by David Leslie, Corvallis
One of the things that Trump and the MAGA crowd get wrong is that they treat greatness as an assertion. In fact, it is a reputation. It is given by others, not demanded as a truth. Example: America First is really America Alone.
Steve Schmidt, in the April 22 Bitterroot Star, did an excellent job of articulating what American greatness might look like. Restoring that, fulfilling its promise should be a primary goal for each of us and all of us.
To that end there are phases to the work. First, “Stop the bleeding.” Resist every Trump and MAGA scheme. As David Brooks said, “create friction.” Make all efforts as difficult as possible. Tools are: court injunctions; criminal charges; lawsuits; protests; letters to Congress and the media. Make noise.
Secondly, retake control of Congress in 2026. Both houses would be nice, but one will do. That means voting out the MAGA crowd and many of their spineless collaborators, even if it means holding your nose while you vote.
Thirdly, turn Donald Trump out of office in 2028 and deny the office to any would-be MAGA successor.
And finally, starting in January 2029, begin to rebuild the institutions and principles on which American greatness depends. More on that process another day.
David Leslie
Corvallis
Mike Mercer says
You haven’t a clue what MAGA stands for when all you think of is a physical greatness but that does seem to be all the barbarians know. It speaks to American character, personal attributes, a connection with something greater than ourselves which is why the powerful want it stopped. So grab your powerful tools like court injunctions; criminal charges; lawsuits; protests; letters to Congress and the media….make noise, bully, intimidate, throw a tantrum if you like but don’t ever think for even e moment that you have any idea what MAGA means,
Bill Cavanaugh says
As usual Wayne, you have nothing but unfounded lies and innuendo. Please enlighten us how he is a dictator, or better yet how he is “trashing the constitution”. Didn’t you learn your lesson last election that baseless name calling doesn’t work?
WMA says
Bill,
Ignoring multiple court rulings — including the Supreme Court — is the definition of dictatorial behavior.
Bill Cavanaugh says
So, You’ve got nothing. As is always the case.
Bill Cavanaugh says
again…. Nothing. Thanks for Playing though Wayne.
WMA says
Saying the same thing twice in two minutes does not give the comment any substance. If you think ignoring court orders isn’t a constitutional crisis, you are delusional.
WMA says
If you think ignoring court orders is not a constitutional crisis, you are delusional. See, I can do it too.
WMA says
Nice transference, Bill, suggesting this letter writer craves a communist dictator when your favorite president is doing his best to trash the Constitution and anoint himself a fascist dictator. By the way, no Democrat wants a dictator of any kind.
Bill Cavanaugh says
So you want to prevent a candidate or party from running so your party, which has done absolutely nothing to help this country can be in charge? Even though the people in charge currently won by a comfortable margin in a recent election?
Why don’t you just say you crave a communist dictatorship without saying you want a communist dictatorship?