Really thoughtful, honest and well-reasoned post. I know the impact of some of President Trump's impulsive decision-making and ignoring of the best of our political norms first hand because I personally know faithful decent Christians in the asylum process who are being summarily deported without benefit of a hearing -- back to a communist dictatorship if not into one of the worst prisons in the world. Being summarily punished without a hearing, whoever you are, doesn't embody the American values that I cherish. That doesn't mean that the Democrats are an ideal and perfect party. I have come to a much deeper respect for Republicans over the last few years; that is Republicans who are for the traditional values that they are known for -- free trade, law and order (not carelessly violating or changing laws), rewarding hard work, supporting small business with common sense regulations etc. President Trump isn't apparently about any of that. I am hoping and praying that a coalition of the willing from the moderate wing of both parties reins in the abuses. I am a lifelong Democrat because I believe in economic justice and an inclusive society - but I can see that my perspectives need to be balanced by other perspectives in order for us to be the best country we can be. I don't think I am alone in that, and I think that the number of people who believe that are growing; President Trump is a "homeopathy", a shock to the system that hopefully activates the immune system. I have heard good rumblings from different sectors, but I think that there is a lot of suffering in store before we get to a better place. Taking seriously where we have all gone wrong is good step in the right direction.
I don't have the heart, the energy or the stomach to list out the horrors leftists, i.e., democrats in government are doing to this country, as you have done in stating your case for why we should be deathly afraid of Trump. Those who allow MSM to be their bible and who vote for democrats and republicans in name only are also complicit in tearing this country apart. There's plenty of scorn and blame to go around on both sides.
No one who supports Trump believes he is the pinnacle of human perfection nor do I expect him to be, or any other person who has led or will lead this country. I hope and mostly believe that Trump loves and wants what is best for America, along with her people, all of us, not just one side. I have little to almost no faith in politicians in general, no matter how ethical they may start out to be. Trump isn't a politician and he shouldn't be judged by those characteristics. The only price he isn't willing to pay in order to overcome what America has become, is destroying America to achieve it. The same cannot be said for hard left democrats. There is no love of country, or honor or ethics in their single-minded hatred of Trump. They fear him because he isn't like them, and that's why almost half the country loves him, warts, bluster and all.
You and I will likely never agree about Trump, but I do believe you truly want America to be a great country, not at the expense of beating or destroying any other country, or side, but because we live here and want to participate in a culture that hinges on the values on which our country was founded.
I didn't suggest that anyone could ever be the 'pinnacle of human perfection'. Or that you or anyone thought that of Trump. But you should be at least honest enough to see that almost anyone you could name who's ever held high Republican office, was at least TRYING to set a high standard of behavior and decorum. Trump is doing exactly the opposite. He intentionally sets the lowest standard possible in word and deed.
Please answer this: What would the man have to do before you'd deny him your support? Everybody knows what my breaking point was. It came in two parts. First his lying about a stolen election, and doing so much damage with that lie. The second part was when he failed to stand up to the anti-vaxxers, costing about as many lives as five Vietnam wars.
I washed my hands of him long before his cruelty and shallowness was as apparent as it is now. With all due respect ... what's YOUR breaking point?
My breaking point would be if substantive proof could be found that Trump is part of the cabal, coalition, PTB, whoever they are, who are bent on destroying America for their own gain and out of hatred of America in general , and is playing the part he has been assigned.
I disagree vehemently with your claims that he lied about the stolen election. It was stolen. I also agree with the Anti-vaxxers. You and I are worlds apart in what we believe about Trump. Neither of us will change the other's mind. So be it.
Dave, you still don’t get it about support for Trump.
Your fundamental allegiance to the Left is revealed by your preference for the tropes traded so freely in the Dem echo chambers in the MSM. Another tell is your expense of so much ink in your essay complaining that President Trump—whom you have never met—is surely not a “good man”, and he has no “character.” All of this is completely hollow, because for the last four years you and your Democrat friends were silent, just looking down at your shoes while the rest of us had to endure the antics of Joe Biden and his crime family. Where was your outrage with Biden’s graft in Ukraine and China? (“I need ten percent for the Big Guy!”) What about Biden's plagiarism in his university work and in his political speeches? What about his compulsive lying? (“I graduated at the top half of my class!” – actually he was #76 of 85.) “I graduated with three undergrad degrees!” (Nope, only one.) “My son Beau came home from Iraq in a flag-draped coffin!” (No, he died of illness six years after his deployment.) “My house burned down with my wife inside!” (Small fire confined to the kitchen.) What about his blatant pandering? “I used to drive eighteen-wheelers just like you guys!”
