The Gospel of Power: Trump, Crime, and the Illiberal Republican Vision via Christian Nationalism

Christian Nationalism in a liberal democratic constitutional republic, is a blight, as is American Evangelicalism when fused with things outside (and inside) the realm of religion (see also, mega-churches, and RICO) that is leading to a Kakistocracy.

From Democracy to Theocracy, from Oligarchy to Kleptocracy: 

Trump’s Exploitation of the nightmare of Christian Nationalism (see also, pre-WWII German and the rise of Hitler's Nazism), and the advent of Kakistocracy.

• Democracy: literally, rule by the people. Democracy is vital for a civilized society. When a country or community is democratic, it lets everyone have a say in who runs the country, makes the laws, and governs the people. If only some people are allowed to make these decisions, it is not fair to everyone else who has to live by them.
• Theocracy: Theocracy is a form of government where it is believed that a god, deity, or group of deities, or a deity is in charge. The supreme being is usually thought to rule through human figures, like politicians and clergy, who are believed to be in direct contact with and/or of direct descent from the supreme being.
• Oligarchy: A system of government in which a few individuals are responsible for ruling over or making governing decisions for a country. The word has Greek roots and is derived from oligoi, which means ''a few,'' and arkhein, which means ''to rule.'
• Kleptocracy: Most explanations of kleptocracy – derived from the Greek for ‘thief’ and ‘rule’ – stress the aspect of ‘grand corruption’ whereby high-level political power is abused to enable a network of ruling elites to steal public funds for their own private gain using public institutions. Kleptocracy is therefore a system based on virtually unlimited grand corruption coupled with, in the words of American academic Andrew Wedeman, ‘near-total impunity for those authorized to loot by the thief-in-chief’ – namely the head of state.
• Kakistocracy (see also, Donald Trump, POTUS45, & POTUS47): A government run by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous citizens: Kakistocracy is one of those words so seldom heard that it might be taken to represent some­thing that never existed. It means “a government by the worst men.” Lowell gave the term an intolerant but more colorful definition, “a government… for the benefit of knaves at the cost of fools.” To wit: "Trump’s kakistocracy invites possible catastrophe."

First, here are a couple of references, the first from a recent blog of mine:

• Changes in American Conservatism Over the Past 50 Years
• A History of Christian Nationalism
• Meet The Christians Pushing Back On Christian Nationalism

Now, to detail how Donald Trump has abused Christian Nationalism to bring their illiberal fantasies to fruition, in giving them the power to empower him, to breach our separation of church and state, to bring about their anti-American, nonsensical and dangerous, Christian delusions.

Donald Trump has leveraged Christian nationalism to consolidate support among religious conservatives and bolster his political power. By aligning his rhetoric and policies with the movement's goals, Trump has become a figurehead for an illiberal vision of governance that intertwines religion with state authority, undermining the separation of church and state.

Christian nationalism promotes the idea that the U.S. is divinely chosen as a Christian nation and that its laws and governance should reflect conservative Christian values.

This...is utter bullshit.

Trump exploited this narrative by casting himself as a defender of "traditional" Christian values against perceived secular and liberal threats. For instance, he frequently invoked religious themes, such as protecting "religious freedom," while implementing policies that aligned with Christian nationalist priorities, like restricting abortion rights and favoring policies seen as discriminatory against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Trump's courtship of Christian nationalists often involved overt displays of religiosity, despite his personal history being at odds with evangelical values. His appointment of conservative judges, particularly to the Supreme Court, fulfilled a long-standing goal of Christian nationalists to shift American jurisprudence in a direction more sympathetic to their worldview, particularly on issues like abortion and religious exemptions in public policy.

This strategy has roots in the Republican Party's historical alignment with religious conservatism, dating back to the "Southern Strategy" of the Nixon era. The approach used race, religion, and cultural issues to polarize voters and diminish the salience of class and economic concerns. Trump took this further, employing more explicit appeals to xenophobia and racism while maintaining the focus on culture wars. His framing of liberals, secularists, and immigrants as existential threats to the nation echoed the Christian nationalist narrative of defending America from both internal and external enemies.

