I became increasingly shocked at the negative impact Donald Trump possessed during the election. I kept thinking a moderate Republican would come to the forefront, backed by intelligent, responsible Republicans. I was sure his bullying tactics would be shut down by reasonable people. I began having stomach aches and anxiety as he gained more and more support, thinking "This is not how we operate today! This is not how we do a presidential race in America!" I was ashamed. I was alarmed at how this political circus must look to the rest of the world. To date, I have lost faith in a mainstream political party--Republican--to reign in OR kick out such a hate-mongering, divisive bully such as Trump.
It's amazing how thin this veneer we call civilization is. From Germany in the 1930's, to Rwanda and Yugoslavia in the 1990's, and the current Middle East, we can revert back to our familial and tribal roots in an instant. All it takes is someone who can vocalize our grievances toward "the other" and we're off on a pogrom, or ethnic cleansing. People who say "never again" seem to forget we had concentration camps set up in "civilized" Europe in the 1990's, not in those other "third world" countries. I like to think we're better than that, but right now I'm not so sure.
No. It only confirmed my disappointment that I missed the "Dream."
It's become a much more nastier place. Only the foolish will run for office, see Ted Cruz, Bernie Sanders and Donald trump.
Yes. We are much more polarized than ever before.
Yes. The strident appeal to the lowest common denominator is appalling.
Current political discourse has altered my view insofar as the GOP candidates yell unintelligibly, engage in nativism and appeal to the most base instincts of the populace eschewing any attempt at an inclusive electorate. The Democrats have offered such a broad brush platform, that they stand for everything. In either case, it's a sterling reflection of how far public service talent has receded.
I have become acutely aware of how prejudice and racist my peers have been all along.
Without a doubt it has. First I should say I am an Independent voter who does not vote by nor identify with either party. I think there has been so much vitriolic hate from the Republican Party for our current president, that it has finally manifested into a person like Donald Trump being the likely nominee. Hate begets hate. I do not know how else to explain it. I am not only saddened but frightened for our country and the world if he truly becomes our President.
Yes. I had no idea we had fallen this far.
Not so much changed, but confirmed the cynical side of my view of America. I've actually been embarrassed to be American while watching a few of the republican debates. The world must be laughing at our 'politics'.
Yes. I have realized that a lot more people than I ever thought are racists and bigots and now are not afraid to show their true colors. It is embarrassing and deeply saddening.