So THAT’s what you mean about “a good man”, with “character.” Indeed.
Regarding my assessment of President Trump, these are the salient issues important to me, as well as ALL of the conservative folks I know. But first, an acknowledgement of the obvious: Mr. Trump is a poor communicator, and his overall progress is unfortunately often “two steps forward and one step back.” But brother--those incremental steps forward are crucial, and they were glaringly absent altogether in the last administration. Trump has tallied up one “win” after another, and that’s what matters. With any politician, it’s best to just ignore what they say, and instead watch what they actually DO. So, with that in mind, let’s review some of what President Trump has done in only three months:
Stop the killing in Ukraine. (No more endless war and endless spending, with no plan to get out of it.) Throttle the Houthis--as well as the Iranians, who foment death and destruction throughout the Middle East. Support the Israelis, who, during the October strike by Hamas, suffered the equivalent (per capita, compared to the 9/11 attack on USA) of 40,000 (!) killed. Broker a peace plan between warring nuke powers Pakistan and India. Racial discrimination via DEI cancelled. Women and Girls protected in schools via Title IX enforcement. Prices: groceries down; gasoline down; crude oil down; energy down. Unemployment down. Government-funded abortions down. The border: illegal crossings reduced by 95%. Government waste: $160 BILLION already identified with more to come. International trade agreements reviewed for fairness. Confront a bellicose China.
None of this was being done or even offered by Joe Biden or his absurd replacement, Kamala Harris. A vote by half of the country for Donald Trump despite his flaws (and votes for a Republican Congress as well) was a slam dunk.
It’s unfortunate the political balance that I used to enjoy in your generally excellent, insightful writing and social commentary is sadly gone these days. You mentioned that some subscribers are voting with their feet. Maybe that’s not surprising, because if the content becomes only a ready source of irritation instead of inspiration, then why show up?
So basically, you want a king? The border has been under control for over a year, because Biden, having foolishly canceled Trump’s policies, more or less reinstated them for political reasons. I never gave Biden a pass on any of that bullshit. I oppose all partisan dishonesty. I didn’t endorse Joe or his would-be successor, and called both of them out when they lied. If you’d been reading me, you’d know that.
But one person being an asshole does not make falling for a second asshole who opposes the first asshole, any less foolish.
Gas is NOT down. That’s a Trump lie. Groceries are NOT down. Where did you get that idea? The war in Ukraine is still going, as Trump concedes shit to Putin that he didn’t even ask for. What happened to ‘ending the war in 24 hours’? Just more BS. DOGE is fucking disaster. And Musk is a terrible human being, who’s deeply dependent on government contracts, and should be no place near our data or the levers of power.
Trump is stumbling around blindly, basically creating ‘content’ every day. Any man who surrounds himself with yes-people, is certain to be corrupt. Do you do that in your own life? I fucking don’t. Dude, pull away from your right-wing media I.V. feed, and just watch what the president actually does. Every single day the corruption gets deeper and deeper. I suppose that you think taking a luxury plane from Qatar is just peachy. As for me, I still believe in the constitution and in high standards of behavior.
You know, it's actually fascinating to observe the particulars of this exchange when part of your original post was lamenting the dissolution of the "conversational guardrails" that we used to enjoy in society. Oh, well.
I should mention that I was indeed a subscriber to your You Tube channel for a couple years, and in addition, I have actually read every one of your essays on this Substack. I even shared a few with my son and some friends, although I rarely comment. You mentioned that in the past you wrote critical posts regarding Democrat politicians during the last administration, so if I missed all those critiques that has to be on me and I apologize for failing to give you full credit. (But I think I did, really—subconsciously at least, because my previous general impression of you was as a centrist guy.)
I suppose we just have to agree to disagree regarding President Trump. The obvious intent of your post was to somehow convince your readers that “Yes, Trump is a bad man. Somehow, we missed it before, but it’s not too late to switch over to Team Blue.” You even basically asked one reader, “What’s it going to take for you to come over to our side??” Well, I can’t buy what you’re selling, man. Likewise, you don’t believe me either, that much is crystal clear, LOL. I mean, your case of TDS is so virulent that you actually believe that the border is now secure because of Biden. Biden!
Ok, I’m off to work. I’m looking forward to your next essay. Maybe it won’t be politics next time? In any case, I hope you have a good and relaxing day in sunny California.
