Is it true Trump supporters just want a father figure?

[PureX]

The reason those jobs went to other countries was that our government had been corrupted by legalized bribery, and the people bribing them wanted it that way. They would get much richer by paying peanuts to foreign workers, as opposed to decent wages to our own citizens.

The problem is corruption, and Trump has done absolutely nothing to stop it. In fact, he's as corrupt as any of them! So voting for Trump, and expecting him to somehow "fix it", is insane. So is voting to bring on a national meltdown, thinking that anarchy will make us "free". Yet there are a lot of profoundly stupid Americans who still believe this kind of insanity.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Didn't you use to be progressive at some point?


I take it you didn't feel particularly bothered by homophobic and transphobic language on these boards.
Or is that an acceptable sacrifice to allow conservatives to speak freely, unbothered by critical voices?

My political views aren't really represented in American politics. I'm really a nationalist. I'm to the right socially and to the left economically.

Excuse me? I argue with homophobes and transphobes all the time. I've been bullied by multiple of them on this board over the years, so I have no idea what you're trying to say. That's mostly from fundie Christian bigots. Not all right-wingers or conservatives are religious, homophobic or transphobic. There's LGBT conservatives, too. There's plenty of leftist homophobes and transphobes, too.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Someone who is an authority figure? One who promises to simply take care of everything, keep us all safe, make all the decisions so no effort has to be made by the citizens? The Washington Post ran this article today and it made me stop and reflect. I've been baffled, truly baffled, trying to understand the mind- and heart-set of a person--Republican, Democrat or Independent--who can support the reelection of the current occupant of the White House.

I kept asking myself, "Why doesn't character matter to his supporters? Is it something he accomplished which allows them to turn their faces and cover their ears to his hate-filled rhetoric, his lies and bullying? Or maybe something he promised to accomplish and that hope yet lives?" No, maybe it's as simple and as complex as this article proposes. Is it that Trump supporters are basically racist like him? We might all have bias and find it hard to confess.

I'm not Trump bashing nor Trump-supporter bashing here and I don't want this thread to devolve to that. I really want to know. Please, supporters of Trump and Trumpism, if there are any of you on this forum, I really want to know. Now that you've had 4 years of him, got to know him, see him in action, please enlighten me, why doesn't it matter to you what kind of a man Trump is, i.e., his character? And why doesn't it matter to you that his actions and attitudes (and those of the silent GOP) have put this country back to the tension-filled air and upheavals of the 1960s? Why?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/busi...oter-authoritarian-research/#comments-wrapper

My mother and sister are trump supporters. They don't follow Trump as an idol but agree with republican ideals and goals for the country. They do defend trump in supporting those ideals. As for things he did bad whether true or not, they don't really look too much at. I guess they feel anti-trumpers are making Trump and republicans worse than what they are.

It's good this isn't a trump bashing thread, though. I dislike trump and don't care for his politics but calling the guy names etc is just not my thing. But most people I know are against trump. Both sides tend to get riled up over their positions though.

 

[Sw. Vandana Jyothi]

What's rich? Go have a look at DS' thread to see what I mean.

I expect politicians to be scumbags. Trump never presented himself as a choirboy. Biden is a scumbag, too. You don't get far in politics by being a good person, especially in the corrupt American government.

You really must be a Republican or conservative or politician of some stripe. This is the FOURTH time I've asked what you find attractive about Trump or someone like him? Why won't you answer??

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

You really must be a Republican or conservative or politician of some stripe. This is the FOURTH time I've asked what you find attractive about Trump or someone like him? Why won't you answer??

I'm not Republican or Democrat. I don't vote by party lines.

I don't recall you asking me that before this thread. I've said in multiple other posts what I like about him. I'll find one.

Edit: Trump Positive Thread

 

[Sw. Vandana Jyothi]

I'm not Republican or Democrat. I don't vote by party lines.

I don't recall you asking me that before this thread. I've said in multiple other posts what I like about him. I'll find one.

It was the thread's topic actually. But I really appreciate your looking for your explanatory post. I sincerely do want to know what makes a Trump supporter tick. I'm a student of motive. And I don't know how to "find DSs post" as you asked me to.

And also, I appreciate everybody not doing the bash thing. Kudos for civility. It should be that way everywhere, inside and outside RF. Hint, hint.

 

[joe1776]

My political views aren't really represented in American politics. I'm really a nationalist....

I'd like to hear your definition of "nationalism" because it's probably different than mine.

I think Donald Trump's MAGA, putting America and Americans first, is classic nationalism. So, I see nationalists well represented in our current political scene.

