Trump Doing Nothing to Unify

Have you ever wondered how I decide what to write about each week?  I didn’t think so, but wanted to share anyway.  I write about whatever is weighing the heaviest on my mind.  It’s not always what I want to write about, but it’s things that make me feel satisfied that I have imparted what is screaming from my brain that needs to get out.  For instance, this week I wanted to write something light and appropriate for the Christmas season. I wanted to write about joy and peace on earth kinda stuff. It was not to be.  My brain would not cooperate. 

I lamented in my column last week about the Russian interference with our election and that I was waiting for someone to yell “Fire!”  Finally on Friday, President Obama did.  Well, kinda, sorta.  It was more like being in a crowded theater and someone saying calmly, “Hey guys, “There’s a small flame over here.”  With all due respect to my President Obama, I wasn’t satisfied.  I understand that Obama was trying to avoid more deeply dividing our country.  However, based on the premise that we are bigger than partisan politics and are all loyal, patriotic Americans, one would think that since Russia effectively waged war on our democracy, it would bring us all together to fight this common enemy. 

Make no mistake about it.  Putin is an enemy, no matter how much Trump admires him.  He is now, and never will be an ally of America, no matter what Trump tells you.  If you think there’s a chance he will change, think about this… A butcher will cut his own finger off but continues to butcher. 

Obama said in his press conference on Friday, “Russia cannot change us.  Russia cannot make us significantly weaker.”  Yes they can.  They already have!  By influencing our democratic process, over half of our electorate have doubts about the legitimacy of our President.  Those that voted for Clinton or an alternative to Trump, represent 54% of Americans.  Trump won the majority of Electoral College votes by only 100,000 votes spread out over three states.  We are deeply polarized in our country.  There is a not just a divide, but, a gulf so wide with our people that we are significantly weaker as a country. 

Trump is the only one that can bring the nation back together.  His teleprompter words about unity fall on deaf ears.  If Trump really wants unity, he will start addressing concerns of 54% of the voters.  He has chosen the majority of his cabinet and most are a slap to the face of 54% of the people. Trump has a cabinet of extremes:  Extreme wealth and extreme views.

Trump says he has an “open mind.”  So why appoint people who don’t; people who are extreme and strident in their thinking?  Like, Scott Pruitt, head of the Environmental Protection Agency.  Pruitt, an attorney, is a climate change denier and has spent most of his life fighting the EPA.  Or, Georgia Congressman Tom Price, as Secretary of Health and Human Services.  He has always been a big proponent of cuts to Medicare, repealing the Affordable Care Act, and Planned Parenthood.  And, like Andrew Puzder as Secretary of Labor.  Puzder’s experience is in the fast-food industry.  His contempt for minimum wage and benefits for America’s workers dissipates the hope of the working poor in this country.  There’s Jeff Sessions, Attorney General, who has made his career as a racist. He’ll be investigating hate crimes and voter suppression.  Oops!  I almost forgot the man that couldn’t remember the name of this agency that he wants to abolish:  The Department of Energy, Secretary Rick Perry. 

I have seen nothing from Trump thus far that will bring any of the 54% of the people into Trumplandia.  If he truly wants unity, he needs to give more than lip service to the 54% of the people.  Speaking as one who knows her way around the Internet, I can tell you that those who voted for Hillary Clinton are not assuaged and are ramping up more every day.  It’s comforting to know that we are not in the minority, because we represent 54% of the people.

There!  I feel better!  Now I can make my brain think about Christmas.  Uh, oh!  All that comes to mind is my fear that the polar ice cap will melt and flood Santa Land.  What will happen to Santa, his wife, and all the little elves?  What about the reindeer and poor little Rudolph? What will we tell our children?

Have a great Christmas, and I hope you make a memory!