Still a proud subscriber. You’ve given me a lot to consider. Not that I’m a MAGA guy now or ever. I’ve said prior that you put me thinking right down the political middle. F*** it’s lonely here. I’ve found when you’re trying to be in the center you’ve no friends on either side. For what Trump is doing, I rely a lot on what you say and quite frankly I have a really hard time finding balanced news online and certainly not from my local Seattle Times 🙄 (as I’m one that still loves to read newspapers.) I’m not going to stick my head in the sand but I’m now avoiding online news sources more and more. Earlier today I read we reached some sort of deal with China that will help our trade deficit. Is it true? And if we did is that good if it does? And if it does, did Trump do something right? And no matter the outcome there will be two conflicting stories.
So Dave… I love your writing. Keep it coming. Keep us thinking. It’s appreciated.
Wow, that was a lot to absorb. I'm on vacation so I'll be brief. Trump's winning in my opinion is getting the thing he wants BUT is not exclusive of allowing the other side get what they want. Rarely does someone get something without trying. NOT trying is why the other side got voted out of office. Not trying to close the border, not trying to reduce crime, not trying to have balanced trade, not trying to assure fair entry into college, and I can go on. Doesn't mean I support Trump but certainly shows voters couldn't take it anymore from the prior administration. Trump won mainly because his opponents had nothing, truly nothing, just hate for Trump, in my humble opinion. Dave, btw, I ducked out of the monthly for you so that I could give a larger sum periodically but Substack doesn't make it easy! Or, I'm just lame (softball for anyone to hit). Stay well and keep writing my friend. We can differ in opinions and be thankful for exactly that.
I agree with everything here. And think you have presented your case as succinctly and clearly as anyone could. The problem with those of us that agree with you is…what to do?
I certainly don’t trust the Republican Party (though I’m sure there are genuine patriots there somewhere), but I’m leery of the Democratic Party too. As long as this continues to be a us verses them game…a UFC cage fight in Brooks Brothers suits, dominated by the extreme voices on both sides, how do we find the reasonable, the intelligent, the real patriots that will govern with clear heads, foresight and empathy towards the long game? I don’t know.
Really thoughtful, honest and well-reasoned post. I know the impact of some of President Trump's impulsive decision-making and ignoring of the best of our political norms first hand because I personally know faithful decent Christians in the asylum process who are being summarily deported without benefit of a hearing -- back to a communist dictatorship if not into one of the worst prisons in the world. Being summarily punished without a hearing, whoever you are, doesn't embody the American values that I cherish. That doesn't mean that the Democrats are an ideal and perfect party. I have come to a much deeper respect for Republicans over the last few years; that is Republicans who are for the traditional values that they are known for -- free trade, law and order (not carelessly violating or changing laws), rewarding hard work, supporting small business with common sense regulations etc. President Trump isn't apparently about any of that. I am hoping and praying that a coalition of the willing from the moderate wing of both parties reins in the abuses. I am a lifelong Democrat because I believe in economic justice and an inclusive society - but I can see that my perspectives need to be balanced by other perspectives in order for us to be the best country we can be. I don't think I am alone in that, and I think that the number of people who believe that are growing; President Trump is a "homeopathy", a shock to the system that hopefully activates the immune system. I have heard good rumblings from different sectors, but I think that there is a lot of suffering in store before we get to a better place. Taking seriously where we have all gone wrong is good step in the right direction.
I don't have the heart, the energy or the stomach to list out the horrors leftists, i.e., democrats in government are doing to this country, as you have done in stating your case for why we should be deathly afraid of Trump. Those who allow MSM to be their bible and who vote for democrats and republicans in name only are also complicit in tearing this country apart. There's plenty of scorn and blame to go around on both sides.
No one who supports Trump believes he is the pinnacle of human perfection nor do I expect him to be, or any other person who has led or will lead this country. I hope and mostly believe that Trump loves and wants what is best for America, along with her people, all of us, not just one side. I have little to almost no faith in politicians in general, no matter how ethical they may start out to be. Trump isn't a politician and he shouldn't be judged by those characteristics. The only price he isn't willing to pay in order to overcome what America has become, is destroying America to achieve it. The same cannot be said for hard left democrats. There is no love of country, or honor or ethics in their single-minded hatred of Trump. They fear him because he isn't like them, and that's why almost half the country loves him, warts, bluster and all.