 

[Sw. Vandana Jyothi]

I'm not Republican or Democrat. I don't vote by party lines.

I don't recall you asking me that before this thread. I've said in multiple other posts what I like about him. I'll find one.

Edit: Trump Positive Thread

Well, duh on me. I didn't know there was a whole forum for conservatives. Even though I can't post there, I might find more of the insight I'm seeking by reading it.

I read your "Trump Positive Thread" post, thanks for the link. There was a huge debate in my head about pulling the text of it over here and replying. But as I thought about it, it felt more like I was just going to try to rebut some of your opinions, your "what I like about Trump" statements. Nope, not going there.

But may I ask this: do you feel Trump's methods of operation and "nationalistic" executive orders and programs have enhanced the well-being of our nation, both internally and globally (assuming that's a "good" thing)? As the proverbial question asks, "Are we better off nationally and internationally today than we were 4 years ago?" I would ask you if YOU are better off, feeling more comfy in your skin, etc., than you were. However, even though it's my concern for you--and my countrymen--it's none of my business. I do believe it IS the business of the government we elect. At least, the government should not take actions which put the populace in jeopardy.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I'd like to hear your definition of "nationalism" because it's probably different than mine.

I think Donald Trump's MAGA, putting America and Americans first, is classic nationalism. So, I see nationalists well represented in our current political scene.

That's pretty much it. Nationalism is basically just putting the interests of your nation and culture first, and allowing others to do the same.

 

[Kenny]

Someone who is an authority figure? One who promises to simply take care of everything, keep us all safe, make all the decisions so no effort has to be made by the citizens? The Washington Post ran this article today and it made me stop and reflect. I've been baffled, truly baffled, trying to understand the mind- and heart-set of a person--Republican, Democrat or Independent--who can support the reelection of the current occupant of the White House.

I kept asking myself, "Why doesn't character matter to his supporters? Is it something he accomplished which allows them to turn their faces and cover their ears to his hate-filled rhetoric, his lies and bullying? Or maybe something he promised to accomplish and that hope yet lives?" No, maybe it's as simple and as complex as this article proposes. Is it that Trump supporters are basically racist like him? We might all have bias and find it hard to confess.

I'm not Trump bashing nor Trump-supporter bashing here and I don't want this thread to devolve to that. I really want to know. Please, supporters of Trump and Trumpism, if there are any of you on this forum, I really want to know. Now that you've had 4 years of him, got to know him, see him in action, please enlighten me, why doesn't it matter to you what kind of a man Trump is, i.e., his character? And why doesn't it matter to you that his actions and attitudes (and those of the silent GOP) have put this country back to the tension-filled air and upheavals of the 1960s? Why?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/busi...oter-authoritarian-research/#comments-wrapper

I wondered if Bided is viewed a sugar daddy to those that vote for him . After 40+ years we know what Biden is like. Why doesn't character matter? Doesn't the direction of the country matter? I am baffled that people close their eyes to his racist statements, his lies, his plagiarism, his manipulation of other countries judicial systems et al.

In my case, it is looking at both flawed people and deciding which way i want this country to go. This is a three-branched government system no a one person dictatorship. There are enough checks and balances for the next 4 years without sending this United States of America down the spiraling decay of socialism.

 

[tytlyf]

How is Trump authoritarian? I hate Authoritarians, so do all Trump supporters, so I'm curious where this silly notion is coming from.

You may hate the word "Authoritarian" and think it's sounds scary and evil. Do you know what the definition of the word is?
If Trump doesn't want to be referred to as authoritarian, stop being the epitome of the definition.

 

[tytlyf]

That's pretty much it. Nationalism is basically just putting the interests of your nation and culture first, and allowing others to do the same.

Nationalism is a lot different than Patriotism.

Nationalism is the viewpoint that ones own country is superior to all others.
Patriotism is the viewpoint of doing what's best for the country (wearing masks is a patriotic act)

 

[Kenny]

Any treaty reduces your independence, as it involving agreeing to do or not do certain things in a certain way.

Treaties are just agreements between countries. If not entered into under duress, they are normally a source of advantage to both parties. But yes, they put some constraints, usually very small, on national autonomy.

Normally, that's a sensible thing to do. You do it yourself whenever you join a society - or even when you use Google. There are conditions attached to most things.

But when treaties are lopsided and not fair, it is a correct effort to redo the contract.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Nationalism is the viewpoint that ones own country is superior to all others.

No, that's technically called chauvinism.

