I think Donald J. Trump is the most important president in history
| filed under: Essay, Column, Donald J. Trump, Editorial, PoliticsThe Donald Trump presidency is 9/11 part two electric boogaloo.
Donald J. Trump is a catastrophic event that the world rallies around without having to sacrifice the nicest two buildings in Manhattan and 2,996 souls to do it. And, unlike 9/11, it's all domestic! No really new wars, no instances of the world coming together in support of our loss before becoming a rabid junkyard dog, tricking our closest allies and our own people into invading a sovereign country that had nothing to do with September 11th, Iraq, and then invading Afghanistan, and having our general way with the Middle East for over a decade.
Trump is the best thing to ever happen to America! Look how activated people are, but towards making America better and not just smiting Islam! God bless Donald J. Trump! Plus, Trump's also revealed to me which ones of my "smart" friends are actually easy-to-manipulate zombie sheep who are probably going to have heart attacks over how much they hate him. And how much they believe that the world is going to end in 12 years (or is it 11 now?) and, in response to him, I know who are fair-weather friends, complete nutcases, who are willing to kill everyone on the planet in order to get their way (which is never a good sign, that's what all the Evil People are willing to do).
Plus, the reaction to the Donald J. Trump presidency has single-handedly turned 2019 into 1969 (everybody's making that comparison these days) and has activated Socialism as an actual choice for Progressives and even some Democrats.
As May Day approaches, International Workers Day, a day that was invented in America by the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions in 1884 Chicago and then became a holiday on May 1, 1889, we must remember that Democratic Socialism was born in America and was also summarily executed by Americans opposed to Labor Unions. May 1 was renamed Law and Order Day and Labor Day was moved to the first Monday in September. American Socialism thrived after the 1848 revolutions in Europe drove German immigrants to the United States and their socialist ideas with them. These ideas influenced workers and labor unions throughout America through the 50s when the Second Red Scare and McCarthyism basically killed the movement. While there were socialist resurgences in the 60s and 70s, the Reagan era pretty much offered a coup de grâce to most of America's guilds and labor unions.
In response to calls of "he's not my president," there are more women and women of color and non-cisgender men and women in Congress than ever before and the lineup for presidential hopefuls for Presidency as Democrats look more like the United Colors of Benetton ads 35-years later. Plus, more women, women of color, and queer men and woman have achieved office in State and Local elections than ever before. And, what do you know? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders aren't at all afraid of the S-word anymore—Socialism—even though they do make sure that they keep the words Democrat, democracy, democratic, and capitalism nearby so that nobody's brain goes straight back to Pinkos and Reds and Commies.
That's why I think everyone should see Donald J. Trump is the most important president in history—but they won't, because that would be counterproductive to the cause. It's a Catch-22!
“There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle. "That's some catch, that Catch-22," he observed. "It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22
Or, rather, the moment the Anti-Trump Movement turned on to the fact that the entire thing is a pantomime instead of being an actual Existential Crisis, then all the air would go out of the movement and it would, itself, extinguish, which is extremely counter-productive. Without a constant threat there wouldn't be a constant heat; and, without a constant heat, there wouldn't be the sort of boil that would force all the frogs from their respective frying pans of complacency. So, there's very little incentive to ever let anyone in on the joke. Or, rather, that the tail's wagging the dog. Sadly, Wag the Dog, a brilliant movie that explores this theme perfectly well, starring the most anti-Trump actor, Robert De Niro, who, in this 1997 political comedy, played spin doctor Conrad Brean who is either a Steve Bannon or Roger Stone-type, though he's much more discrete and Bannon and Stone are probably bit players themselves.
Besides, I am pretty sure this entire thing is just a Reality Show that's based on a Pay Per View Wrestling Event wherein Donald J. Trump plays the Heel and everyone else tries to fight and beat him. Once he plays the narrative out, he'll be written out of the Wrestling Series. However, his existence brings all the bank to Cable News, Broadcast News, Netflix Comedy Specials, Late Night Shows, Newspaper subscriptions, etc, etc, etc. Donald J. Trump is the good that lays Golden Eggs for everyone! According to Wikipedia:
In professional wrestling, a heel (also known as a rudo in lucha libre) is a wrestler who portrays a villain or a "bad guy" and acts as an antagonist to the faces, who are the heroic protagonist or "good guy" characters. To gain heat (with boos and jeers from the audience), heels are often portrayed as behaving in an immoral manner by breaking rules or otherwise taking advantage of their opponents outside the bounds of the standards of the match. Others do not (or rarely) break rules, but instead exhibit unlikeable, appalling and deliberately offensive and demoralizing personality traits such as arrogance, cowardice or contempt for the audience. Many heels do both, cheating as well as behaving nastily. No matter the type of heel, the most important job is that of the antagonist role, as heels exist to provide a foil to the face wrestlers. If a given heel is cheered over the face, a promoter may opt to turn that heel to face or the other way around, or to make the wrestler do something even more despicable to encourage heel heat.
