One thing I’ll add for our resident conservatives to consider again. As I’ve said before, if you’re feeling smug and taking delight that Trump’s authoritarian bent, you’d best remember that an authoritarian doesn’t see political parties or even ideology – that’s your game, not his.
Don’t believe me?
Well how the fuck do you explain this trade war we’re having, which bucks pretty much decades of Republican and conservative economic orthodoxy. It’s obvious that Senators like Orin Hatch are incensed about his trad war - but guess what? They don’t dare step in front of the Trump train. Because they know they’ll get run the fuck over. The only way off is over the cliff. And that’s we’re he’s taking the party – and unfortunately, everyone else who can’t get out of the way.
Let’s consider something a little further.
Why is Trump interested in a trade war, even when his party clearly is not?
Why? Haven’t figured it out yet?
Because it gives him more power - that’s why. Economic nationalism is a way for the president to play king, to be the leader of the clan, and to show protection of the clan. And in exchange for that protection, you’d better god damn well show him loyalty. Your Republican party card and vote DOES - NOT - MEAN - A - FUCK to him.
Because again, it’s not about ideology or his love of family values - that’s your shit, not his. He’s just figured out how to use your vulnerabilities and human frailties to his advantage.
Don’t believe me? Well consider the USDA emergency subsidies that Trump just authorized today.
I’m sure that farmers are glad to have some relief in any form they can get, but what happens to the first few farmers who vocally take to twitter or Facebook or to some reporter and complains that subsidies aren’t as good as free trade? He would pull the plug on them that’s what, and that they voted for him wouldn’t mean shit.
I forget where I heard it, but I’ll repeat something I read recently: take note of your date treats the waitress; it’s how he’ll be treating you before long.