# The current second Trump administration: a compendium of horrors **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [November 6, 2024, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774 "2024-11-06T09:17:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 105
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2082 "2025-08-19T03:36:00Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > because, in recent years, Democrats have disproportionately voted by mail How much of that was due to Covid? In the 2020 election, the Dems told their voters to vote by mail, and avoid the crowds. The Reps told their voters to vote in person. As a result most of the mail-in vote was for Biden. Will it be the same in the next election? ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2083 "2025-08-19T12:06:43Z")
The object is to sow confusion in the upcoming midterms. Blue states ignore the unconstitutional EO, giving Mike Johnson grounds for not seating representatives from those states. Crisis erupts, to be exploited by a felonious President seeking total and continuing power. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2084 "2025-08-19T13:25:42Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > > [@PhillyGuy](#): > > > > . . . in recent years, Democrats have disproportionately voted by mail > > . . . > > Will it be the same in the next election? Although data is spotty, it looks like the correlation between party and mail voting is declining – but still significant: [NY Times: Despite Trump’s Attacks, Republicans Made Big Gains in Mail Voting](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/18/us/politics/trump-mail-ballots-voting-machines-election.html?unlocked_article_code=1.fU8.7_yf.NsIwPDzZYMpy&smid=url-share) > [@](#): > > Pennsylvania, widely seen as the most important presidential battleground, had one of the greatest swings in mail voting. > > Its share of mail voters who were registered Republicans jumped to 33 percent in 2024 from 24 percent in 2020, according to data from the Election Lab at the University of Florida, while Democrats dropped to 56 percent of the mail-voting electorate in 2024 after registering 65 percent in 2020. (Post-election analyses focus on voters’ party registration because whom they voted for remains secret.) > [@Red\_Wiggler](#): > > Blue states ignore the unconstitutional EO, giving Mike Johnson grounds for not seating representatives from those states. I do not find rich countries moving away from representative democracy so quickly and completely. If Republicans retain the Senate, Trump shouldn’t mind having a Black Democratic speaker to blame for whatever goes wrong. Democrats would fight with each other, blaming Jeffries for not standing up to Trump when the new speaker would have little real power. Jeffries would be under enormous pressure, from his base, to shut down the government, and then we are then back to Trump further consolidating power by deciding what government function as essential while Democrats blame each other. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2085 "2025-08-19T14:30:12Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > I do not find rich countries moving away from representative democracy so quickly and completely. I live in a wealthy Western democracy. Our right-wing nationalist party would _love_ to be able to do what Trump and the Republicans are doing, but unfortunately for them, our country uses a parliamentary system with proportional multi-party representation, and the fringe lunatics are unable to get meaningful political traction beyond their limited base. This is not the case everywhere. The democratic impulse is eroding. It’s just that some countries are equipped to withstand the drift better than others. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2086 "2025-08-19T15:05:01Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > Our right-wing nationalist party would _love_ to be able to do what Trump and the Republicans are doing, but unfortunately for them, our country uses a parliamentary system with proportional multi-party representation, and the fringe lunatics are unable to get meaningful political traction beyond their limited base. A parliamentary system is an important component of safeguarding democracy, and it’s all the more effective when you have a true multi-party system. Conversely, things can get bad very quickly when a single ignorant tyrant is both head of government and head of state, when said tyrant acts like a demi-god who can single-handedly rule the nation by churning out vast numbers of executive orders with reckless disregard for their illegality, when the legislature is spineless and ruled by a rigid two-party system, and when the Supreme Court has been thoroughly politicized and is complicit in the madness, having already effectively ruled that a sitting president is above the law. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2087 "2025-08-19T16:16:35Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > A parliamentary system is an important component of safeguarding democracy, and it’s all the more effective when you have a true multi-party system. Yes, that’s true, but I was responding to the observation that the erosion of democracy doesn’t seem to be happening everywhere at the same rate. I thought it was important to point out that the _impulse_ to sabotage democracy _can_ be found everywhere, and that what stands in its way is not necessarily cultural but rather systemic factors. In other words, if my country had the same electoral mechanics as the U.S., we would probably be well on the way to electing our own Trump (not to mention pulling ourselves out of the EU). (Edit to add: I think we basically agree, but I was just framing the point slightly differently.) ---
**Author:** ![Chad\_Sudan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chad_sudan/32/4509_2.png) [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2088 "2025-08-19T16:25:45Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > A parliamentary system is an important component of safeguarding democracy, and it’s all the more effective when you have a true multi-party system. Plenty of multi-party democracies have become illiberal. Israel? Hungary? Brazil? Poland? ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2089 "2025-08-19T16:39:34Z")
Much as I’m fond of periodically referring to the “**[14 Characteristics of Fascism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/1237)**,” I think it might be worthwhile to enumerate some of the top-level guardrails that safeguard(ed) our democracy: [![](https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GS_01152025_DP_fig3@4x.png) ](https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GS_01152025_DP_fig3@4x.png) Anybody still playing BINGO? **[SOURCE ARTICLE: 7 Pillars to Defend Democracy in 2025 and Beyond](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/democracy-playbook-2025/)** **[DIRECT LINK TO THE IMAGE/LIST (IT MAY NOT BE DISPLAYING WELL)](https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GS_01152025_DP_fig3@4x.png)** ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2090 "2025-08-19T22:11:09Z")
