...how Trump polls nationally at anywhere between 42% and 46% if you believe the polls. It's hard to fathom how over 40% of the American people actually endorse four more years of this shit we've seen from the Trump Administration.
On one hand, I understand the Conservative vs. Progressive dynamic which would actually explain a 50ish-50ish breakdown in most elections. But as a former Republican card-carrying member, why in the hell are so many of America's Conservatives supporting this President? Let's look at the rock-hard conservative principles I grew up with:
Fiscal Conservatism. Many folks were saying back in 2016 that Trump was actually a 'big-spending Democrat' in Republican clothing. What's the verdict after three and a half years? He's raised the deficit by trillions of dollars and has shown zero interest in lowering our federal deficit. During every Democrat Presidency during my lifetime, Republicans in Congress have been singing the virtues of fiscal conservatism. Hell, only a few years ago, GOP senators were publicly wringing their hands over our growing federal deficits. Where are those voices now?
Cold War Conservatism. Once upon a time, Reagan conservatives were bedrock supporters of our intelligence community (the FBI and the CIA.) They were also huge supporters of NATO and wary of the Soviet Union threat. But now? We are witnessing an American President who bashes NATO and buddies-up to Russia --- and get this -- sides with a ruthless Russian dictator OVER our own intelligence community!!! WTF? And real, true-blue 'conservatives' accept this??!?
Support for our Military Men & Women. "Suckers" and "Losers" to Trump. 'Nuff Said.
"Family Values." One issue voters can hold their noses and get a president who guarantees judicial support for their 'anti-abortion' cause. But at what cost? How can a true conservative stomach a presidency that has rocketed to an all-time record in the number of criminal indictments? How can a true conservative stomach the government's intrusion into personal freedoms? I find it ironic that wearing masks for health reasons in an infringement on personal rights but discriminating against one's sexual orientation is okay?
Protecting the Environment. Once upon a time -- before Al Gore apparently made science political -- protecting the environment was actually something most conservatives supported. They weren't "tree-huggers" but our Republican leaders understood the need for environmental protections in this country. But now? I guess the answer is to put on blinders and ignore what's going on around us.
If someone asks me why I left the Republican Party, my response is that the Republican Party left me.
On one hand, I understand the Conservative vs. Progressive dynamic which would actually explain a 50ish-50ish breakdown in most elections. But as a former Republican card-carrying member, why in the hell are so many of America's Conservatives supporting this President? Let's look at the rock-hard conservative principles I grew up with:
Fiscal Conservatism. Many folks were saying back in 2016 that Trump was actually a 'big-spending Democrat' in Republican clothing. What's the verdict after three and a half years? He's raised the deficit by trillions of dollars and has shown zero interest in lowering our federal deficit. During every Democrat Presidency during my lifetime, Republicans in Congress have been singing the virtues of fiscal conservatism. Hell, only a few years ago, GOP senators were publicly wringing their hands over our growing federal deficits. Where are those voices now?
Cold War Conservatism. Once upon a time, Reagan conservatives were bedrock supporters of our intelligence community (the FBI and the CIA.) They were also huge supporters of NATO and wary of the Soviet Union threat. But now? We are witnessing an American President who bashes NATO and buddies-up to Russia --- and get this -- sides with a ruthless Russian dictator OVER our own intelligence community!!! WTF? And real, true-blue 'conservatives' accept this??!?
Support for our Military Men & Women. "Suckers" and "Losers" to Trump. 'Nuff Said.
"Family Values." One issue voters can hold their noses and get a president who guarantees judicial support for their 'anti-abortion' cause. But at what cost? How can a true conservative stomach a presidency that has rocketed to an all-time record in the number of criminal indictments? How can a true conservative stomach the government's intrusion into personal freedoms? I find it ironic that wearing masks for health reasons in an infringement on personal rights but discriminating against one's sexual orientation is okay?
Protecting the Environment. Once upon a time -- before Al Gore apparently made science political -- protecting the environment was actually something most conservatives supported. They weren't "tree-huggers" but our Republican leaders understood the need for environmental protections in this country. But now? I guess the answer is to put on blinders and ignore what's going on around us.
If someone asks me why I left the Republican Party, my response is that the Republican Party left me.