FAQ
1. Why does the author consider Donald J. Trump the most important president in history? The author believes Trump's presidency has been a catalyst for significant social and political mobilization in the United States, comparing its impact to that of 9/11 but without the associated loss of life. Trump's term has prompted widespread public engagement, discourse, and a reevaluation of political norms and values, leading to increased activism and diversity in political representation.
2. What are the perceived benefits of Trump's presidency according to the narrative? The narrative suggests Trump's presidency has unintentionally fostered unity and activism among opponents, leading to a surge in political involvement aimed at making America better. It also mentions a clarification of individuals' true stances on various issues, revealing the susceptibility of some to manipulation and the resilience of others in the face of political adversity.
3. How has Trump's presidency influenced the political landscape and public discourse? According to the author, Trump's term has reinvigorated discussions about socialism in America, driven an increase in diverse political representation, and sparked a broader engagement with political issues, drawing parallels to the activism seen in 1969. The narrative also touches on the resurgence of Democratic Socialism and a more diverse lineup of Democratic presidential hopefuls.
4. What does the author mean by comparing Trump's presidency to "Wag the Dog"? The author draws a parallel between Trump's presidency and the movie "Wag the Dog," where a fake war is created to distract from a domestic scandal. This comparison suggests the author views Trump's presidency as a form of political theater or manipulation that keeps the public engaged and distracted, possibly for the benefit of various stakeholders in the media and entertainment industries.
5. How has Trump's presidency affected the political representation of marginalized communities according to the author? The author notes a significant increase in political participation and representation among women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals in response to Trump's presidency. This shift is seen as a reaction against Trump's policies and rhetoric, leading to a more diverse and inclusive political landscape.
6. What role does the concept of "the S-word" play in current political discourse? "The S-word" refers to socialism, a term that has regained prominence in American political discussions. Figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders are mentioned as embracing socialist ideals openly, challenging the historical stigma associated with socialism in the United States.
7. How does the narrative interpret the public's reaction to Trump's presidency in terms of mental health and societal division? The narrative suggests that Trump's presidency has led to heightened emotional responses, including stress and anxiety, among his opponents. It also highlights the polarization and division within society, with some individuals exhibiting extreme reactions to political developments.
8. What comparison does the author make between the activism of 1969 and 2019? The author draws parallels between the political and social activism of the late 1960s, particularly around issues of civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War, and the activism seen in response to Trump's presidency. Both periods are characterized by widespread public engagement and a challenge to established norms.
9. How does the author view the impact of Trump's presidency on the media and entertainment industries? Trump's presidency is portrayed as a boon for the media and entertainment sectors, with increased public engagement translating into higher ratings, subscriptions, and viewership. The narrative suggests that Trump, whether intentionally or not, has revitalized interest in political news and satire.
10. In what ways does the author suggest Trump's presidency has led to a reevaluation of American values and identity? The narrative posits that Trump's presidency has forced Americans to confront and reassess their values, particularly regarding democracy, freedom, and inclusivity. This period of introspection is seen as pivotal for defining what modern American identity entails.
Glossary
- 9/11 Part Two Electric Boogaloo: A colloquial and somewhat irreverent way of comparing the impact of Trump's presidency to the significant and transformative event of September 11, 2001, but without the tragic loss of life.
- Domestic Activation: The mobilization and engagement of the American public in political and social activism as a response to domestic policies and political discourse.
- Socialism: A political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods. The narrative notes a revival of interest in socialism within American political discourse.
- Democratic Socialism: A political ideology that combines democratic political systems with socialist economic principles, advocating for political democracy alongside social ownership of significant sectors of the economy.
- Catch-22: Referring to a paradoxical situation from which an individual cannot escape because of contradictory rules or limitations. The author uses it metaphorically to describe the dilemma of recognizing Trump's presidency as both a catalyst for positive activism and a source of political division.
- Heel (in professional wrestling): A wrestler who portrays a villain or "bad guy" to generate a negative reaction from the audience. The narrative likens Trump to a "heel," suggesting his role may be to provoke public reaction as part of a larger "performance."
- Wag the Dog: A reference to a movie where a fake war is fabricated to distract from a presidential scandal. Used here to suggest that the political drama surrounding Trump's presidency might serve as a distraction or manipulation of public attention.