You and I will likely never agree about Trump, but I do believe you truly want America to be a great country, not at the expense of beating or destroying any other country, or side, but because we live here and want to participate in a culture that hinges on the values on which our country was founded.
I didn't suggest that anyone could ever be the 'pinnacle of human perfection'. Or that you or anyone thought that of Trump. But you should be at least honest enough to see that almost anyone you could name who's ever held high Republican office, was at least TRYING to set a high standard of behavior and decorum. Trump is doing exactly the opposite. He intentionally sets the lowest standard possible in word and deed.
Please answer this: What would the man have to do before you'd deny him your support? Everybody knows what my breaking point was. It came in two parts. First his lying about a stolen election, and doing so much damage with that lie. The second part was when he failed to stand up to the anti-vaxxers, costing about as many lives as five Vietnam wars.
I washed my hands of him long before his cruelty and shallowness was as apparent as it is now. With all due respect ... what's YOUR breaking point?
My breaking point would be if substantive proof could be found that Trump is part of the cabal, coalition, PTB, whoever they are, who are bent on destroying America for their own gain and out of hatred of America in general , and is playing the part he has been assigned.
I disagree vehemently with your claims that he lied about the stolen election. It was stolen. I also agree with the Anti-vaxxers. You and I are worlds apart in what we believe about Trump. Neither of us will change the other's mind. So be it.
Dave, you still don’t get it about support for Trump.
Your fundamental allegiance to the Left is revealed by your preference for the tropes traded so freely in the Dem echo chambers in the MSM. Another tell is your expense of so much ink in your essay complaining that President Trump—whom you have never met—is surely not a “good man”, and he has no “character.” All of this is completely hollow, because for the last four years you and your Democrat friends were silent, just looking down at your shoes while the rest of us had to endure the antics of Joe Biden and his crime family. Where was your outrage with Biden’s graft in Ukraine and China? (“I need ten percent for the Big Guy!”) What about Biden's plagiarism in his university work and in his political speeches? What about his compulsive lying? (“I graduated at the top half of my class!” – actually he was #76 of 85.) “I graduated with three undergrad degrees!” (Nope, only one.) “My son Beau came home from Iraq in a flag-draped coffin!” (No, he died of illness six years after his deployment.) “My house burned down with my wife inside!” (Small fire confined to the kitchen.) What about his blatant pandering? “I used to drive eighteen-wheelers just like you guys!”
So THAT’s what you mean about “a good man”, with “character.” Indeed.
Regarding my assessment of President Trump, these are the salient issues important to me, as well as ALL of the conservative folks I know. But first, an acknowledgement of the obvious: Mr. Trump is a poor communicator, and his overall progress is unfortunately often “two steps forward and one step back.” But brother--those incremental steps forward are crucial, and they were glaringly absent altogether in the last administration. Trump has tallied up one “win” after another, and that’s what matters. With any politician, it’s best to just ignore what they say, and instead watch what they actually DO. So, with that in mind, let’s review some of what President Trump has done in only three months:
Stop the killing in Ukraine. (No more endless war and endless spending, with no plan to get out of it.) Throttle the Houthis--as well as the Iranians, who foment death and destruction throughout the Middle East. Support the Israelis, who, during the October strike by Hamas, suffered the equivalent (per capita, compared to the 9/11 attack on USA) of 40,000 (!) killed. Broker a peace plan between warring nuke powers Pakistan and India. Racial discrimination via DEI cancelled. Women and Girls protected in schools via Title IX enforcement. Prices: groceries down; gasoline down; crude oil down; energy down. Unemployment down. Government-funded abortions down. The border: illegal crossings reduced by 95%. Government waste: $160 BILLION already identified with more to come. International trade agreements reviewed for fairness. Confront a bellicose China.
None of this was being done or even offered by Joe Biden or his absurd replacement, Kamala Harris. A vote by half of the country for Donald Trump despite his flaws (and votes for a Republican Congress as well) was a slam dunk.
It’s unfortunate the political balance that I used to enjoy in your generally excellent, insightful writing and social commentary is sadly gone these days. You mentioned that some subscribers are voting with their feet. Maybe that’s not surprising, because if the content becomes only a ready source of irritation instead of inspiration, then why show up?
So basically, you want a king? The border has been under control for over a year, because Biden, having foolishly canceled Trump’s policies, more or less reinstated them for political reasons. I never gave Biden a pass on any of that bullshit. I oppose all partisan dishonesty. I didn’t endorse Joe or his would-be successor, and called both of them out when they lied. If you’d been reading me, you’d know that.
