The New Testament Sentiment, "Forgive them, they know not what they do," does not apply to Republican legislators. Not even Christian charity permits deriding GOP Senators and Congressman as merely ignorant. With few exceptions, attaining legislative office requires above average intelligence.
No, the GOP is knowingly counting down the end of the American Century. Starting with the Marshal Plan and continuing with NATO, America has preached from the pulpit with its economic, moral and military superiority. Congregants sang our hymn. Allies enjoyed stability, and America prospered.
Trump, in ways both large and small, with GOP acquiescence, has emptied the pews. On the micro level, Trump's disdain has crippled the State Department. The ranks have not been decimated, for that is a mere drop of 10%. Rather nearly 50% of the top two tiers of department professionals have departed. Institutional knowledge is gone, phones go unanswered. Opportunities are lost, international respect vanishes. As in a horse, these micro fractures may go undiagnosed, but eventually lead to unsoundness and even the loss of life.
On the macro scale, an unfettered Trump, is shunning the support of our allies, and instead courting authoritarian regimes. Many believe the reason is Trump's authoritarian tendencies. That may have an influence, but the full truth is more dire. Authoritarians can, by fiat, satisfy Trump's greed, liberal democracies have procedural guard rails. Saudi Arabia has loaned hundreds of millions to Trump and to the Kushners. China has awarded Ivanka valuable trademarks. Perhaps to launder money, Russian oligarchs have been prime purchasers of Trump properties.
Where greed leaves off, ignorance takes the floor. Tump is a one man Know Nothing Party, ignoring briefings and rational analysis in favor of impulse.
Republican officeholders know Trump's failings, but would rather creep to reelection than stand tall.
No comments:
Post a Comment