These tactics have mobilized a substantial base of religious conservatives while drawing criticism from other Christian groups and secular organizations that view the movement as a distortion of democratic and religious principles. Many have argued that Christian nationalism's focus on power and dominance conflicts with the pluralistic ideals upon which the United States was founded, and they see Trump's exploitation of this ideology as a direct challenge to the constitutional principle of separating church and state​.

What is the fix to this crap perpetrated by an ever-increasing illiberal Republican Party and a criminal element as exemplified by Donald Trump, his crime family, and the criminals Donald Trump has empowered in his cabinet, and his administration?

Addressing the rise of Christian nationalism and its impact on American governance requires a multi-pronged approach that reaffirms democratic principles, protects the separation of church and state, and fosters a more inclusive society. Here are key steps to mitigate this trend:

1. Civic Education and Advocacy

• Promote Constitutional Literacy: Increase public understanding of the First Amendment and the principle of church-state separation. Educational programs and public campaigns can help counter misinformation.
• Empower Advocacy Groups: Support organizations like Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which work to uphold secular governance and challenge policies that undermine religious neutrality.

2. Strengthening Legal Protections

• Enforce Church-State Separation: Courts should continue to uphold rulings that prevent religious influence from dictating public policy, such as school prayer mandates or preferential treatment for specific religions.
• Challenge Misuse of Religious Freedom: Monitor and contest laws that misuse the concept of religious liberty to justify discrimination or erode rights.

3. Building Broad-Based Coalitions

• Interfaith and Secular Collaboration: Encourage alliances between religious and secular groups that oppose Christian nationalism, emphasizing shared values like justice, equality, and respect for diversity.
• Community Engagement: Foster dialogue within communities to address the concerns of religious conservatives while advocating for policies that are inclusive of all faiths and beliefs.

4. Political and Electoral Strategies

• Counter Culture War Narratives: Politicians and public figures must articulate alternative visions that focus on unity, economic fairness, and individual freedoms rather than divisive cultural issues.
• Encourage Voter Turnout: Mobilize voters, especially among younger and more diverse demographics, to elect candidates committed to upholding secular democracy.

5. Promote Religious Diversity

• Highlight Pluralism in America: Showcase the rich diversity of religious and non-religious traditions in the U.S. to combat the notion that the country belongs to one faith tradition.
• Support Public Religious Dialogue: Encourage discussions that emphasize the role of religion as a personal, not political, force in society.

6. Media and Counter-Narratives

• Fact-Check and Debunk Propaganda: Actively counter misinformation and conspiracy theories propagated by Christian nationalist movements.
• Support Independent Media: Fund and follow outlets that provide balanced reporting and expose the dangers of merging religion with state power.

7. Grassroots Action

• Empower Local Communities: Encourage grassroots efforts to resist the imposition of Christian nationalist policies, such as organizing against book bans or curriculum changes that promote religious indoctrination.
• Engage Youth: Invest in youth programs that teach critical thinking, civic responsibility, and respect for diversity.

Long-Term Cultural Change

Ultimately, reducing the influence of Christian nationalism requires cultural change that embraces pluralism, reinforces democracy, and rejects authoritarianism. This involves creating spaces where diverse beliefs can coexist peacefully and ensuring that political power is not monopolized by any one ideology or group​.

How do we address the challenges posed by an increasingly illiberal Republican Party and the influence of Donald Trump, his associates, and policies that have empowered a criminal and authoritarian political culture, a multifaceted approach is essential?

Here's what can be done:

1. Restore Accountability in Government

• Strengthen Oversight Mechanisms: Bolster independent bodies like inspectors general, ethics committees, and watchdog organizations to monitor and investigate abuses of power.
• Legal Reforms: Close legal loopholes exploited for personal or political gain, such as strengthening laws around emoluments, conflicts of interest, and obstruction of justice.
• Prosecutions and Transparency: Ensure that alleged crimes and misconduct are investigated and prosecuted, no matter how high-ranking the official, to restore faith in the rule of law.

2. Reaffirm Democratic Norms

• Election Integrity: Counter voter suppression efforts, enhance election security, and make voting more accessible to combat undemocratic tactics.
• Strengthen Civic Institutions: Support nonpartisan initiatives that promote democratic norms, media literacy, and informed participation in governance.

