Politics Ain't For Me

I've written hundreds of articles over the years on a wide variety of subjects. There are very few topics that I won't touch. One of them is religion. Another is politics.

I'll be honest: I don't like Donald Trump. I made this decision long before he ever ran for office. I just don't like how he treats people at times. It's disrespectful. However, I have no problem with people who voted for him. He has done some good things like improve relations with North Korea, sign legislation that helps musicians make a better living and restoring funding for the Special Olympics. However, he has also done and said things that just defy common sense and logic.

I try to stay out of political discussions whenever possible, but I do get sucked in from time to time. Earlier this week, I made the mistake of presenting a rational argument against a couple of die-hard Trump followers. I stated that most illegal immigration in the U.S. is due to people coming here legally through travel visas and then overstaying their visa periods. I supported my argument with five articles on the subject from national news organizations. The Trump fans called me "stupid" and an "idiot," and dismissed my articles as "fake news" (keep in mind, they were from NBC News, NPR and other sources). I stated my case in a calm, rational manner and didn't stoop to their level of ignorance, insults and name-calling. Those are bullying tactics that only make bullies look bad.

No politician is perfect, but I can't remember ever seeing such division over one president before. I hate seeing political arguments in my social media news feed every day. I also see repeated stories from people in other countries who feel bad for us as a nation in having Trump as our leader. I also don't understand how people can be so blindly loyal to Trump. I mean, this is the person who stated that windmill noise causes cancer! It really doesn't seem like he thinks before he speaks a lot of times.

After this week's effort, I decided that politics just ain't for me. People are going to believe what they want to believe, no matter what someone else may say or do. I just wish that politicians would work together to address problems like homelessness, affordable health care, quality education, protecting our environment and living wages for everyone. There's too much disparity. Politics is the only industry I can think of in which it's socially acceptable to bash your opponent, and they spend millions of dollars a year doing this every campaign season. Oh well, I'm out. Besides, I'd rather rock, anyway!

Until next time, have a great week, everyone!