Lessons Learned
Despite the very deliberate efforts of Trump and the Republican party to divide Americans, what is going on right now in Texas is the ultimate proof that such tactics have failed – miserably.
The GOP should take note: American citizens will always unite – no matter how much division you sow, no matter how low you are willing to stoop in order to pit one citizen against the other, no matter how determined you are to separate us into US versus THEM.
The lessons we are learning from the devastation in Harvey’s wake are invaluable. We now know that when push comes to shove, our nation is comprised of caring people who have little regard for their neighbours’ race, religion, or immigration status.
But the lessons we are learning go far beyond that. We have also learned that while self-proclaimed “Christian” churches keep their doors closed to those who desperately need shelter, Houston’s mosques have been open to all. We have learned that “celebrity televangelists” like multi-millionaire Joel Osteen have proven themselves to be completely devoid of the so-called “Christian values” they have used as bait in order to line their own pockets.
We have learned that Republicans who voted against relief for the victims of super-storm Sandy have a completely different position when it is their state and their constituents who are affected, highlighting the fact that their concern for their fellow citizens is limited to those whose votes keep them in office.
We have learned of the GOP’s dismissal of regulations that, if enforced, would have mitigated the damage. We have learned that no one knows exactly what deadly chemicals are stored at the Arkema plant thanks to Governor Greg Abbott, who, while AG of Texas, classified once-public reports on hazardous chemicals. That’s the same Greg Abbott who is now feigning concern for the people he himself put in harm’s way.
As for Trump, those of us with functioning brains have not learned anything we didn’t already know. The devastation in Texas was immediately reduced to a photo-op, and inane comments about the size of the crowd that showed up for his arrival in a state that is literally drowning. As always, it was all about HIM – and we were not surprised. We know that he and Melania were sporting hats that are being sold via Trump’s Store – because nothing says empathy for your fellow citizens like using a national tragedy as an infomercial to flog your Made in China crap.
Yes, lessons learned – and we continue to be educated by people who have opened their hearts and their homes, while so-called Christians close their churches to those in need.
We continue to be educated by black/white/brown citizens who are risking their own safety to save black/white/brown strangers, while the GOP continues to defend their “pResident’s” in-your-face racism and bigotry in the aftermath of the events in Charlottesville.
And sadly, we continue to be educated about a “pResident” who, desperate for a “win” after his series of failures, is still pushing for congressional funding of his fuckin’ useless wall while people whose entire lives have been wiped-out are wondering if they’re even a blip on his radar.
Lessons learned – and there are more to come. I have a feeling these lessons will not be forgotten by the populace any time soon.
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