3. Combat Authoritarian Narratives

• Fact-Checking and Media Accountability: Actively counter misinformation and lies, especially those propagated by high-ranking officials and partisan media outlets.
• Public Education Campaigns: Promote an understanding of democratic principles, emphasizing the dangers of authoritarianism and corruption.

4. Rebuild Ethical Leadership

• Cultivate Moral Leadership: Elect leaders who prioritize public service and ethical governance over personal enrichment or party loyalty.
• Promote Whistleblowing Protections: Safeguard those who expose wrongdoing within administrations.

5. Engage Grassroots Movements

• Mobilize Local Action: Empower communities to resist undemocratic policies and advocate for reforms through local government, protests, and voter education.
• Support Nonprofit Advocacy: Strengthen organizations that fight for justice, transparency, and democratic governance.

6. Strengthen Judicial Independence

• Depoliticize Judicial Appointments: Advocate for reforms that reduce partisanship in selecting judges to maintain impartiality in the judiciary.
• Review Supreme Court Policies: Consider measures like term limits or ethical standards for justices to ensure accountability.

7. Reduce Corruption's Influence

• Campaign Finance Reform: Limit the role of money in politics to reduce the power of wealthy donors and lobbyists over public policy.
• Transparency in Governance: Require robust financial disclosures from public officials and enforce anti-corruption laws.

8. Foster a Unified Resistance

• Cross-Partisan Coalitions: Work with conservatives, moderates, and progressives who share concerns about authoritarianism to build a broader defense of democracy.
• Promote Unity Around Democratic Values: Focus on shared goals like fairness, accountability, and the rule of law to bridge divides and counter authoritarianism.

By taking these steps, it is possible to restore democratic principles, resist authoritarian tendencies, and ensure that the government serves the people rather than entrenched power structures or criminal elements.

I wish us all the best...

Image by & Compiled with the aid of ChatGPT

The Once "Grand Old Party", the Once "Republican Party" of Lincoln, is No More

Because so many "Republicans" or "conservatives" no longer know who they are or what they stand for, while still believing and reveling in past glory when they are no longer what they once were and had become known and praised for.

Now Democrats have their own concerns and issues, but nothing as vast or problematic as the MaGA GOP today with its confused messaging, autocratic orientations, lies and disinformation platform.  

They are now mostly ideology over citizens, party over country, leader over party, autocracy over democracy.

Most Trump supporters feel free to ignore this, as it's info they probably aren't interested in having to know, or deal with.

There are still "Republicans" but the party at large refers to them as "RINOs", Republicans in name only, while those calling others that are, for the most part, actual RINOs.

The once-Republican Party of Lincoln, originally founded in the mid-1800s, was shaped by principles of abolitionism, civil rights, and federal power to unify the country.

Over time, especially in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the party shifted from its roots as an advocate for civil rights and anti-slavery, embracing more conservative economic policies focused on business and limited government.

By the 20th century, Republicans moved away from the progressive policies associated with Lincoln's era, with further shifts in the 1960s as the party increasingly courted Southern conservative voters.

This transformation saw the GOP evolve into a party defined more by conservative values, limited federal intervention, and an emphasis on states’ rights, markedly different from Lincoln’s original vision.

The Democratic Party, historically rooted in states' rights and agrarian interests, gradually took up the mantle of civil rights and social reform that once defined Lincoln's Republican Party. This shift began in the early 20th century, as Democrats adopted more progressive policies under leaders like Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who expanded federal government intervention to address economic inequality, labor rights, and social welfare during the New Deal era.

The transformation accelerated in the 1960s when Democratic leaders like John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson championed civil rights legislation. Johnson’s support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 solidified the party's role as an advocate for racial equality and social justice, a position that further distanced them from the segregationist elements of their past.

This shift also led to a realignment of voter bases: as the Democratic Party became associated with civil rights and progressive social issues, many conservative Southern voters shifted to the Republican Party. The modern Democratic Party thus came to champion many of the inclusive, equality-focused ideals that had characterized Lincoln’s Republicans, while the GOP shifted toward a platform emphasizing traditional values, limited government, and conservative policies.

