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Let me start with a story.
In the early twentieth century, my Great-Grandma Sarah immigrated the US from what today would be Ukraine. She came from a Jewish ghetto outside of Kiev. Her community endured all the miseries of minority communities in the Russian Empire at the time—shut out from opportunities, forced to live in ghettos, and subject to violent raids sanctioned by the government (the pogroms).
She was able to accomplish these amazing feats because of two things: 1) personal courage and 2) the American system—both of which had fallen off my radar as an American citizen.
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Great-Grandma Sarah was smuggled out of this place by the “coyotes” of her day. She and her group traveled from the Kiev area to Bremerhaven, Germany—a trip over 1,000 miles—on foot, enduring exposure to the elements, mistreatment, and horrible privations. Greeting her group in Bremerhaven was a cargo ship. She and her fellow migrants traveled as stowaways to the new land.
Upon completing the journey across the North Atlantic, she landed in America to be medically evaluated, barked at in English—a language she didn’t speak at the time—and finally processed by immigration authorities.
She boarded a train to Chicago, the location of her sponsor aunt. In Indiana, so close to her final destination, the train caught fire. A good samaritan bravely tossed her out of a window moments before the train car exploded in flames.
She somehow managed to catch the next train and arrived in Chicago hours later, after nearly a year of travel. She got a good night’s sleep and then went to work the next morning rolling cigarettes at a factory.
She did all of this as a 12-year-old girl—although we never knew her true age.
She wasn’t the warmest person—I’m sure she had acute PTSD—but she went on to live a good life, free from state-sanctioned terror and physical hardship. She also got to see her family grow up in peace and prosperity. I met her a handful of times before her passing.
She was able to accomplish these amazing feats because of two things: 1) personal courage and 2) the American system—both of which had fallen off my radar as an American citizen.
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Trump helped wake me up and realize my obligations to this country. His perverse message of bigotry and despotism forced me to confront my own attitudinal complacency.
It struck me, then, like a bolt of lightning: Trump’s movement was trying to turn the country into a modern version of the Czarist-Russia-hellhole that my Great-Grandma Sarah escaped.
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Compared to many, I’m not too lazy. I always vote. I pay attention to national issues and many local ones. I volunteer for a non-profit organization. I donate money to several causes. I even send my daughter to a school that’s racially and ethnically diverse so that she can participate in a dual-language immersion program.
But the reality is, I’ve effectively checked out of politics. Feeling disillusioned with the status quo, I’ve become a perpetually-frustrated independent voter, who just sort of leaves it up to others to set the agenda. Much of my volunteer work is for resume-building purposes. The donations are a solid tax write-off. And at our school, we rarely take the time to meet new people.
My commitment to citizenship has been mainly style over substance. Then came “The Donald.”
At first, I was amused by the whole thing. “Here’s this loud-mouthed self-promoter pretending to be a presidential candidate,” I thought. Then he started polling well. “This won’t last past Iowa and New Hampshire,” I reassured myself. Second place in Iowa and first in New Hampshire. “WTF?” was my next reaction. Then came the moment I realized the entire American political process was off the rails: Governor Christie endorsed him.
“No, no, no, no…” I couldn’t even muster a clear reaction, as I sat shell-shocked at the San Jose airport.
Hell no! I won’t abdicate my citizenship responsibilities to anyone, let alone these folks!
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We all know the rest of the story to date, including the hideous language, unprecedented violence, and convulsive reactions by established politicians. Trump has behaved like a guest on a tawdry daytime talk show, not a dignified leader seeking the highest office in the most powerful country on the planet.
I’ve heard a steady stream of people support Trump’s message—some I expected (Senator Sessions) and some I didn’t (Mayor Giuliani). They’ve talked about taking America back and restoring the country we knew.
Then something in me snapped. I started saying to myself, “This is my country, too!” It doesn’t belong to any one group or constituency, certainly not the ignorant, mean-spirited goons driving the Trump campaign.
It struck me, then, like a bolt of lightning: Trump’s movement was trying to turn the country into a modern version of the Czarist-Russia-hellhole that my Great-Grandma Sarah escaped.
So what would be my legacy? Would I take all of the benefits and luxuries that she afforded me and passively watch a strongman rise to power and dismantle the very system that has allowed my family—and millions of others—the chance to live a good life? It would be easy to do so. What could I do? I’m one person.
My personal courage was being tested.
Hell no! I won’t abdicate my citizenship responsibilities to anyone, let alone these folks!
It was time for me to wake up and get to work. American democracy needed to be restored, but not by a fear-mongering, reactionary demagogue. And although there may be one or two concepts that I sort of, kind of, maybe-in-a-pinch understand about Trump’s message (like the criticism of America’s foreign policy and insider economics), there’s no way in hell I’m going to turn over the responsibility for addressing these issues to a reality TV star who smarmily compels me to trust him.
