Credit: Kansas Historical Society
As the aftermath of the election of Donald Trump is being sorted out, a common theme keeps cropping up from all sides: “Democrats failed to understand white, working-class, fly-over America.”
Trump supporters are saying this. Progressive pundits are saying this. Talking heads across all forms of the media are saying this. Even some Democratic leaders are saying this. It doesn’t matter how many people say it, it is complete bullshit. It is an intellectual/linguistic sleight of hand meant to throw attention away from the real problem. The real problem isn’t east coast elites who don’t understand or care about rural America. The real problem is rural America doesn’t understand the causes of their own situations and fears and they have shown no interest in finding out. They don’t want to know why they feel the way they do or why they are struggling because they don’t want to admit it is in large part because of choices they’ve made and horrible things they’ve allowed themselves to believe.
I grew up in rural, […]
Excellent article. Why isn’t anyone addressing all of the Republican Trump voters who aren’t from rural America? The biggest truth that I have had digesting is that many of my fellow Rotarians eagerly voted for Trump. This is a problem for me because I hold them to a different standard. Every week these people pledge: Is it the truth, Is it fair to all concerned, Is it beneficial to all concerned, Will it build good will and better friendships? We live in Oregon and these are people who are dentists, financial planners, retired Hispanic policemen, attorneys, chiropractors etc… How could these people that I have liked and associated with for over 10 years get it so wrong? Do they hold my values really? Should I stay with the club or find another group to associate with? Is anybody else experiencing this disconnect?
Excellent article, really? The author takes 4,100 words to say Trump was elected by white, uneducated, misogynistic, racist, homophobic, bigots, mired in fundamentalist Christian dogma, and who are too lazy and stupid to care or realize that their entire belief system is predicated on falsehoods. Talk about your typical left wing elitist rant. Somebody needs to look in a mirror.