- Pinkos and Reds: Derogatory terms used during the Cold War era to describe individuals with socialist or communist sympathies.
- Existential Crisis: A period of intense questioning and uncertainty about one's own values, significance, or purpose. The narrative suggests that for some, Trump's presidency has induced a reevaluation of personal and national identity.
- Marginalized Communities: Groups that experience discrimination or exclusion based on identity factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. The narrative highlights the increased political representation of these communities as a reaction to Trump's presidency.
- Political Mobilization: The process of rallying and organizing people towards a common political goal. The narrative credits Trump's presidency with mobilizing a wide range of Americans to become more politically active and engaged.
- Alternative Political Systems: Systems of governance that differ from the current dominant model, such as socialism or democratic socialism. The narrative notes a growing interest in exploring these alternatives as viable options for addressing societal inequities.
- Labor Rights: The rights of workers to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the freedom to organize and bargain collectively. The resurgence of interest in labor rights is highlighted as a response to the broader societal shifts during Trump's presidency.
- Social Justice Issues: Issues related to fairness, equality, and rights within society, often focusing on marginalized or oppressed groups. The narrative suggests that Trump's presidency has prompted increased activism around these issues.
- Mainstreaming of Socialism: The process by which socialist ideas have become more accepted and discussed within mainstream political discourse in the United States, as observed during Trump's term.
- Anti-Socialist Sentiment: Negative attitudes towards socialism, often associated with historical periods of fear and suspicion towards leftist ideologies in America, such as during the Red Scare and McCarthyism.
- Reality Show Politics: The portrayal of political events and figures in a manner akin to entertainment programming, emphasizing drama and spectacle. The narrative uses this concept to critique the sensationalist aspects of Trump's presidency.
This article presents an unconventional perspective on the presidency of Donald J. Trump, framing it as a pivotal moment in American history that has prompted widespread societal and political transformation. Rather than focusing solely on Trump’s policies, the author emphasizes the impact his presidency has had on public engagement, activism, and a reexamination of American identity. Through satire, comparisons to historical events, and cultural references, the article explores the ways in which Trump’s tenure has mobilized diverse groups and catalyzed debates on socialism, political representation, and social justice.
The Impact of Political Polarization
Trump’s presidency has heightened political polarization in the United States, creating clear divides between his supporters and detractors. This polarization, while often seen as divisive, has had the unexpected effect of rallying people across the political spectrum. It has prompted previously disengaged individuals to participate actively in politics, leading to increased voter turnout, grassroots movements, and advocacy for a range of social and economic reforms. The author suggests that this polarization has ultimately spurred a more politically aware and engaged society.
Revival of Socialism and Alternative Ideologies
One of the significant shifts during Trump’s presidency has been the resurgence of socialism as a viable political ideology in the United States. Figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have popularized Democratic Socialism, challenging the longstanding stigma around socialist ideas in American politics. This renewed interest reflects a broader rethinking of economic and social policies, as more Americans question the existing capitalist framework and explore alternatives that promise greater equality and justice.
Increased Representation of Marginalized Communities
The reaction to Trump’s presidency has also led to a notable increase in political representation among marginalized groups, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This shift is partly a response to Trump’s policies and rhetoric, which have motivated these communities to advocate for change. As a result, Congress and local governments now reflect a broader range of perspectives and experiences, contributing to a more inclusive and representative political landscape.
The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception
The article draws parallels between Trump’s presidency and a reality show, suggesting that the media has played a significant role in amplifying the drama surrounding his term. This “reality show politics” approach has benefited news outlets, streaming platforms, and comedians, as public interest in political content has soared. The author suggests that this media-driven spectacle has kept the public engaged but questions whether this constant focus on Trump might also serve as a distraction from substantive issues.
Social Justice and Activism
Trump’s presidency has reignited activism around social justice issues, with movements focusing on labor rights, racial equality, and economic reform gaining momentum. The author connects this resurgence to historical movements, noting that social justice activism has become increasingly mainstream, with younger generations advocating for systemic change. This period mirrors the activism of the late 1960s, highlighting a renewed focus on civil rights and social equity.
Conclusion
Through a mix of satire and cultural commentary, the article argues that Donald J. Trump’s presidency, regardless of one’s political stance, has catalyzed significant changes in American society. It has spurred political mobilization, encouraged diverse representation, and reignited debates about the country’s values and future. While the lasting impact of these changes remains to be seen, the article suggests that Trump’s role as both a divisive figure and a catalyst for engagement will shape American politics and society for years to come.