By David Leslie, Corvallis
Donald J Trump has betrayed our trust in myriad ways since we elected him. He lies constantly; everything with him is self-dealing. He sabotaged our reputation in the world, weakening our security. His incompetence is visible through his need to execute policy via Executive Orders and having to rely on “acting” senior staff because he can’t find competent help to work for him.
As Commander-In-Chief, he is responsible for our safety and security. Guess what: we’ve been invaded, by the coronavirus. Coward that he is, he ran away and told the states to handle it. From my days as an Army officer, I understood that I was responsible for all my unit did or failed to do, a leadership principle completely unappreciated by this president.
Additionally, all elected Republicans, top to bottom, from Senator to County Commissioner, who have supported Trump, have equally betrayed our trust. They support shameful policies. They cower in fear; they deny, deflect and pursue power over stewardship at every opportunity. They have shown themselves to be small, petty, unprincipled and completely undeserving of elected positions.
So what, you ask. How does this matter?
The way I think about it is this: “trust” is often defined as placing something you care about under the control of another where the benefit to you is less significant than the possible negative outcome. If there is no risk involved, there is no trust necessary.
A reasonable example is when a mother and father want a night out, and they leave the children in the care of a babysitter. Small benefit, yes; adverse outcomes possible, e.g. something bad happens to a child; Risk involved, yes. Is trust at play? Absolutely.
As a country, we elected Donald Trump for the benefits he said he’d bring. But we realize that we care about our societal norms, values and customs, our relationships across the world and our national character, I feel betrayed on all fronts, but you can decide for yourself how well you think he has honored our trust.
So where does that leave us?
When you look at our situation today, struggling with COVID, facing a precarious economy, experiencing unprecedented social unrest and humiliated internationally, are you willing to take that risk again?
In my humble opinion, that’s where all non-Trumpers are with regard to Donald Trump himself…and by extension, all elected Republicans.
In November, vote for anybody but a Republican.
Clark Lee says
‘I feel your pain.’