Hi! My name is Jim and I voted for President Trump thrice. I have not been kidnapped, nor am I being paid to say that. I knew what I was doing and I will not claim that I was lied to or misled. I am not ashamed to say I voted for him. My vote for Trump was a statement. Trump was/is a tool. I am not happy with a lot of things he does and says, but there are plenty of things he’s doing that have needed to be done for a long time. My vote was intended to bring about change. I certainly recognize that there are people that voted for him for altruistic reasons. I recognize that there are folks who believe that he does what he does for the greater good of the country. I did not and do not. I also recognize there are probably plenty of people who will think me to be misguided and/or to be a complete idiot for thinking my one little vote would make a difference and using it on Trump. In the event that those people do not clearly understand how addition works, you do not get to 77m republican and 75m Democratic votes without starting at 1 vote and adding each 1 of the subsequent votes to that to arrive at the total. I say this with all due respect to your freedom to treat your vote as you like, but my votes are used to affect change, reinforce a positive plan of action, or in the event of cabin depressurization, vote for the lesser evil. I am not a member of the MAGA movement, because while I can certainly see that America could always find ways to improve as a country, I have no doubt that America is already great.

What does all of this have to do with the DSA you ask? Fair question. The DSA is gaining traction for the same reason that MAGA gained traction and became what it is. People are tired of the same old same. The hollow promises and empty ledgers are contributing factors, but it is mostly from a profound belief that where we’re headed is not the right place and their way is the only right way forward for this country. In my opinion, the DSA would not be basking in its current relevance as a way forward for the Democratic party without President Trump. I’m sure they will deny that vehemently, and my response to them would be why? Why hasn’t this happened before, within the context of our modern society? One could certainly say socialism has existed on the fringes of our society and our political landscape for some time, and I do agree with that, but now it’s got teeth. People have to take it seriously now just as they did with MAGA during Trump’s first term and beyond. The supporters of the DSA will cite all manner of reasons for the DSA’s newfound power, but President Trump’s name will eventually come out of their collective mouths.

I believe the largest block of American voters falls into two groups. One group is slightly left of center with a desire to see the government at the front of a more level playing field, while the other is a group slightly to the right of center with a desire to see the government use less of our money for programs that are inefficient and abused. I DO understand that there are other priorities for both groups, but in my opinion, this best describes where the majority of us fit. I believe both groups are decent people that want all people to be treated with dignity, we want our children to prosper, we want our families safe and we want a future that gives us a fighting chance. We differ on what means and how to get there. I believe that we collectively are NOT radical, we are NOT bigots and we are NOT stupid enough to think that our party and our ideas are the ONLY way forward.

I disagree with most of what the DSA stands for, and I say that generously simply because I have not heard a single thing come from the DSA mouthpieces that I think makes sense, but I am not an expert on their platform, so I’m leaving the door open to be educated. I absolutely welcome them to the stage though, for the very same reason that I voted for President Trump and that is balance and change. The Democratic party is making the same mistakes the Republican party did and is now trying to recover from. They were/are too arrogant to read the room and get the message. People are collectively tired of the bulllshit. We are tired of getting fucked by people that say one thing to our face and do another as soon as they have the opportunity.

Choosing only one way leaves no room for change. No change fosters stagnation, alienation and degradation. Change fosters growth. Growth fosters well-being and well-being fosters a greater overall sense of positivity. Change comes from debate and dissent and a collective recognition that something needs to happen to move us forward. If we are not moving forward, we are moving backwards. Period. We need to be open to the collective understanding that choosing only our way is not the right way. We also need to understand that ANY way will never fix everything for everyone. We need to start reaching for and deciding on a path that works for the collective good and stop pandering to every individual that feels slighted or wronged. What’s best for America is what’s best for the majority, in all of its varied colors and dimensions and that entails all of those collectively varied groups compromising for the benefit of others as well as themselves.

I’m looking forward to the next election. Have the elitest cognoscenti learned their lesson about listening to what we the people are trying to say? The few are leading the many, and I’m not just talking about the politicians. Regardless of what you think about who and what I vote for, I will continue to wield my vote with as much power as I believe it contains. Will you?

Oh, and you’re welcome.