On January 6, 2021, during the Capitol riot that was incited by Trump, I made a bet that Donald Trump would run for president in 2024 and actually win. It seemed as likely as a penguin winning a marathon! But fast forward to today, and I'm starting to think I should've bet on flying pigs instead. As we face the reality of Trump's comeback, it's like living in a reality TV show where the scriptwriter ran out of ideas! At this point, I must congratulate the Harris team for achieving so much in such a short time, 107 days and she got approximately 68 million votes. That is saying something. I hope she starts her new campaign for 2028 tomorrow, I would vote for her again.
A Nation Divided
Trump's first presidency was marked by deep divisions in America. The events of January 6, 2021 intensified existing rifts, creating lines we never thought would be crossed. As we edge closer to his return to the Oval Office, we must ask: what lies ahead?
I believe Trump will pardon the criminals of the January 6, 2021 riot
I believe that the Republican politicians that criticized him that day then turned around and welcomed him back into the fold are weak, mindless and incapable of independent thinking, we were literally done with him. But they couldn't stand on their own two feet and put forward a real GOP candidate, they drank the red Koolaid instead
I believe his supporters are victims and may never recognize the damage trump has done due to blind allegiance
Support for Trump continues to swell, fueled by dissatisfaction with the current administration and the energy of a growing populist movement. I wonder if the dissatisfaction comes from the innumerable incidences of misinformation he has been spouting for about 10 years coupled with the megalomaniac Musk and his social media influence that touted even more lies. As Trump regains the presidency, we might witness an even deeper divide among Americans. Trump has alienated approximately 68 Million Americans. He has spoken in drastic terms against respected politicians and demeaned marginalized citizens. Some key points:
I believe his new administration will put in place a restrictive federal abortion ban and thousands if not millions of women and babies will die as a direct result of his actions
I believe as a result of Trump's victory, Israel will commit a complete genocide of the Palestinian people before Trump is inaugurated
I believe Putin will immediately over take Ukraine upon Trump's inauguration
I believe Trump will threaten to pull us out of NATO
Disregard for Democratic Norms
One major concern about a Trump second term is the risk of further eroding democratic norms. During his first term, Trump often favored personal loyalty over established governance standards. This pattern could threaten the very foundation of our democracy as he returns to power.
His administration exhibited a trend towards authoritarian practices, including undermining checks and balances that are essential to democratic governance. We may very well see a continuation of this approach, where dissent is stifled and intimidation rises. Recent surveys indicate that Americans fear that our democracy is at risk, which underscores the necessity to safeguard these democratic principles. A recent poll by the New York Times and Siena College found that 75% respondents believe democracy is under threat, with 62% feeling that the government serves elite interests rather than the public good. Once Trump enters the white House he will also have the Senate, the Congress and the Supreme Court in his back pocket. What kind of checks and balances are there for him?
I believe, with his unchecked power, he will make severe and harmful changes to our representative democratic republic
I believe that when he selects his new cabinet that he will appoint individuals that will set us back decades regarding progress in healthcare, immigration, economics and democracy
I believe he will retaliate against government employees that have merely been doing jobs they were hired to do
I believe JD Vance will be President before 2029... whether by tragedy or the 25th Amendmant, who knows at this point what the end result will be
Climate Crisis Revisited
Environmental issues shouldn't be overlooked. Trump's administration was notorious for rolling back vital environmental regulations. The possibility of a return to such policies is alarming, especially in the context of climate change.
We are already witnessing the effects of climate change through extreme weather, wildfires, and rising sea levels. Ignoring scientific evidence to favor profit over planet endangers not just our nation but the world. A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that inaction could lead to global temperatures rising by 3 degrees Celsius by 2100—creating devastating effects on agriculture, water availability, and biodiversity.
Economic Fallout
Under a Trump presidency, we might see economic policies heavily skewed toward the wealthy and large corporations. His earlier tax cuts primarily benefited the top earners, with over 80% of the benefits going to the wealthiest 1% of Americans, according to multiple studies.
This time,with unchecked power, the economic burdens could fall even harder on lower and middle-class families, particularly with ongoing inflation and job market challenges. If Trump's policies continue to widen the income gap, we could risk further destabilizing the economy and increasing the divide between rich and poor.
