I have been working on four different Op-eds but cannot finish any. None of them are gelling. I have been unable to stay on subject, find an ending, make a coherent point. What I can write and finish, is this.
What are you going to do if Trump wins?
There is little point in discussing Trump’s course of action if reelected. Simply read the 900-page manifesto, Project 2025. It gives detailed descriptions of what to expect. If you are reading this and have no idea what is in Project 2025, I have two more questions for you: ‘What abandoned coal mine have you been living in?’ and ‘Is there room for me and my wife?’
If your first reaction to ‘What if Trump wins?’ is, “I’m leaving the country,” consider this: If you do not already have plans locked in, a specific destination reserved, a valid passport, and half your luggage packed, it is doubtful you are going anywhere.
Besides, where would you go? Trump has already expressed the desire to invade Mexico ‘to stop the drug cartels.’ How long after that before he and General Flynn turn their attention toward Canada?
Further away? Say, Europe? One of Trump’s first executive actions will be to ‘end the war in Ukraine’ by cutting weapons support. He and Vlad are, after all, ‘friends.’ In the ‘interest of world harmony,’ he will next withdraw from NATO because none of those people like him. The ‘all clear, having been sounded,’ Putin will advance westward, pausing only to admire himself in the mirror, on his way to Cabo da Roca, Portugal.
Even further away, perhaps? How about somewhere in Asia? In the breath after abandoning Ukraine, Trump will, ‘in the spirit of global peace,’ gift Taiwan to Xi, another ‘friend,’ opening the door for massive Chinese expansion... in all directions. Say goodbye to any friends you may have in Australia, New Zealand, or Japan. India will react by gobbling up as many neighbors as possible. This is my feeble attempt to keep it light WITHOUT mentioning WWIII. Oops! Said it anyway.
So, what are you going to do?
Go back to business as usual and hope no one notices... like a sizeable percentage of German citizens did when Hitler became Chancellor in 1933? It takes little research to reveal how badly that turned out.
Jon Stewart has his answer. If you have not noticed, he is a mess. He is beside himself at the prospect that Donald will once again be ensconced in the White House. Stewart is a man who has the resources to disappear into the mist. Instead, he will remain at the Daily Show. He renewed his contract through 2025 to continue speaking truth to power until they drag him out of his chair on set in front of a live audience. Jon and hundreds of comedians will among the first relocations to internment camps. At the behest of Stephen Miller, they will be joined by outspoken journalists and politicians.
Now, look in a mirror and ask yourself, seriously: What are you going to do if Trump wins? Be honest. Do not lie to or kid yourself. Your answer will tell you how firm your commitment to American democracy is whether Harris wins or loses. Have your answer by election day, November 5th.
We will, then, have until January 20, 2025, to prepare for whatever is next.
Me? I’m with Jon.
To new beginnings.
Good luck!
God’s speed.
