In case you’ve been
living under a rock with earmuffs on and your eyes covered for the past week,
you might not be aware of two very big things going on in America right now.
First, that Donald Trump has been elected the President of the United States. And
second, people are freaking the fuck out.
The protests
across America have been countered and calmed with figures on the left, such as
Bernie Sanders, saying that we must come together during these next four years, organize, and fight
against and extremist policies that might come from the Trump Presidency. And
the first fight might be beginning before he’s even been sworn into office.
Steven Bannon wasn’t a
name that many American’s knew a few days ago, nor was anything concerning him
an issue on the forefront of the American news cycle. But when the Trump camp
offered Bannon a chief strategist job
within the white house, objects were raised far and wide. And unsurprisingly
once you see the charges
of white nationalism and sexism and anti-Semitism that have been laid against
him. Politicians have expressed their opposition
too, though there is currently no response from the Trump campaign.
The problems with Steven
Bannon are obviously troubling and it is important that people with reputations
such as himself be kept away from the White House. However, there is a more
important battle going on here.
Despite Trump’s claim
that he will be a President “for all Americans”,
many have been waiting to see if he will live up to that statement. This first
battle is an early sign as to what to expect for these next four years. While a
single job within the White House might not seem like a big deal, there is a
larger, symbolic battle going on. If Trump is willing to listen to the large
and growing concerns surrounding this appointment, then that shows that there
is room for comprise. Allowing Steven Bannon to work at the White House send
the opposite message, that Trump will do what is best for himself no matter who
says they are offended. Because as we all know, actions speak louder than
words.
Looking at Trump's staff choices and his candidates for the seat on the Supreme Court do paint a very particular picture. By far, Bannon seems to be the choice most are up in arms over. Several friends in GOP states have contacted their representatives over the matter and received no response. Perhaps the staff are simply overwhelmed with calls - one can only hope. While it's probably a good move on the Trump camp's part not to argue continuously with opposition, one has to wonder what sort of precedent it will set about the way the president-elect plans to engage with opposition if he has no dialogue with detractors over Bannon's appointment.
ReplyDeleteThis is all playing out like some scary movie - scary racist man runs for president, scary man reaches White House, scary man hires racist, xenophobic staff. I'm praying for this country, because it's time for this horror film to end.
ReplyDeleteBannon does not care about your labeling him as a white nationalist, sexist, or judenhass. It's right there as #12 in the Alt Right Manifesto: "The Alt Right doesn't care what you think of it."
ReplyDelete"Despite Trump’s claim that he will be a President “for all Americans”, many have been waiting to see if he will live up to that statement."
If President-elect Trump surrounded himself only with people you approve of, he certainly wouldn't be. That would be a repudiation of all the people who disagree with you.
"If Trump is willing to listen to the large and growing concerns surrounding this appointment, then that shows that there is room for comprise [sic]."
No, it would show his base that he was just like any other politician breaking campaign promises.
"Allowing Steven Bannon to work at the White House send the opposite message, that Trump will do what is best for himself no matter who says they are offended. "
No, it shows that President-elect Trump is serious about #draintheswamp.