MIndful Resistance

Mindful Resistance

10/27/2018

Introduction

I have noticed, among my friends and former political allies, a descent into tribalism as a reaction to Trump. Too often in my opinion, generalizations are made about groups such as Trump voters, differing factions of the Democratic party, white men, etc. I understand this, but it feels counterproductive. The purpose of this post is to work through these emotions and arrive at a logical and constructive political stance.

Identity Politics and Tribalism

My belief is that argumentation or prejudice based upon identity (race, gender, ethnicity, etc.) is wrong. A large part of the Democratic now disparages Trump voters out of hand. 63 million people voted for Trump. As one of 1.5 million people who voted for Jill Stein, I have myself encountered extreme antipathy from some Democrats. My concerns:

• This is not a way to win elections, in my opinion. We need to convert voters on the margins, not declare them to be enemies. 
• Morally and intellectually, this is short-sighted. People had various reasons for voting for Trump. Opposition to the status quo was a major reason, as opposed to support for Trump. It’s rather narrow minded to write off 70 million people as immoral idiots, as if one knows the circumstances and reasoning of all of these people. 
• On a personal level, cynicism can be harmful, as people lose faith in society and express bitterness. 

The Undeniable Idiocy of Trump and the Republican Party

In my opinion, Trump is a narcissistic liar -- a classic demagogue. The Republican Party has been cynically and corruptly dividing the country for all of my adult life (except Jerry Ford), and so I empathize with those who disdain Republican voters, and refuse to take them seriously except as a cancer. My guiding philosophy, when hope for Getting to Yes is unrealistic, is that outlined in The Art of War:

So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be put at risk even in a hundred battles.  If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.  If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself. 

Assuming the Republicans are the enemy, it is important that we understand the Republicans and Republican voters. In my opinion, the mass of Republican voters are poorly understood. They are concerned about family and community, as opposed to being impressed by Trump’s bombast and Republican dirty tricks. The path to victory goes through these wobbly Republican voters.

Keep Your Eye on the Big Picture

1. Separate the Republican leadership from the mass of voters. 
2. Focus on issues, not identities. 
3. Be constructive -- What are the policies that can improve life for the majority and protect minorities?