I believe the cost of living will drastically increase after his election, even though as a result of the Biden Administration prices had begun to come down
I believe the tariffs will cripple us as a country by raising prices $3000-$5000 annually per household and will strengthen other countries such as China
I believe he will add another $6-8 Trillion to our debt within 4 years by cutting taxes for the wealthy and the big corporations
I believe he is a danger to small businesses due to his proposed tariffs and likely disruptions to the supply chain
I believe that as a result of mass deportation, the consumer cost for produce will significantly increase and farmers will suffer; we'll have severe labor shortages and lower economic growth with exacerbated inflation and lower consumer spending
I believe he will cripple Medicare, Social Security and unemployment insurance which is currently relied on by over 77 million Americans who have paid into these programs for their financial stability later in life.
I believe Trump is to stupid to know that he can't get rid of Jerome Powell considering Trump stated that he would "let" him serve out his term that expires in 2026
I believe Trump supporters are unable to see that the Dow has been growing and reaching new highs all under the Biden Administration, yet now they claim it is because Trump is now President-elect. Keep in mind that some billionaires earned $7-26 Billion as a result.
The Role of Media in Propaganda
The looming specter of misinformation poses yet another threat. Trump's longstanding conflict with the media, often labeling unfavorable reports as "fake news," could further damage public trust as he regains power.
This manipulation of information could lead to a climate where people struggle to discern fact from fiction. Studies indicate that nearly 70% of Americans feel overwhelmed by misinformation, jeopardizing informed public discourse and eroding the ability to have constructive conversations. This divide poses a significant risk not only to democracy but to social unity at large.
I believe Trump will damage our freedom of speech and Press freedom by establishing a propaganda like media environment
Civil Rights
Marginalized communities could face increased challenges in their fight for equality and justice. Advocacy groups must be vigilant as potential shifts under Trump's leadership could threaten years of progress. Data indicates that over 50% of Americans feel racial tensions have worsened in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for active engagement in social movements.
I believe Trump will continue to rollback protections for the marginalized populations, which could exacerbate disparities by limiting access to housing, education and healthcare
I believe Trump will continue targeting DEI programs, undermining efforts to address systemic inequalities and decreasing opportunities
I believe Trump will target the LGBTQ+ community adversely affecting their rights to marriage among other pertinent freedoms
Awareness and Engagement: A Duty for All
The Democrat candidate, in my opinion, lost because she is a bi-racial female. She had plans for bipartisan legislation for more infrastructure investments and job creation. She had plans for middle-class growth by enhancing economic opportunities emphasizing job training and education. She had plans for tougher bipartisan border policies. She had plans to benefit small businesses and plans to continue and/or increase taxes on the super wealthy. She had plans for first-time home buyers. She wanted bipartisan legislation... Alas, male fragility is everlasting.
A victorious Trump in 2024 has uncovered fears many may prefer to ignore. The dangers of his return—increased inflation, attack on civil rights and freedoms, threats to democratic norms, and environmental negligence—should not be underestimated.
Rolling Stone rips into Donald Trump and his victory:
"Donald Trump- the twice impeached former president, Jan. 6 coup leader, convicted felon, adjudicated sexual abuser, and man who mismanaged the 2020 economic implosion and coronavirus disaster that killed more than 1 million people in this country, has convinced American voters to give him another term in the White House.
After a campaign marked by nativism, open bigotry, and aspiring authoritarianism, Trump triumphed over Vice President Kamala Harris, despite being denounced by several of those who worked most closely with him in his first term as a ‘fascist’. The 45th president will become the 47th in late January.
Trump’s win demonstrates that the most powerful people in the country are indeed above the law. An elderly, foul-mouthed, racist game-show host can try, in broad daylight, while the TV cameras are fixed on him, to execute a coup d’état in our nation’s capital, people can die from it, and in a few short years be rewarded with the full-throated support of his political party, and now the keys to the White House.
No matter what policies Trump does or doesn’t manage to shove through when he takes office in January, there is no doubt that he and his new Justice Department are going to shut down the federal cases against him. He will get away with it all, and his enemies will have to choke on that for the rest of their careers and lives. And that will just be the beginning.”
As engaged citizens, we must remain aware and proactive in defending our democratic republic and social values. It is our responsibility to hold our leaders accountable and advocate for a future where justice and equality flourish for everyone.
Comentários