Today’s Republican conservative values differ significantly from original conservative principles. Classic conservatism, as articulated by thinkers like Edmund Burke, emphasized caution in societal change, a respect for tradition, and a commitment to stability, with an emphasis on personal responsibility, rule of law, and small government. Traditional conservatives believed in upholding institutions and norms, often avoiding radical shifts in policy that could disrupt social order.

In contrast, modern American conservatism has evolved, particularly within the Republican Party. Today, it often emphasizes a populist approach that challenges established institutions and norms, including the judiciary and the media. Recent conservative movements within the GOP have supported significant government intervention on issues like immigration, reproductive rights, and voting laws, focusing less on institutional stability and more on advancing specific social agendas. The GOP has also embraced fiscal policies that diverge from early conservative economic prudence, such as deficit spending and tax cuts for corporations, which early conservatives might have viewed skeptically.

This shift represents a move away from traditional conservatism’s focus on incremental change and institutional respect toward a more populist, activist form of conservatism that prioritizes ideological goals over the original conservative caution.

A more precise term for today’s Republican Party might be "populist right" or "nationalist right." These terms capture the party’s shift from traditional conservatism to a platform that emphasizes strong national identity, populist appeals, and a willingness to disrupt established norms to achieve specific political and cultural goals.

Populist Right: This term reflects the focus on appealing directly to "the people" or "the common man" and often emphasizes anti-elite, anti-establishment rhetoric. This populist approach involves a strong appeal to certain groups' grievances and perceived loss of status, frequently targeting institutions like the media, academia, and government as "elites" who are out of touch with everyday Americans.

Nationalist Right: This term reflects the increased emphasis on national sovereignty, a strong stance on immigration, and a focus on traditional American identity and values. Nationalist right politics prioritize policies that favor domestic interests, sometimes at the expense of international alliances or global institutions.

Right-Wing Populism: Combining elements of populism with conservative ideas, this term encapsulates a political style that challenges established structures while using conservative rhetoric on social issues.

Each of these terms captures aspects of the modern GOP’s orientation that differ from traditional conservatism, particularly its embrace of more radical change and direct appeals to popular, often nationalist sentiment.

These people who support Donald Trump and his MaGA are focused on concepts, and ideals over people. That is merely a tool in life, but when used blindly, it leads to what we see today from the Right wing. To wit...

People who view the world primarily through ideological frameworks rather than through the lens of individual experiences and actual impacts on people are often referred to as ideologues. Ideologues hold rigid beliefs, interpreting events and issues through the lens of their preferred ideology without necessarily considering the practical or human consequences.

This kind of outlook, sometimes called ideological absolutism or dogmatism, can lead to a detachment from real-world consequences and empathy, as they prioritize the purity or consistency of their ideas over the nuanced, complex needs of people. Political theorists also refer to this as political moralism, where abstract principles are valued over pragmatic, compassionate approaches to governance and interpersonal issues.

In extreme cases, such a perspective can foster authoritarian tendencies, where the enforcement of ideology takes precedence over individual freedoms and wellbeing. This mindset can be seen in people who prioritize ideological "wins" even when they come at a personal or societal cost, causing harm in both governmental policies and personal relationships.

I wish us ALL the best, for those of us with the best intentions at heart, where the "best intentions" actually are, our best for us all.

Cheers! Sláinte!

"20 lessons from the 20th century" by Timothy Snyder

Compiled with the aid of ChatGPT

Presidential Election 2024 and the Nightmare It Could Be

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, is the final election day...hopefully not forever.

The Convict vs The Prosecutor

Where do Harris and Trump stand on the key election issues? - Guardian

Kamala’s Wins @harris_wins - "BREAKING: Nikki Haley is bashing the Trump campaign for running one of the weakest candidates and races she’s seen. It’s clear the dam is breaking within the Republican Party and the base is fracturing. Retweet so all Americans see this."

Sunday, November 3, 2024...

Trump, more comments about bullets passing through the media at his rally.