Chauvinism - Wikipedia

 

[Father Heathen]

I wondered if Bided is viewed a sugar daddy to those that vote for him . After 40+ years we know what Biden is like. Why doesn't character matter? Doesn't the direction of the country matter? I am baffled that people close their eyes to his racist statements, his lies, his plagiarism, his manipulation of other countries judicial systems et al.

In my case, it is looking at both flawed people and deciding which way i want this country to go. This is a three-branched government system no a one person dictatorship. There are enough checks and balances for the next 4 years without sending this United States of America down the spiraling decay of socialism.

What policies of Biden's in particular do you consider "socialist"?

 

[Sw. Vandana Jyothi]

That's pretty much it. Nationalism is basically just putting the interests of your nation and culture first, and allowing others to do the same.

Insatiable greed for money and power is Trump's and Trumpism's motive for professing a "belief" in nationalism, not the best interests of the country. Who is profiting from his version of nationalism? Unless you're one of the already wealthy, it isn't you or your family. This is the grossest form of selfishness, the grossest. And when the folks at the top have squeezed every last bit of work, energy and spirit out of the lower and lowest classes, what will they say? "Let them eat cake."

When those masses rise up because now they realize not only is there no cake, the promises of cake were bogus--when there's not even any bread, what then?

 

[tytlyf]

No, that's technically called chauvinism.

Chauvinism - Wikipedia

Chauvinism is more Extreme Patriotism. Which can be dangerous.

 

[Sw. Vandana Jyothi]

I wondered if Bided is viewed a sugar daddy to those that vote for him . After 40+ years we know what Biden is like. Why doesn't character matter? Doesn't the direction of the country matter? I am baffled that people close their eyes to his racist statements, his lies, his plagiarism, his manipulation of other countries judicial systems et al.

In my case, it is looking at both flawed people and deciding which way i want this country to go. This is a three-branched government system no a one person dictatorship. There are enough checks and balances for the next 4 years without sending this United States of America down the spiraling decay of socialism.

If you only knew how many folks are not "voting for Biden" so much as "voting against Trump." And your claim that our system's checks and balances are in operational order is laughable. Absolutely laughable. They've been shredded by this administration.

 

[joe1776]

That's pretty much it. Nationalism is basically just putting the interests of your nation and culture first, and allowing others to do the same.

Now, I'm confused. In an earlier post, you wrote My political views aren't really represented in American politics. I'm really a nationalist....But Trump's nationalism seems to be representing your political views well.

In any case, you have a positive opinion of nationalism and I have a negative opinion. I'll explain my reasoning:

Nationalism is a form of group pride. I view all group pride as disguised arrogance because we know intuitively that the man who is especially proud of being Irish and Catholic would be just as proud if, by some twist of fate, he had been raised to think of himself as German and Lutheran. He's proud of his groups, not because his groups are superior, but because they are HIS groups and HE is superior.

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, calls it "egoism" rather than arrogance but she had it right when she said:

“Europe is our best chance for peace, prosperity and a good future. We must not let this chance slide; we owe this to ourselves and to past and future generations. Nationalism and egoism must never have a chance to flourish again in Europe. Tolerance and solidarity are our future. And this future is worth fighting for.”

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Well, duh on me. I didn't know there was a whole forum for conservatives. Even though I can't post there, I might find more of the insight I'm seeking by reading it.

I read your "Trump Positive Thread" post, thanks for the link. There was a huge debate in my head about pulling the text of it over here and replying. But as I thought about it, it felt more like I was just going to try to rebut some of your opinions, your "what I like about Trump" statements. Nope, not going there.

But may I ask this: do you feel Trump's methods of operation and "nationalistic" executive orders and programs have enhanced the well-being of our nation, both internally and globally (assuming that's a "good" thing)? As the proverbial question asks, "Are we better off nationally and internationally today than we were 4 years ago?" I would ask you if YOU are better off, feeling more comfy in your skin, etc., than you were. However, even though it's my concern for you--and my countrymen--it's none of my business. I do believe it IS the business of the government we elect. At least, the government should not take actions which put the populace in jeopardy.

The country was okay the first 3 years of his administration. The economy was strong and all. It was this year that's been bad but it would've been bad regardless of who the president was. Some of this stuff, like the unrest involving the BLM movement, started before Trump. There were riots and unrest under Obama, and he cracked down on it as well.

As for me, my life is only getting better. I have a job I like (or at least don't mind), was promoted very quickly and my mental health is improving. My drinking has been cut down a ton and I'm just generally optimistic about my life.