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NOT ALWAYS BEST
TO FOLLOW THE LEADER |
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I try to stay away from political columns, I really do. But
then something comes along that just plain riles me up, and I can't help
myself. This is one of those times.
Recent polls indicate 52% of Republicans believe the
presidential election was rigged, and that Donald Trump was the rightful
winner. I'm guessing that's about 30 million Americans, more or less.
That's a lot of people.
And that is insane. Absolutely insane.
I'm not surprised that the current occupant of the White
House feels he was cheated out of his second term. Nothing he does
surprises me. What fascinates and frustrates me is that so many people
believe him.
Donald Trump has become a cult-like figure, and the Kool-Aid
is flowing. There is no other explanation for the senseless and outrageous
belief that he rightfully won the election, despite no credible evidence
whatsoever.
Some 30 million people believe this, and they come in all
shapes and forms. Some are bright, well-educated, and generally clear
thinkers. What happened? How could they fall into this conspiratorial
trap? It saddens me to no end.
Perhaps what bothers me most is their arrogance. They claim
Democrats and the left engaged in ballot-stuffing, software fraud, and
various other illegal tactics in order to swing the vote Biden's way. But
if Democrats and the left were capable of these dastardly deeds, wouldn't
there be sinister Republicans and right-wingers capable of doing the same?
Apparently not. Only the left cheats. Battleground states won
by Trump like North Carolina and Florida were squeaky clean, because
Republicans are squeaky clean. Battleground states that were won by Biden
were only won because of thousands of Democratic poll workers who
conspired to manipulate the vote.
It's such a ridiculous notion, and I'm embarrassed and
disgusted by all those who adhere to it.
What happened to the concept of common sense? Can't they see
the Republicans did far better in the election than predicted? Do they
really believe the cheating and fraud applied only to the presidential
election, not the House or Senate? Did they not notice that Trump did
better than the polls suggested?
Do they not realize how many hundreds if not thousands of
Democrats would have to conspire to alter an election? Do they really
think that Democrats are that good at keeping a secret? Don't they wonder
how an organization of that magnitude could remain inconspicuous?
So many questions, and no answers, mainly because they ignore
the questions. They'd rather blindly follow their leader, who blindly
follows no one except himself.
Perhaps more importantly, they should consider the old
axiom,"Be careful what you wish for." Imagine the scenario if
Trump happened to be successful in convincing Republican legislatures to
overturn the electoral vote in their states.
Absolute chaos would ensue. The nation would be fractured
like never before. People would take to the streets and nothing good would
come of it. I shudder to think of the damage, not only to property but to
the national psyche.
No one likes to lose. But here is what I say to those on the
right who believe the election was rigged: Be reasonable. Examine the
evidence and make a rational conclusion. Accept the loss and graciously
move on. The first step has been taken by allowing the General Services
Administration (GSA) to fund and enable the Biden transition. Take the
next step by acknowledging the legitimacy of the election. Put the country
first. Put democracy first.
If you stop believing this nonsense, you can help heal this
country, not tear it apart. And that's exactly how this mindless chatter
is best described---nonsense.
Our democracy has been in existence for almost 250 years and,
thanks to the unrelenting narcissism of one man, it has never been in more
jeopardy. But he can't bring it down by himself. He needs support, and
it's unfathomable that he's getting it.
Embrace his policies if you must, embrace his record if you
must, but for everyone's sake, don't embrace his lies and inability to
accept defeat. That benefits no one.
Joe Biden won this election, fair and square, just like
Donald Trump won in 2016. That's the way democracy works. Sometimes you
win, sometimes you lose. Now let's move on. End this nonsense now.
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