Trump Says He Wouldn’t Mind Someone Shooting Through ‘Fake News’ At Rally

This is not presidential in any way, shape or form. Forbes

Now. Let's start with THIS:

National Security Leaders for America @NSLforAmerica
Nov 2
UPDATED ENDORSEMENT: 1,043 National Security Leaders—including 10 Cabinet & 11 Service Secretaries, 253 retired Admirals & Generals, 49 Senior Enlisted, and 164 Ambassadors—proudly endorse Kamala Harris for President.

Trump "America"

About women's issues this election...

At a recent campaign event in New Hampshire, Donald Trump asserted his intention by saying:
“I’m going to protect the women of our country… whether the women like it or not.”
Which has raised concerns if not alarms for some about his approach to women's autonomy and reproductive rights. Critics have interpreted this statement as indicative of narcissistic and misogynistic tendencies, suggesting that he prioritizes his views over women's expressed desires.
This behavior aligns with a broader pattern observed among some political figures who claim to act in women's interests while disregarding their preferences. Which women have now died from.
Trump's history of controversial remarks and allegations of sexual misconduct contributes to the perception of him as embodying misogyny. His assertion that he will act in women's best interests, regardless of their input, resonates with narcissistic behavior, where one's own beliefs overshadow the rights of others.
Such dynamics prompt worries about the normalization of these attitudes and their implications for societal views on women's rights and sexual violence​.
Trump's comments can provide a sense of validation for individuals with narcissistic and abusive tendencies, as they reinforce a sense of power and control over women. Such remarks can resonate with those who hold misogynistic views, allowing them to feel justified in their beliefs and actions.
This dynamic is concerning, particularly in light of his adjudicated status as a sexual abuser, and his being a convicted felon indicating a criminal behavior orientation which is arguably a lifetime orientation, all of which raises questions about the authenticity of his intentions to protect women.
The juxtaposition of his rhetoric with his past actions highlights the complexities of his influence and the dangers it poses.
But sure, vote for Trump as POTUS. We don't have enough chaotic, ignorant and unfocused leaders, yet.

Does China want Trump to win?

China prefers stability and predictability in international relations, which does not align with Trump's often erratic and confrontational style. During his presidency, Trump's unpredictable trade wars and sudden policy shifts strained U.S.-China relations and made it difficult for Chinese officials to navigate these changes—often not in positive ways.

Moreover, Trump’s alignment with Putin could create challenges for China, as Russia serves as a counterbalance to Western influence in various areas. Strengthening ties between the U.S. and Russia could increase geopolitical pressure on China, especially in regions where their interests overlap or where they cooperate against Western powers. Given these factors, it's reasonable to conclude that Trump's return to the presidency may not align with China's strategic interests.

The question of whether the U.S. should align more closely with China's interests is complex. While promoting stability and predictability could reduce tensions and potential conflict, it's crucial for the U.S. to prioritize its own national interests, values, and relationships with allies. Engaging with China on economic and environmental issues can be beneficial, but such engagement must be cautious—especially under a leadership style like Trump's—to protect U.S. industries and human rights.

Ultimately, a pragmatic approach that encourages stability while maintaining a firm stance on core values is essential for U.S. foreign policy.

On the topic of Putin, Ukraine, and NATO, Boris Johnson recently stated that Ukraine must join NATO, emphasizing that Putin cannot be allowed to expand into Europe, which he sees as his intention. He argues that the only viable path is to bring Ukraine into NATO to prevent a Russian victory. Johnson also expresses skepticism about Trump’s willingness to stand up to Putin, highlighting the need to closely observe the dynamics between Putin and Trump.

Zelenskyy warns North Korea, Russia alliance could spell trouble for Asia: China's 'silence is striking'

"Ukrainian Pres Zelenskyy is sounding the alarm that the recent deployment of NK troops in Russia not only spells trouble for Ukraine, but also draws into question the stability & security of nations in Asia that are allied with the West.
"North Korea’s actions aren’t random," Zelenskyy said in a frank interview with South Korea’s public broadcasting network KBS on Thursday. "They have strategic goals."
"Their actions aren’t coincidental - they want Russia’s support in return," he added in comments also posted to his social media account on X." via Fox News

Summary of Trump's Comments & the Reality of Mail-in Voting - Trump's Statements:
2016: Trump claimed that mail-in voting could lead to widespread fraud, particularly targeting minority communities, asserting that the electoral system was "rigged"​