But one person being an asshole does not make falling for a second asshole who opposes the first asshole, any less foolish.
Gas is NOT down. That’s a Trump lie. Groceries are NOT down. Where did you get that idea? The war in Ukraine is still going, as Trump concedes shit to Putin that he didn’t even ask for. What happened to ‘ending the war in 24 hours’? Just more BS. DOGE is fucking disaster. And Musk is a terrible human being, who’s deeply dependent on government contracts, and should be no place near our data or the levers of power.
Trump is stumbling around blindly, basically creating ‘content’ every day. Any man who surrounds himself with yes-people, is certain to be corrupt. Do you do that in your own life? I fucking don’t. Dude, pull away from your right-wing media I.V. feed, and just watch what the president actually does. Every single day the corruption gets deeper and deeper. I suppose that you think taking a luxury plane from Qatar is just peachy. As for me, I still believe in the constitution and in high standards of behavior.
Wow, Dave. Simmer down, maybe?
You know, it's actually fascinating to observe the particulars of this exchange when part of your original post was lamenting the dissolution of the "conversational guardrails" that we used to enjoy in society. Oh, well.
I should mention that I was indeed a subscriber to your You Tube channel for a couple years, and in addition, I have actually read every one of your essays on this Substack. I even shared a few with my son and some friends, although I rarely comment. You mentioned that in the past you wrote critical posts regarding Democrat politicians during the last administration, so if I missed all those critiques that has to be on me and I apologize for failing to give you full credit. (But I think I did, really—subconsciously at least, because my previous general impression of you was as a centrist guy.)
I suppose we just have to agree to disagree regarding President Trump. The obvious intent of your post was to somehow convince your readers that “Yes, Trump is a bad man. Somehow, we missed it before, but it’s not too late to switch over to Team Blue.” You even basically asked one reader, “What’s it going to take for you to come over to our side??” Well, I can’t buy what you’re selling, man. Likewise, you don’t believe me either, that much is crystal clear, LOL. I mean, your case of TDS is so virulent that you actually believe that the border is now secure because of Biden. Biden!
Ok, I’m off to work. I’m looking forward to your next essay. Maybe it won’t be politics next time? In any case, I hope you have a good and relaxing day in sunny California.
Still a proud subscriber. You’ve given me a lot to consider. Not that I’m a MAGA guy now or ever. I’ve said prior that you put me thinking right down the political middle. F*** it’s lonely here. I’ve found when you’re trying to be in the center you’ve no friends on either side. For what Trump is doing, I rely a lot on what you say and quite frankly I have a really hard time finding balanced news online and certainly not from my local Seattle Times 🙄 (as I’m one that still loves to read newspapers.) I’m not going to stick my head in the sand but I’m now avoiding online news sources more and more. Earlier today I read we reached some sort of deal with China that will help our trade deficit. Is it true? And if we did is that good if it does? And if it does, did Trump do something right? And no matter the outcome there will be two conflicting stories.
So Dave… I love your writing. Keep it coming. Keep us thinking. It’s appreciated.
Wow, that was a lot to absorb. I'm on vacation so I'll be brief. Trump's winning in my opinion is getting the thing he wants BUT is not exclusive of allowing the other side get what they want. Rarely does someone get something without trying. NOT trying is why the other side got voted out of office. Not trying to close the border, not trying to reduce crime, not trying to have balanced trade, not trying to assure fair entry into college, and I can go on. Doesn't mean I support Trump but certainly shows voters couldn't take it anymore from the prior administration. Trump won mainly because his opponents had nothing, truly nothing, just hate for Trump, in my humble opinion. Dave, btw, I ducked out of the monthly for you so that I could give a larger sum periodically but Substack doesn't make it easy! Or, I'm just lame (softball for anyone to hit). Stay well and keep writing my friend. We can differ in opinions and be thankful for exactly that.
I agree with everything here. And think you have presented your case as succinctly and clearly as anyone could. The problem with those of us that agree with you is…what to do?
I certainly don’t trust the Republican Party (though I’m sure there are genuine patriots there somewhere), but I’m leery of the Democratic Party too. As long as this continues to be a us verses them game…a UFC cage fight in Brooks Brothers suits, dominated by the extreme voices on both sides, how do we find the reasonable, the intelligent, the real patriots that will govern with clear heads, foresight and empathy towards the long game? I don’t know.