depth of the societal issues became clearer. I hold the belief that with the right policies, America can once again rise to its former status as a beacon of progress and prosperity.

Thank you for reading.