2018: He maintained mail-in ballots were vulnerable to fraud & warned of the potential for extensive cheating​

2022: Trump's rhetoric escalated, alleging that election officials distributed "80 million unsolicited ballots," emphasizing the risk of rampant fraud​

2024: He continues to frame early & mail-in voting as significant threats to democracy, reflecting persistent distrust in these systems​

Reality of Mail-in Voting:

Low Rates of Fraud: Research indicates that voter fraud, particularly involving mail-in ballots, is exceedingly rare. Studies have shown that states using mail-in voting have low instances of fraud, often lower than traditional voting methods​

No Systematic Bias: Evidence suggests that mail-in ballots do not favor any political party, countering claims that they disproportionately benefit Democrats or facilitate cheating​

Benefits of Accessibility: The expansion of mail-in voting has been recognized as beneficial, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, as it enhances voter accessibility without significantly increasing fraud risk​

In conclusion, while Trump's comments have fueled fears regarding the security of mail-in voting, the statistical evidence & research consistently show that these voting methods are secure & effective. 

Donald Trump's stance on early & mail-in voting has evolved recently, though it remains complex & sometimes contradictory. Historically, he has been critical of these voting methods, often associating them with potential fraud & claiming they undermine the integrity of elections. This rhetoric has created a significant partisan divide, with many Republicans working to encourage their voters to use these methods to increase turnout​.

However, leading up to the 2024 elections, Trump has started to shift his position. He announced that he plans to vote early this cycle, indicating a more accepting attitude toward early voting than in previous years. He expressed that he is "OK with early voting," acknowledging its popularity among voters​.

Donald Trump's recent support for early and mail-in voting stems from several strategic factors. As the Republican Party faces challenges in recent elections, Trump has recognized that embracing these voting methods is essential for improving turnout among GOP voters. This shift aligns with party initiatives aimed at maximizing voter participation, as many Republicans now view early voting as crucial for electoral success​

Trump's change in stance also reflects an acknowledgment of voter preferences, with many supporters favoring the convenience of early voting. His adaptation seems to be a pragmatic response to the changing political landscape, moving away from earlier claims of fraud associated with these voting methods​.

FYI...

Recent reports indicate that Chinese hackers have targeted the U.S. telecommunications infrastructure, with implications for national security and political campaigns. The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have confirmed unauthorized access to commercial telecom systems, which may have included attempts to gather information related to the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris​

VOICE OF AMERICA

The hacking group involved, known as Salt Typhoon, has reportedly compromised systems of major U.S. telecom providers, including Verizon and AT&T. These breaches are concerning as they may allow hackers access to sensitive information, including wiretap capabilities that could undermine criminal investigations and national security operations​
​
While the Chinese government has denied these allegations, calling them disinformation, the attacks highlight ongoing cyber threats from state-sponsored actors in China​

U.S. intelligence has warned that such foreign actors are actively trying to interfere in the upcoming elections, using both cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns​
​
SECURITYWEEK

Russia

In the context of the upcoming U.S. elections, two significant Russian-related issues have emerged:

1. Disinformation Campaigns: Russian-backed influence operations are increasingly targeting the electoral process in the United States. These campaigns focus on spreading misleading narratives that can affect public perception and voter behavior. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Microsoft have warned that these disinformation efforts are part of a broader strategy to sow discord and amplify divisions among the American populace​

   The ongoing operations highlight the vulnerabilities in the information landscape, particularly as the election nears.

2. Cyber Threats: While the recent focus has been on Chinese cyberattacks, Russia also poses a substantial cyber threat. Security agencies are alert to potential hacking incidents that could target election infrastructure or related systems. The concern is that Russian cyber actors may not only engage in disinformation but could also attempt to infiltrate critical systems to disrupt the electoral process​

   WIRED

Overall, both issues underscore the challenges facing U.S. election security as foreign actors like Russia continue to employ various tactics to interfere in the democratic process. For more information, you can explore detailed analyses from sources like WIRED and Microsoft’s threat assessment​

Thank you for being an American citizen. Now VOTE as sanely as you can with what you have to work with. 

Cheers! Sláinte!

Compiled with help from ChatGPT