As I watched news videos of attendees at the Trump rally in Butler where the assassination attempt took place, it made me feel somewhat sentimental. Many of the people interviewed were from the area where I grew up. Their accents and straightforward plain-talk reminded me of home. When I heard why they attended the MAGA rally and how much they admired Trump, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of wistfulness.
A part of me wishes I believed in Trump the way they do. These people lined up at 8 AM in order to get a seat at the rally which started at 6pm! They wore MAGA hats, T shirts and US Flag outfits. There were military veterans, firefighters, cops, mothers and fathers, families, blue collar workers and (I suspect) a fair number of white collar workers too.
Some travelled many miles to get there. Some spoke of attending other other MAGA events in previous years. It sounded like they had a blast at them.
Unfortunately, I cannot stand Trump. He’s a liar, con man, thief and blowhard. He’s a spoiled rich kid who has had everything handed to him and who clearly only cares about himself.
I can’t ignore reality to jump on the bandwagon.
But part of me wishes I could. It looks fun.
It would be nice to be part a tribe of like-minded individuals – most of whom appear to be normal, average people.
It would be great to be inspired by a leader who provided a mission and purpose. I remember getting that from some managers I worked for in the past. I remember feeling that way when I was younger and inexperienced. It was pretty thrilling.
No wonder MAGA fans are so enthusiastic.
But I will never join them. Nor can I imagine feeling that way about any politician ever again. I’ve learned my lesson the hard way.