> # Oklahoma will test some incoming teachers with ‘America-first’ exam > > _Candidates from California and New York must pass a 50-question test to qualify to teach in Oklahoma, state Superintendent Ryan Walters said._ > > [https://wapo.st/4mkcws3](https://wapo.st/4mkcws3) > Teachers from New York and California who apply to teach in Oklahoma will now have to answer questions meant to screen out “woke indoctrinators” with left-wing views — the latest attempt by Oklahoma officials to push the state’s education system rightward. > > The test’s 50 questions will cover topics about U.S. government, religion and gender, according to examples shared by the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters (R). Teachers unions have criticized the move as **a political stunt that will discourage applicants as Oklahoma faces a teacher shortage.** > > … > > “We’re not bringing in woke indoctrinators into the classroom,” Walters told The Washington Post on Monday, adding, “It’s a very America-first approach.” My bold. Ya think? ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2091 "2025-08-19T22:40:26Z")
Some? What is the threshold that would draw candidates from other sates into this net? There are no concerns about the natives or neighbours harbouring subversive views? You can’t have a Wokie Okie? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2092 "2025-08-19T22:53:52Z")
Woke-lahoma! Where great change comes sweepin’ down the plain And the Blacks and gays Enrich our days As diversity is to our gain. Woklahoma! Every night my honey lamb and mate, Sit down, I confess, To watch PBS Makin’ leftist inroads in our state. We know we belong to the woke, And the woke they are all real good folk. And when we say: Yee-ow! A-yip-i-o-ee-ay! We’re only sayin’, You’re doin’ fine, Woklahoma! Woklahoma, O.K.! ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2093 "2025-08-19T23:03:28Z")
First, fuck Oklahoma. Then, are there many candidates for teacher positions in Oklafuckinghoma from people willing to relocate from New York and California?? I understand that there’s always a handful of anything, but this sounds like idiot Republican (please pardon the redundancy) posturing. And a test that applies only to candidates from two particular states?? Anyway, fuck Oklahoma. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2094 "2025-08-19T23:47:05Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > Then, are there many candidates for teacher positions in Oklafuckinghoma from people willing to relocate from New York and California?? Almost always, a non-teaching spouse had to relocate. The teacher thinks it won’t be that hard to land a public school job in Oklahoma, and, depending on specialty, is probably correct . Anyone who is good at multiple choice tests, and knows that you are supposed to give a right wing answer, should ace it. And, unless they cheat, anyone who is bad at multiple choice tests will fail no matter how far right their views. > [@](#): > > 1. **Why is freedom of religion important to America’s identity?** > A. It makes Christianity the national religion > B. It bans all forms of public worship > C. It limits religious teaching in public life > D. It protects religious choice from government control I guess they are thinking that progressives will answer C. But what limits religious teaching in public life, in some contexts, is the establishment clause. Only the desired conservative answer, D, applies to freedom of religion. So, on that one, I wouldn’t even have to lie. . ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2025, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2095 "2025-08-19T23:51:51Z")
What particular religion is considered will entirely determine if Republicans are in favor of, or opposed to D. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2025, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2096 "2025-08-20T01:03:37Z")
I’m going to bet A is the answer that gets you hired in OK. The other 3 are disqualifyingly wrong. Because current RW government “thinking”, doctrine really, is not conservative; it’s authoritarian reactionary. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2025, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2097 "2025-08-20T01:06:42Z")
I agree. “A” is the Right answer, not the factually correct answer. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2025, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2098 "2025-08-20T01:36:49Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I’m going to bet A is the answer that gets you hired in OK. The questionnaire comes from PragerU. And Dennis Prager is Jewish. So I am going to double-down on D being the only answer the automated system will grade as correct.. With luck, the entire exam will soon leak, with answers provided, and we can know. ---
**Author:** ![iamatractorboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iamatractorboy/32/21261_2.png) [@iamatractorboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamatractorboy)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2025, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2099 "2025-08-20T06:55:32Z")
Q2 how old is the Earth? A. 4.5 billion years B. We can’t possibly know C. 6,000 years D. Wibble ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2025, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2100 "2025-08-20T07:25:56Z")
Q3, How would you describe the character of our current president Donald Trump? A, the best B, the greatest C, the mostest wonderfulest D, turns out I don’t actually want this job ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2025, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774/2101 "2025-08-20T14:11:40Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > Q3, How would you describe the character of our current president Donald Trump? Splunge! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774.md?page=104) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-second-trump-administration-a-compendium-of-horrors/1009774.md?page=106)