The fall of America

Is This the Fall of America?

In George Washington’s farewell address, he warned of three things that will bring this country down:

Hyper-partisanship. He wasn’t a fan of political parties, and warned of what we call tribalism. Both sides are guilty. However, currently, the GOP would support Satan if he had that R after his name.

The rise of a demagogue or autocrat to power. Trump demands total loyalty to himself first, then if it fits his agenda, maybe loyalty to the Constitution and country. Trump has conned the GOP to the point of power and party and Trump over the country.

Foreign influence in our politics. It isn’t a hoax that Russia meddled in our 2016 election. Russia has been meddling for years, but now it’s easy for them to wage cyber war on the US. It isn’t a hoax that the Trump campaign was in contact with Russians. The campaign and Trump himself knew about this meddling, maybe not to the point of conspiring, but looked the other way, and welcomed the help, and even asked “Russia, if you’re listening …”

It’s mind boggling how many congressional Republicans privately don’t like Trump, yet to keep that power, they circle the wagons to defend the indefensible. It’s mind-boggling how the GOP remains silent when Trump bullies or attacks publicly: private citizens, American cities, political opponents, anyone who disagrees or is critical, other world leaders and countries. Yet cozies up to Putin, “loves” Kim Jung, and admires Mohammed Bin Salman, and other dictators and strongmen. Wise up folks and rise up. Where are today’s youth? In the ‘70s, they protested Vietnam, Watergate and Nixon, demanding impeachment. Public opinion can change the GOP. None of this is normal, nor OK.

Richard Trerise

Spokane