I Can Remember a Time Long Ago When Some Republicans Did not Lie All of the Time

 

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart

“BT.” That is what I call America “Before Trump.” It was undoubtedly a different, kinder, and more intelligent country.

I live in Northern Nevada. I was watching television when a Republican ad was broadcast. It accused Democratic Senatorial candidate, Jacky Rosen, of many things, not one of which was based on fact. Lies, lies, and more lies.

It made me angry, because nothing upsets me more than being lied to, especially because I am an educated and informed voter.

HONESTY, THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS, AND A WILLINGNESS TO WORK TOGETHER FOR COMPROMISE ARE LONG GONE

Why are the tactics which worked so well in a Democratic Republic no longer used in Washington? The truth is so simple, it may surprise you. After eight years of the Reagan administration, which included the beginnings of wars on the working class, women, minorities, the LGBTQ community, and all religions not labeled “Christian,” the American people sought a more progressive path for our nation.

Republicans began to move farther and farther into our country’s dark past. Their policies of smaller government and the protection of basic human rights began to morph into support for special interests. The results of future presidential elections revealed this change. Only once since Bill Clinton has a Republican presidential candidate won the popular vote. The exception was a close victory for George W. Bush in his 2004 reelection effort.

A RIGGED ELECTION, AN HISTORICAL ELECTION, AND THE BIG LIE

In 2016 the least qualified candidate in history lost the popular vote, but squeaked out a win in the Electoral College. In October of 2016, just one month before the November 8 election, it was confirmed that Vladimir Putin was interfering in the election process with the intent of securing a win for Trump. Time and time again Trump told his cult that the election was rigged. He was actually telling us that he was complicit with Putin, and the election was most definitely rigged in his favor.

Trump’s four years in office were not only a complete failure, they became a great disaster, resulting in more than one-million Americans losing their lives. The pandemic did not “just go away.”

The 2020 election experienced a record turnout, and a huge victory for Joe Biden and democracy. I cannot deny the fact that day was more of a vote against Trump than for President Biden.

However, after what Trump’s Election Czar called the “safest and most secure election ins history,” Trump refused to participate in the “peaceful transfer of power.” In fact he acted in the opposite way. He continues to repeat his big lie several times a day.

He attempted a coup intended to overturn our democracy on January 6, 2021. This was something I found nearly impossible to believe. For three hours I watched a group of men and women violently ransack the Capitol Building, searching for Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi, hoping to murder them. The most distressing fact was that Trump organized and planned the insurrection with the assistance of his supporters. the leaders of the violence were also leaders of several Neo-Nazi groups whose stated goal is the destruction of our democratic government.

TRUTH IS RARE IN WASHINGTON

Whenever a professional politician opens his mouth, it is followed by a lie. No one whose sole existence is in the world of the most disrespected profession in the world can be trusted.

It has always been common knowledge that all politicians fear the truth. If every aspect of their lives was known, few would ever win reelection. The fact is that remaining in office is the most important ambition for all of them. No professional politician wants to work for a living. They enjoy their lives of luxury and privilege and will say or do anything to remain in office.

However, 40 years ago, some politicians had morals and self-respect. Maybe not all, but most of their remarks could be believed.

Trust no one in power today.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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