The events surrounding Donald Trump are perplexing. Scrolling through social media these past few days would upset anyone, regardless of their political stance. For the past decade, I've identified as an Independent, feeling it most appropriate. Although I lean left, both parties have become so extreme that aligning with George W. Bush now seems more reasonable than with any current Democrat or Republican.
Twenty years ago, this would have been laughable. However, the rhetoric from both sides has become so extreme that aligning with either seems impossible.
While Joe Biden may not be an excellent president, his beliefs are closer to mine than Trump's. I was disappointed to hear the news of an assassination attempt on Trump. The first thought, likely shared by many, was that Trump will now win the election.
Reading through Project 2025 has been truly terrifying. The authors and most of the extreme right wing do not seem to understand how and why the United States exerts so much power globally, both financially and militarily. The document reveals a desire to confront China aggressively, aiming for at least a cold war.
If even a small part of the Project is implemented, Republicans may get their wish, and inflation will no longer be a problem.
Agreeing that other NATO countries need to pay their fair share for defense is reasonable. There were a few other points of agreement, but most of the time, I found myself whispering, "WTF," while skimming through the manual.
The document states that pornography should be outlawed and offenders imprisoned. Teachers caught teaching sex education should also be imprisoned. Abortion should be outright banned with no exceptions. The Project advocates for funneling most power through the Presidency, neglecting the checks and balances that typically prevent such rhetoric from prevailing.
Trump has mentioned that some of what is written in Project 2025 is ridiculous, yet he claims to know nothing about the document. One thing is for sure: it’s important to watch his actions and take what he says with a grain of salt.
It's understood that Republicans are tired of hearing the Nazi Germany references. But the truth can be painful. Watching the Republican National Convention and seeing everyone pumping their fists in unison while chanting "Fight" should be all the proof needed. I'm worried that 50 years from now, the fist pump in the air will be equivalent to a Nazi salute today.
The polarization reflects a broader trend in American politics where moderate voices are increasingly drowned out by more extreme rhetoric. This shift has led to a political landscape where compromise and dialogue are rare, and the focus is often on ideological purity rather than practical governance.
Project 2025 embodies some of the more radical elements within the Republican party. The proposals, such as outlawing pornography, imprisoning teachers for teaching sex education, and banning abortion without exceptions, highlight a significant move away from mainstream political norms. The desire to centralize power in the Presidency undermines the fundamental principles of checks and balances that are crucial to maintaining a stable democracy.
Remaining vigilant and critically evaluating such proposals is essential. The extreme measures suggested in Project 2025 could have far-reaching implications, both domestically and internationally. As a concerned citizen, staying informed and engaged in the political process is vital, as is fostering dialogue across the political spectrum to address these challenges constructively.
