“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” ~Matthew, 12:25, King James Bible.
Since the election, many who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, and against the potential fascist regime of Trump, have decided that those who did vote for Trump are not safe people to be around. With good reason.
Donald Trump’s concepts of plans theoretically run counter to the constitution and moral fiber of the nation that the blood of many have built.
The realization that neighbors, “friends,” and “family” have voted for someone who plans to actively harm or to create situations that can have far-reaching, and deadly effects has caused many to cut these people out of their lives and social circles.
It’s a healthy response to the risk of harm.
The irony of this situation is the plethora of cries in comment sections across the internet from those on the right that people are ignoring them or casting them aside for having “a difference of opinion.” What they aren’t understanding is that this difference is not innocuous. It has real-life consequences for many, many people. This isn’t a matter of liking the color blue over red. The difference of opinion risks lives and safety.
Essentially, these people are asking the abused to remain with the abuser because the abused needs to understand why the abuser keeps hitting them.
And it runs completely counter to their desire to live in isolation from anyone they perceive as benefitting or taking advantage of American wealth. It’s wild and, to be honest, hilarious.
If you are an immigrant without citizenship, you’re at risk. Trump has said that he wants to institute mass deportations from day 1. He previously gutted FEMA funds to give Immigration and Customs Enforcement more money to deport and detain undocumented immigrants. So his plans haven’t really changed and people who are without citizenship are definitely at risk, including DACA recipients and undocumented spouses of American citizens. The threats are fact.
If you’re Black, you already are aware of over-policing and the potential for more negative interactions with law enforcement. Cases like that of Breonna Taylor would leave police immune from prosecution and responsibility for harm until a court of law said that a constitutional harm was committed. This leaves a lot of holes through which police can do harm and escape responsibility.
If you’re a family with a child in public education, your children’s education will be greatly affected by the dissolution of the Department of Education. If you’re a family that needs federal food programs, pell grants, financial assistance through education of any kind, that will become the responsibility of the state without federal dollars, or with limited federal dollars because at the federal level the Trump administration is looking to institute school choice.
Remember Amendment 2 that was just voted down in Kentucky? Well, Trump wants to take your public federal dollars and send them to private schools where the wealthiest children in America go. Do you think poor or middle class parents will be able to send their children to school with the elite? Nope, because the burden of the tuition will still fall on these families even with a voucher and many of the private institutions have a lower bar for educator qualifications than public schools.
These are just a few of the real reasons that people feel that Republicans are a threat. This doesn’t even get us started about gay marriage, healthcare, even interracial marriage from Trump and other republicans across the country, including the new governor-elect of Indiana, Mike Braun.
In turn, many feel that his voters also pose a threat because their support of these policies is like a bat signal of their willingness to turn the other cheek while people who are immigrants, transgender, Black, etc. are harmed by the Republican Party.
People have decided that they are leaving their abusers behind — playing and working in the communities that help them survive and thrive.
The cries from those who feel ostracized are predictable. They are always shortsighted in their political decisions.
But why, if you voted for isolationism, protectionism, and Trump’s America, do you want to be around all of these groups that you want managed by his administration? It’s silly, especially when they don’t want you.
We know. You’ll miss the fun, the food, and being able to occupy space that feels welcoming and safe.
But rejoice, you’ll be left with the people you chose to protect with guns blazin’
You get to be wrapped in red MAGA hats, and ‘murican flags for the duration of Trump’s regime. You can see Kid Rock in concert and listen to Joe Rogan ad nauseum.
Congratulations. You made your dreams come true.
For those who are examining their social circles and removing harmful people, there should be no guilt in protecting one’s safety and one’s peace.
There’s a very simple saying that many of us grew up with: You made your bed, now lie in it. Trump voters chose something that has the unfortunate consequence of their isolation from people who now deem them a threat.
Why whine about it, now? The house is divided. If you want it to stand, fix what you broke.
This article appears in Nov 4-19, 2024.