Enough’s Enough
Is there an unpardonable sin in American politics? We, as a people, seem to be willing to put up with a lot from our political leaders. So that’s a fair question.
I’ll spare you examples, because you know them as well as I do. But is there a line that we won’t have crossed? Is there a point where we stomp our boots in the dust and say, “No further.” When do we say, “Enough’s enough!”?
If that Rubicon in our political life exists, Donald Trump crossed it.
He crossed it when he tweeted that the U.S. Constitution should be suspended so that he could be installed as president. He came out and said that his personal ambitions are more important than our Constitution.
There. That’s the unpardonable sin. That’s the line we draw in the sand. Our Constitution.
Regardless of how you feel about Trump and his America First message; regardless of how his macho populism may speak to you, Donald Trump does not believe in our Constitution.
I’m reminded of the Molly Ivins quote, “I’d vote for someone who tears up the flag while wrapped in the Constitution, rather than someone who tears up the Constitution while wrapped in the flag.”
Regardless of how many MAGA memes you’ve seen with Trump portrayed as some flag-draped, screaming eagle uber-patriot, the man places himself above the Constitution and isn’t afraid to say so.
And it’s time to say enough’s enough.
That will be a difficult admission to make, if the last few years of your political life have been wrapped up in Donald Trump. Nobody likes to admit that their idols have feet of clay, much less admit that they have been idolaters.
However, that realization will come, sooner or later, to all but a few. But there are those among us who favor Trump over our republic, and they won’t change their minds. They will not be able to disentangle themselves from Trump’s hubris. Or his shame. But, like I said, they are only a few.
I think folks, for whatever reason, ascribe to Trump more potency than he really has. Everyone thinks he has some secret power. Well, he just turned over his hole card, and it’s a deuce. “Suspend the Constitution and I’ll be your leader.”
That’s not power, that’s demagoguery. But it appeals to some folks.
There is a great scene in Cormac McCarthy’s “No Country for Old Men” wherein the villain says to his next victim, “If the road you are on brought you to this place, of what good was the road?” I’ll ask the same question to those who are still tempted to follow Trump after he revealed his true nature
C’mon, just say it. Enough’s enough. That’s a line we won’t let anyone cross.
Forgive Trump for his business and courtroom failures, if you feel you must. Forgive him his blatant misogyny and pompous assholery, if that makes you feel better. If it helps you sleep better at night, overlook his bald-faced lies and greed. But don’t let him off the hook for treachery against our Constitution.
If you are a die-hard, ultra-MAGA Trumper, I wish I had better news for you. But your boy said it himself. He doesn’t give a rat’s ass about the country if it stands in the way of him getting what he wants.
Maybe there’s a 1-900 number you can call for help. Or maybe there’s a 12-Step program that might be good for you. But get over your addiction now. I know we all send thoughts and prayers.
Enough’s enough. Say it with me.
