TRUMP AND THE REPUBLICANS ARE KNOW-NOTHINGS

TRUMP AND THE REPUBLICANS ARE KNOW-NOTHINGS

Donald J. Trump knows nothing and he demonstrates that fact every time he opens his mouth or makes a decision. He knows nothing about the economy, tariffs, trade, diplomacy, war, climate change, or any other issue requiring his attention. He is incapable of normal human discourse so he uses insults, put downs and ridicule against anyone who opposes him or his ideas; and resorts to exaggeration and self aggrandizement. The Republican Party, when prodded to respond to his bad behavior, says nothing or defends his hate filled rhetoric.

Trump and his followers are the current rendition of the anti-immigrant party of the 1840's and 1850's called the KNOW-NOTHINGS. This movement in the middle of the nineteenth century was highly secretive and when asked where they stood on an issue responded with "I know nothing".  

The anti-immigrant sentiment at the time was sparked by an influx of Irish and German immigrants, mostly Catholic, into major cities across the country. Supporters of the Know-Nothings included the working classes and people who had a dislike for those whom they perceived as the elite.  The members, mostly Protestants, viewed the Catholic Church as a threat to their way of life and the immigrants as a threat to take away their jobs. Riots occurred in  major cities including New York, Chicago and Baltimore; but the most notable violence occurred in the Spring and Summer of 1844  in Philadelphia.  The unrest was sparked by conflicts between Protestants and Catholics over singing hymns in schools and led to riots in which Catholic churches were burned and at least 29 people were killed.  Immigration was the singular issue for the Know-Nothings and their influence waned as the threat of a coming civil war loomed large over the country.

The GOP is dying.  At the national level it is being destroyed by leaders unable to expand their view of the world to include people who are different from themselves.  Led by Trump's hate-filled speeches and rallies, the Republican Party is becoming a "whites only" political movement unable to appeal to the wide diversity that is America.

Donald J. Trump is not a normal human. He is interested ONLY in himself and what makes himself look good in the eyes of his "base".  His derisive  bulling attitude toward others makes those around him hesitant to criticize or disagree with his decisions, so they keep quiet and go along, hoping they will survive. When asked about Trump's latest diatribe or terrible action members of the Republican Party choose to say nothing or defend it with some weak-kneed excuse. Calling this political party the KNOW-NOTHINGS at this point in history seems perfectly fitting. 

Trump is a WHITE SUPREMACIST.  

I do NOT believe the vast majority of persons who call themselves Republicans support the goals of the white supremacist movements.  They, like their compatriots from the 19th century, fear the "other"; people who look different, speak a different language, worship in a different manner, or dress in different ways. Their fears and concerns are universal and are born from ignorance, isolation, lack of experiences and limited education. 

The farmer in Pennsylvania, the coal miner in West Virginia, the steel worker in Ohio, the autoworker in Michigan and the cattle rancher in Montana who have voted Republican all of their adult lives now face a "terrible choice". "Do I continue to support a party that is lead by a white supremacist or do I do the unthinkable---Vote for a Democrat?"  This is the political future facing Republican voters in the upcoming elections. 

The future of the  United States and our democracy will be determined by how the current political turmoil is resolved over the next year or so. The KNOW-NOTHING PARTY (GOP) must be defeated in the upcoming elections. It will not be easy. The Democratic Party has to show America it has a vision for the future that is all inclusive, that is forward looking, that is positive and is  sustainable, if it is to rescue the United States from the clutches of the Know-Nothings. The well being of the whole world is at stake and we must not fail.

FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL GRADE US ON OUR SUCCESS OR FAILURE AND IF WE FAIL, THEIR ASSESSMENT WILL BE BRUTAL.

NOTE:  Information for this post was gleaned  from a story in the July/August 2017 issue of National Geographic History magazine.