No longer would I leave it to others to define American democracy.
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Not everyone can take action the same way. I understand. Some are limited by time or other resources. But I do believe that everyone needs to offer what they can.
Here’s my report:
- I got more actively involved in an organization called No Labels (www.nolabels.org), whose mission it is to move the political system beyond vitriolic partisan wrangling and into actual solutions that work for the American people. It’s a group that is as practical as Trump is vague.
- I joined a group whose sole focus is stopping Trump’s electoral success. It’s a bipartisan group of likeminded folks who see him as a dangerous threat to the American system. We’re writing and getting the word out.
- I decided to engage with a local Muslim community in my area. I’ve attended weekend picnics and a Friday prayer service. It’s a bit awkward and uncomfortable to do these things. I’m not used to socializing with women wearing hijabs or hearing people talk about Allah in normal conversation. But it’s helping me see through so many of the stereotypes in the mainstream culture. It’s also helping me feel compassion for what it’s like to come to this country and not understand the customs, to feel like a confused outsider.
What made my Great-Grandma Sarah’s experience possible was not just her bravery; it was also the America that, while flawed in many ways, opened the door to her and allowed her to come in and seize opportunity.
So, what are your three actions? What can you do to demonstrate personal courage and contribute positively to the American system?
There is no cruise-control setting for American democracy. It won’t just keep going because of a strong track record of success.
And as much as I struggle to understand Donald Trump and his motivations for all of this political thrashing around, I don’t think he poses the greatest threat to America’s future.
The greatest threat we face is apathy. When we take for granted freedom, we lose it. When we give up on aspirations of greatness, we become mediocre. When we collectively forget that most people came to this country with little more than guile and determination, we abandon our roots as a nation of determined pioneers.
Remember, it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters. America is as much an idea as it is a country. When we quit believing, the journey ends, and we wind up stuck in a backwater of lost dreams, missed opportunities, and vengeful jealousy.
I won’t let it happen.
Thanks, Trump, For Waking Me Up
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David, I’m quite inspired by the story of your great grandmother! Just think what she left behind. If she had stayed in Kiev, she would have faced a horrible future — the advent of Soviet Communism, Stalin’s utterly brutal rule, and the Nazi occupation. Thanks for your article!
I appreciate the comment, Bill.
“Remember, it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters. ” Really? So, the road to hell is more important than hell itself? Only liberals have such silly notions. The destination for my country matters most. The reason Mr. Trump even exist is because of the total failure of people like you, Mr. Obama, Mrs. Clinton, and other members of the political elite and Establishment including the Republican Establishment. Will Mr. Trump make America great? Of course not. But, I can damn well assure you Hillary Clinton is nothing more than a guarantee for more of the same old nonsense. The… Read more »
For the record, I’m not voting in this presidential election. I would have to violate my conscience in order to vote for any of the candidates. My stances on political issues have left me in a position to reject both liberalism and conservatism even though I agree with one side or the other on certain issues. So, I’ve become a nonvoter. Jules, you really are making a stretch to call David an enemy of the Republic. Frankly, it’s quite insulting. You should be civil instead of flaming. Of course, you’re just manifesting an authoritarian mentality. Frankly, it’s boring. If Trump… Read more »
Bill, Thanks for your reply…I will try to address (and correct) some of your remarks. Let’s start with Mr. Trump being a great friend of Blacks. Well, I don’t recall saying such a thing. Secondly, just because a few extremist groups endorse a campaign does not mean anything. Recall when President Obama was running for office and the Black Panther Party endorsed him? So, what? Next…your comment about leading conservatives. yes, there are many. But, there are many reasons. Some are due to the fact that Mr. Trump was a Democrat. Some because he has flip flopped his positions several… Read more »
A good lesson in history, Jules, and in particular the south up until the mid 70s. That’s when the Democrats decided to change their stripes and rhetorical tactics. But in reality they stayed the same.
Man I’ll be glad when this dog and pony show is over. Whomever “wins” this train wreck better start promoting harmony, jobs and moving in an overall positive manner. Because if not the fighting amongst us today will seem like a walk in the park.
You are foolish and stupid, America does deserve better! I’d rather the same poison than a poison that will kill me quicker! Donald Trump is a LUNATIC! He has no character, no morals, no honor whatsoever! Hillary Clinton has her flaws but at least shes a decent liar, this guy cant keep his story straight for even a few hours!? I’d rather have someone like Hillary, who can at least sorta sway me than BS Trump who is praised because of his “Honesty”. Honestly, hes just stabbing us all in the back.
