34 Comments

Historically, humans do tend towards authoritarianism. That said, I’m so triggered by support for fascism, I may have driven home from the grocery store yesterday just screaming f&@! you at every Donald Dump sign I passed.

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I wouldn't hold it against you if you did. It's maddening how we don't seem to learn from history. Right out of authoritarian playbook. And now buying votes too, thanks Elon Musk, and burning ballot boxes... just wow

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I know, right? It's surreal.

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Summer:

To me, the biggest problem is that intellectuals and humanists like me try very hard to understand why white, straight males overwhelmingly support Trump. After the MAGA rally at MSG, things became much clearer. MAGA is not about "policy." It's about racism, misogyny, and homophobia. Having grown up working class by the steel plants in Buffalo, having worked in them and having been a drywall subcontractor for a while, and having then married a wealthy woman (my first wife) and having thus spent time in country clubs before going on to graduate school to become an English professor, I think I am a bit of an authority on straight white guys of every socio-economic class. I try to explain their motivations and my disgust in this week's Substack, arguing at the end, with a reference to Lysistrata, that our only hope is women.

https://johnsonp.substack.com/p/why-have-white-guys-lost-their-collective

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I enjoyed this post. I subscribe. We like each other. I voted for Trump. I don’t own a monster truck. I don’t own a Rottweiler. I do own guns. They are dusty and empty and live in boxes. I haven’t fired in years. We disagree on politics and who the monster is, but find common ground on life.

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I love that, yes <3

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I give you props, Robert, for voicing your support for Trump here in this specific thread following Summer’s post. I don’t demean people like Trump does when they voice opposition like that—so props to you. But would you indulge me in responding to two questions? 1) You seem like a guy, with heart, who can think rationally. What exactly then draws you to Trump—without using the non-factual and tired rhetoric from the man and the party? In other words, what “receipts” do you have that proves to you he is the better choice for all of America? And 2) If you “find common ground on life” with Summer, as you say, how does that jive with your political belief when Trump and the Maga movement do so much harm to so many innocent people? What common ground do you share with her?

Thank you for taking my questions seriously and with the open-hearted intent from which they are voiced. I mean you no disrespect. I wish you only wellness and safety in this country—something that, because of Trump, too many people cannot enjoy.

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This election is slow torture. It takes every tool I have in my self-care toolbox to keep going.

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So true, so real!

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Oct 29·edited Oct 29Liked by Summer Koester

...and I might add, fear of Other. When the Other starts getting powerful--Oh No! They feel like they're losing theirs. (which of course is ridiculous. There is enough for all.) Other and Change. Which is daily life.

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100% This ^

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Oct 29Liked by Summer Koester

Thank you Summer — needed that boost of sanity this morning. I too find myself yelling at the yard signs and am really tempted to drive over them but know that would be wrong as well as dangerous. Keeping up hope, canvassed in PA and will make phone calls to PA from AK to hopefully make a difference.

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You're amazing, Marian. Thank you! Yeah, don't drive over those signs, lol! Just in your mind.

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One more week to go until we know what path we will be on. My brain hurts every day, but your words help to soothe the hurt. Thank you, Summer.

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Thanks, Brien <3

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in a culture where our "go to" is to try and figure everything out, to find a solution and "fix it," of course many of baffled by the closeness of the polls (myself included.) but perhaps we are asking the wrong questions. perhaps questions/solutions are not what we need right now. listening to your daughter, trees, moon, non-human beings,...that is what i want to lean into. does that mean i won't support communities effected should DJT win...of course i will. folks will be deeply hurt by those policies of project 2025. i have family and friends that are "that" community...aren't we all?

anyway, thank you for voting. i have done so.

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Yep, full of truth and wisdom as always, Anne. Thank you <3

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Perfectly put. And jeez, what a photo!

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Haha! Thank you, Ros <3

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Oct 29Liked by Summer Koester

Thank you for writing this. I am in shock everyday when I walk through my neighborhood with so many trump signs …. How can Americans be so blind ? Sadly I’m preparing myself for the worst … I pray that I’m wrong ….I pray for our democracy …

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Is this in San Clemente? I heard OC was getting more liberal, but it was plenty conservative when I lived there.

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I'm trying real hard not to "shame and blame" those who are voting for him because quite a few are in my friend/aquaintance/family circle. Which s#cks but also forces me to see their humanity and in turn I'm trying to shine light on others humanity.

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YES. Me too <3

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Oct 29Liked by Summer Koester

SO good.

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Thank you, Susie! <3

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Oct 29Liked by Summer Koester

Love this. Thank you.

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Thank you Melina <3

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Oct 31Liked by Summer Koester

Truth. Thank you.

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Thank you for reading!

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What I have found fascinating is that commentary from both parties sounds exactly the same when you distill it down and get past the emotion and divisiveness. Each party blames the other for being "blind" and "not seeing truth". Truth is no longer objective in our modern world so this argument falls flat. No one wants a dictatorship, no one wants to be sick, everyone wants transparency and honesty from their politicians, everyone wants to be free as they are. Both parties are playing the same game and this game will always keep us trapped and pinned against each other. There are so many more important thing we can do for our families and communities, irregardless of who your neighbor votes for. Hope everyone takes care of themselves the next week... with love.

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Stephanie, may I disagree with you? Both parties are NOT alike when distilled down. Only one party is basing their entire platform on hatred and division; only one party allows, from the lead candidate down to an insignificant comedian, the active and unabashed promotion of racism and bigotry as badges of pride; only one party plans to hunt down, capture, and deport millions of immigrants; only one party doesn’t give a shit about a woman’s right to bodily autonomy. So, if you would, and this is my humble and respectful ask, share with me how “both parties sound exactly the same?”

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Life is a mystery. Love one another. VOTE VOTE VOTE

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Vote early and vote often!

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