I've experienced what's been called "Trump Derangement Syndrome" (by his supporters), right here at home. My room mate is an intelligent, attractive lady with a talent for making people feel at ease. She is often kind, considerate, and thoughtful of others-all in all, what we sometimes call "good people". The problem is, she passionately hates Donald Trump. She has said so many times in our conversations around the house, and often I overhear her on the phone venting this hatred on her friends, who seem to agree with her. Because her tirades against Trump, his wife, and his supporters are so vitriolic, sardonic, and passionately sincere, I wondered, why? I have no problem with people who dislike or even hate Trump's policies, but what is this personal thing that we are seeing all over the world, this irrational hatred for someone who is not a murderer, child molester, thug, or a pervert? Yes, you can disagree with Trump's policies. More power to you! You can work to effect the change you want to see in policy, you can help elect politicians who represent your values, but why, oh why? do you so thoroughly hate the man? Especially when his record, his Cabinet, and his stated platform, is pro-America (for all Americans), pro-prosperity, pro-human progress-where people are truly free to pursue their dreams and goals?
I do not know the answer to these questions. I'd like to engage in a civil conversation with my room mate, but she's very much like the women on the show "The View"-if you in any way disagree with them, you are instantly dismissed as an evil disgusting person. The sincere Trump haters refuse to listen. They are simply incorrigible, believing the lies and propaganda put forth in shows like "The View", and several legacy news outlets. Here's the thing: when you believe you know all there is to know about a subject, and refuse to hear anything new or factual, you are engaging in an evil refusal to think. When children do this, we excuse them. Every parent is familiar with their child's tactic of refusing to hear their parent say "no"-they actually cover their ears and make loud ululating noises to drown out what they don't want to hear. When adults do this, it's a vile, heinous thing that does nothing to improve their lives. In fact, it leads to assassination attempts, smear campaigns, vindictive spite, and in general, a miserable time for all. Against a demonstrably great man, Donald Trump.