Laughable…..
Conservatives are the ones with silly notions. Both parties have locked up Blacks and Hispanics because neither one of the don’t want to be accused of being soft on crime. The Republicans don’t want everyone to be their friend unless they are rich and powerful and even if you are, they will use you up and throw you away when they no longer need you. Republican Party is a party for entrenched interests for last 36 years and people are finally waking up although they should have woken up a lot time ago. “The reason Mr. Trump even exist is… Read more »
Points well taken. Yes, at the national level you are correct which is EXACTLY why so many Republicans such as myself repudiated the Establishment elite of the party. Has the Democrat Party done likewise? NO! “Republican Party is a party for entrenched interests for last 36 years and people are finally waking up although they should have woken up a lot time ago.” If this was so, then why are the majority of state legislatures now Republican? Why are the majority of state Governors now in Republican hands? Even my solidly blue state of Maryland elected a Republican Governor. If… Read more »
America can’t get a break from the Establishment politics because we have never allowed multiple parties to exists like they have in Europe and be allowed to form coalition governments. We need to reform our election laws so the winner doesn’t take it all. “If this was so, then why are the majority of state legislatures now Republican? Why are the majority of state Governors now in Republican hands? Even my solidly blue state of Maryland elected a Republican Governor.” Because Americans have short term memories when it comes to learning from the past like the from the Reagan Administration… Read more »
So, your answer to our pathetic political situation is the conman Trump? This reminds me of Germans in the early 1930s who supported Hitler’s rise to power. They figured “Why not? Things couldn’t possibly get any worse, could they?” Sometimes a man can be judged by the company he keeps. Please read this: “Trump Makes White Nationalist Proposal; Media Doesn’t Notice” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-schmeltzer/trump-makes-white-nationa_b_11814808.html Jules, is this what you support? As a black man, do you appreciate the support Trump receives from white supremacists? That doesn’t bother you. I predict that if Donald Trump is elected President of the United States, within… Read more »
Jules, well stated and I couldn’t have said it better.
I’m not a liberal or a supporter of Hillary Clinton.
Here’s my view David. You know where I’m coming from. Your grandma is a surrogate for the Mexicans streaming across the border. Their native land is a shit hole as your grandma’s was. So you see their issue as your own. Donald trump is not the czar, nor can he be unless all of congress and the supreme court go with it. That means the Democrats you love too. So if they do then I’m right. Only them staying in power is what the whole point is and therefore why are you voting for them? Secondly. You’re Jewish. I think… Read more »
Mark, I appreciate your willingness to attempt to understand David’s point of view – as opposed to Jules above, who depicts David as the epitome of evil. I tend to be conservative on the issue of mass migration. The immigration of Muslims should be restricted. As a Christian, I don’t care to live in a country where Muslims are in the majority. Like Newt Gingrich, I appreciate indivdual Muslims and other immigrants who assimulate; but some clearly have no interest in doing so. I’ve seen pictures of Muslim immigrants in Western countries as they chanted “Death to the West!” or… Read more »
Thanks, Bill. I addressed some of your points in a response to Mark above. I would say that I’m against bigotry and intolerance, no matter who it’s coming from. I think lots of people in the Muslim community express intolerance that offends me. I don’t like that. But I also deplore the intolerance among many American groups, no matter who it’s about. Yes, of course I prefer that immigrant groups assimilate into American culture after immigrating here. However, plenty of people who’ve been here for centuries don’t assimilate — such as Mormon groups in southern Utah who practice polygamy, Appalachian… Read more »
Bill, Above, you called me authoritarian, hotheaded…all sorts of things… But, pretty much everything you are saying here I would categorize as un-American and borderline bigotry. Why should immigration of Muslims be restricted? Do you know that issue of Islamic terrorism is 95% one of Arab terrorism? So, if someone from the most populous Muslim nation on earth, Indonesia, wants to come to America are we going to turn them away? Most of the terrorists involved in the 9/11 attacks were from Saudi Arabia. Of course the Clinton Foundation pulls in millions of dollars from that part of world each… Read more »
President Reagan and the two Bush Administration were definitely had no mindset and Trump is not going to save anyone. Furthermore, the right wingers have lack critical thinking skills especially in the last 36 years and
Thanks, Mark, for chiming in. Just for the record, I’m a former registered Republican who now is an independent. I don’t support Democratic party and I don’t care much for Hillary Clinton. I am, however, horrified by Donald Trump’s behavior. I think he’s good at speaking to many people’s resentment and anger, which is his prerogative. I don’t think that he would be a good president, so I’m strongly against him. People can do what they wish at the ballot box. Although I’ve studied much world history, I can’t specifically speak to role the 2016 US presidential election will play… Read more »