You know, you may be right in terms of major policy proposals. Trump may not be able to have Mexico build a wall, or prevent Muslims from immigrating. But I’m at least as worried about the small scale, day-to-day impact that he will have as I am about the big changes.
Fox News has already set a tone and created an atmosphere that celebrates ignorance and bigotry. Fortunately, its influence has not been universal, but there are definitely people who feel that their ignorant, bigoted opinions are justified when they see them played out nightly on the T.V. news. Now imagine if it’s the President of the United States who says these things and adopts that tone. How many Muslim, Jewish, transgender and female Americans will suffer because of things that President Trump says? How much subtle bigotry will they experience through bullying, being denied jobs and educational opportunities, being made to feel oppressed in their own neighborhoods? Maybe he won’t be able to keep Muslims out, but with his influence will they be able to build a mosque, go to school or work in appropriate religious attire, or live in the neighborhood of their choice? How much violence against minorities will be sanctioned? How much tilting of the justice system? How much sexual assault? How many financial shenanigans?
Maybe the Democrats would be swept in after a Trump Presidency. But what if the truly ugly Trump rhetoric creates a truly ugly America? How are we going to regain sanity and bipartisanship after four years of a President who supports and encourages individuals to treat each other with such contempt?
Just a few things to think about before you cast your vote for Trump.