A Thought About How We Can Stop Trump

I never talk about politics, ever, but these are dire times.

A friend of mine shared an anecdote that represents what I’ve been saying for years, and is now more important than ever.

He was at an ‘all boys’ high school annual reunion, graduation 1976, and discussing something which touched on politics, and the group next to him overheard, and joined right in, uninvited, to make sure their support of President Trump was heard.

I’m just saying that we who don’t support Trump need to start doing the same thing. Trump supporters take every opportunity to say who they are and what they think, and we need to do the same. We need to express the intelligent and right things that we know are right, even when we feel it’s not the appropriate time. We feel, and have always felt, like it’s useless to argue about some things. I realize now that it’s not important that we win the argument, it’s just important that we participate in the argument, every chance we get, with meaningful words that address what we think is best. Trump supporters look up to strength, fearlessness, and a purposeful plan. We need to look strong, fearless, and like our plan is the greatest for every individual. And, we all need to say so, every chance we get.

I think we all have to figure out how to do this, together or individually. Together would be great, but I don’t know how to do that, and our leadership is not helping. I’m trying to find the words that make sense to help me say the things we all so want to say; just the most pertinent things, things that will resonate with those who are looking for guidance, and more. I’m trying to figure out what they are for myself; I want not to be the only one.

We need to represent guidance to those who are looking for it. Otherwise, they’ll go to Trump, because he’s assuring them that he is able and will provide guidance. We’re not used to challenging those we deem less aware. This time is different. We need to speak out. We should prepare now.

They, the Trump base, have words, we should too, and we don’t, none that mean anything to the people who might vote for Trump but would not be considered his ‘base’. We need to think about how to respond when we don’t want to respond but we have to. We have to, every day, to everyone, anytime it comes up. We have to match their tactics!!! But never fight! We’ll never get the attention of the people we need to and are able to if we don’t do what the Trump camp does. Not everyone who might vote for Trump is part of his base. But the Trump supporters bring it every day. We need to bring it the same way, every day, even if we don’t like it, it’s not our style, and we disagree with the premise.

I was saying this back when Al Gore was on the ticket, and again with John Kerry. I was a mess after George W. Bush’s election for a second term. I never would have guessed how serious this election would be compared to those times. We are a quiet, intellectual, high road group, and that will not benefit anyone now. We need to be as outspoken and obnoxious as Trump supporters are, all the time, whether or not it messes with your workplace network, or old friends sitting next to you, or family members who live and vote in Florida. We need to speak out, anytime, anywhere, but with understandable ideas and succinct answers, and without the language of: Trump is a worthless, scumbag, nazi, regardless of what you or I might think.

Prepare your words, be ready to use them, and spread the word. These are seriously, dangerous times.

I’m talking to myself here too, but I think it’s so very important to think about for everyone and anyone who thinks it would be a nightmare if Donald Trump was elected to a second term. Obviously, I think it’s really important that that doesn’t happen. We need to think outside of ‘our’ box, and bring it.


The way to stop him is though nonviolent PROTEST.  On the streets. Millions.  Every city and small town.  For days on end.  A visual show of the opposition to him.  Get. Out. On. The. Streets. Peacefully, of course.


This ought to be in Politics, but frankly I do not know how you have a meaningful discussion with a strong Trump supporter about Trump himself. You can have a rational discussion with a rational person about a specific issue or a specific Trump policy.

A young man who is very anti-trump told me about his discussions with his pro-trump grandfather. They were having a discussion of a different topic, Amazon's attempt to open a large facility in NYC which was opposed by many "on the left". he said he and his grandfather after arguing vigorously realized that neither one of them really had all the facts. So they both went and studied and their next conversation was amicable and they found some common ground.

Does this help?


BTW,

My way to oppose trump is to support the Democratic candidate. 


From an essay I just read written for Hannukah about Judaism:

There is a great deal of Jewish commentary on speech—about gossip, shaming, lying, and more—and a verse from the biblical book of Proverbs warns, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This may seem hyperbolic, until you consider this quote from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel: “The Holocaust did not begin with the building of crematoria, and Hitler did not come to power with tanks and guns; it all began with uttering evil words, with defamation, with language and propaganda.”


STANV said:

BTW,

My way to oppose trump is to support the Democratic candidate. 

I guess I'm saying that might not be enough ? And who will be the Democratic candidate? We in NJ don't have a lot to say about that, in the end. There are many exceptional people on the stage, and I fear the liberal leanings, but I have to say that Elizabeth Warren might be the only candidate to challenge Trump in the end... ok, I've said what I think...


reservationgirl said:

I guess I'm saying that might not be enough ? And who will be the Democratic candidate? We in NJ don't have a lot to say about that, in the end. There are many exceptional people on the stage, and I fear the liberal leanings, but I have to say that Elizabeth Warren might be the only candidate to challenge Trump in the end... ok, I've said what I think...

 I agree that it is important to engage people who support Trump and particularly those who may be a little wobbly. 

My tactic is to bring the conversation around to a couple of topics that I am passionate about. Topics  about which I have a fair amount of information and then argue my case without anger.

Most of us know when we will be confronted, perhaps a family gathering or an event with friends who have a different political view. 

Then be prepared to use whatever verbal tools you are comfortable with: humor, statistics or sentiment. Even if you persuade one mind it is worth it. At least you will leave your audience with the feeling that our side is informed, committed but willing to talk.



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