I do not like to write about politics. It is one area where people are almost certain to attack you for having your own thoughts, while misunderstanding what those thoughts actually are. So, I have avoided this topic for some time, but now find I cannot any longer.
Early on in the election cycle I declared with certainty that I would never vote for Trump. Of course, I never believed he would get the nomination, and I would not be faced with maintaining that pledge. Now that he is the presumptive nominee I must consider my options (limited as they are in our two party system). But rather than debate the merits and demerits of our, what would appear to be, fall choices, I will present why I must stick by my pledge of “Never Trump”.
There are several reasons why my vote, regardless of how I pull the lever this November, will not be for Trump. I admit these are assumptions and opinions on my part; they may not be identical to others, but that does not make them any less important to me. Alexander Pope was dead on when he wrote, several centuries ago, Our judgments, like our watches, none go just alike, yet each believes his own. So, in the spirit of Pope, here we go.
- I do not perceive him to be a moral man. Now, before anyone tells me that he who is without sin should cast the first stone, I understand that we have all sinned, and I am certainly no exception. But, I am also not striving to gain the highest office in the country. I think we should seek to elect leaders who at least have aspired to be above board in their interactions with others and humble in their shortcomings. Humility and politics do not often go hand in hand, but that is the candidate I am looking for. Donald Trump has a public record of business deals and personal issues that would indicate his underlying ethics are formed by personal self-interest. That is not something I look for in a public servant.
- He does not share any deeply held ideologies that are important to me. All of us have litmus tests we use to determine whom we will vote for. One says: I will never vote for a pro-choice candidate, while another says: A pro-lifer will never get my vote. One citizen declares: My candidate will be tough on terrorism even if it means treating all Muslims the same, while another pledges: We cannot give in to fear and become what we oppose. I will not spill ink defending one position or another. People have valid reasons why they hold to any particular way of thinking. But one thing is certain: I can choose to vote for candidates who align with deeply held beliefs that are important to me. Donald Trump does not share my concerns on many topics.
- He has no filter when he speaks. A friend of mine stated once that when she hears Trump speak it makes her want to kick puppies. While this may seem extreme, it harbors some of the same feelings I have when hearing his “cringe worthy” proclamations. I do realize that this is exactly what draws many to him as a candidate. He doesn’t play by anyone else’s rules, doesn’t kowtow to political correctness, and really doesn’t care what YOU think. I understand that this can seem refreshing in comparison to candidates who say one thing but do another. But for me, I want a candidate who can show restraint, won’t get into a mud fight with a reporter, and understands that a wise person can be known by what he or she does not say.
- He gives every indication that he is sexist and racist. The Bible states that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Regardless of your view on divine revelation, I would think most people agree that if you listen to someone long enough, you will find out what they truly believe. I won’t dredge up the horrible, demeaning, and inappropriate things Donald Trump has said about and to women. It is not a matter of opinion; it is public record. There are practically entire YouTube channels dedicated to the topic. In addition, he has never back pedaled from those statements. Sometimes he declares “Not true”, which seems ridiculous when we have videographic evidence in full context. I have yet to see a moment of contrition where he realizes the hurt his statements can cause and vows to change. I think, honestly, he knows he is sexist and just doesn’t care.
I am actually more concerned about his racial views because I believe he is oblivious in this regard. He has made outlandish statements which have been (I think correctly) interpreted as racist. He then comes back and tries to frame his words and prove to us that he is not racist. The only problem is that his rebuttal only further calcifies my opinion. I would classify his view as “paternal racism”. This occurs when someone tries ardently to convince you that they are not racist and, in fact, care very deeply about other races. This attempt is made by presenting examples of where the individual has assisted people of another race. This may be compelling to some, but to me makes it clear that they do not see the other race as equal. When Donald Trump declares that he loves Hispanic people and employs many of them in his hotels, I see a paternalistic statement and not one of equality. I could give numerous racial statements from our country’s past that would mirror this sentiment, but I fear people would misunderstand and think these are my positions. Let’s leave it at this; I have yet to hear Donald Trump give an adequate statement which would lead me to deduce he is not sexist and racist.
- I don’t think he has a clue about how government actually works. I have heard many platitudes and grandiose schemes from Donald Trump. He has declared many times that things would be different if he was president – and of course – America will be great again. But I don’t see a cogent plan. I don’t see a rationale. And I certainly don’t see any sign of conciliation that could lead to consensus. He is coming from an insular business world where he reigns as the despotic emperor who can slam his fist on the table and declare: You’re Fired! In government, if the president thinks the Speaker of the House is an idiot, guess what? … She or he is still Speaker of the House. I’m curious if he knows the process of how a bill becomes a law or exactly when, in that process, he thinks a judge signs a bill. Again, many love the fact that he’s an outsider. But being president requires particular and unique skills. We could argue whether or not one president or another of the recent past had those skills, but lack of skills in one does not mean we should stop looking for it in another.
- I refuse to carry the banner of the Republican Party at all costs. One very good friend comes from the liberal/libertarian bend of things. We rarely agree about anything political but we respect each other and enjoy the dialogue. Over the years I have defended conservatism against his charges of greed, sexism, and racism (he actually simply called Republicans evil but I have chosen to boil it down a bit). If Donald Trump is presented as OUR candidate, I cannot defend the party against that charge any longer. Does that make me a democrat? A libertarian? Something else? I don’t know, but I have always abhorred the assumption by my favorite brand (be it Coke, Subway, or NBC) that I will simply continue to consume what they offer because I am nothing more than a member of the sheeple (sheep + people = sheeple). I for one can stand up and say, No… I won’t buy New Coke (if you are under thirty you have no idea what I am talking about).
I think this is the clearest I can present my reasons for saying Never Trump. Some of my conservative friends have asked me: Can you vote for Hillary? I don’t have the answer to that at this time. I would say she also does not share some important ideological beliefs that I have, and she is about as honest as other politicians . . . which is to say . . . not very. I have long contended that if you can’t handle more than one email account, you might find being president fairly demanding. But I don’t hear her utter sexist and racist comments, she certainly understands how government works, and she knows when to speak and when not to . . . I think it’s a prerequisite for staying married to Bill. That puts her ahead on the score card. I guess I will see how the next six months pan out. The one thing I know for sure, I don’t care what your watch says, mine says it’s not time for Trump.
doctor kohns 