Lies the Trump Party and His Supporters Believe

First: the biggest lie of all: “Ronald Reagan was a great president.” The facts prove that he was one of the worst. First, he began the wars on the working class and women’s Constitutional rights. Then, Reagan began offering substantial tax cuts to billionaires and millionaires, which resulted in a one-trillion-dollar debt when he left office.

George W. Bush and Donald Trump continued the tax cuts. As a result, the nation is more than $20 trillion in debt today. Reagan’s policy of “trickledown economics” has been a massive failure. Not only did he offer preferential treatment to what has become the Christian Religious Right, but he did so in violation of the First Amendment.

The second biggest lie is Trump’s baseless claim that there was “massive voter fraud” in the 2020 election. His attorneys lost more than 60 decisions, including the Supreme Court.

Other Right-Wing Beliefs & Policies Are Nothing but Smoke & Mirrors

“People who work full time should not live in poverty.” The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, equating to $290.00 a week before taxes. In America’s major cities, hourly pay of between $15 to $20 an hour is necessary to provide bare necessities for a family of four. The truth is that nearly one-half of all Americans live in the low-income or poverty levels of our nation’s demographics. However, Trump and other fake Republicans claim that raising the minimum wage would harm the economy. Huge lie.

“Free and fair elections are unnecessary.” The truth is, Trump and right-wing politicians are aware that fair elections with a large voter turnout prevent Republicans from winning. So, to secure a majority in Congress and state leadership, they have resorted to voter suppression tactics to allow their unfit candidates to win elections.

Trump and other RINOS believe that “whites are superior to all other races and should be in control of the government.” However, as baby boomers, a primarily white demographic, leave their earthly bonds, America becomes more diverse. The truth is, old white men are responsible for never-ending wars and creating a dysfunctional government. Therefore, contrary to GOP beliefs, term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court are necessary.

“Violence is an acceptable political tactic, but only when used by whites.” Unfortunately, many old white Republicans in Washington, especially Trump, continue to equate the failed January 6th insurrection to Black Lives Matter protests, an exercise of First Amendment rights. There is no legitimate comparison — more bullshit from white supremacists.

“Rich people should not pay taxes.” This is the basis for the ruination of the nation’s economy, which began in 1981. The United States is the wealthiest country in the world, but only 5% of all Americans can afford “The American Dream” in 2022. The gap in income inequality is destroying the basic precepts of capitalism and threatening an end to the nation’s economic power here and abroad. Capitalism fails without the ability of the majority to purchase goods produced by America’s largest companies.

“More guns mean less crime and fewer deaths.” Since 2016, the year Trump’s campaign started, there have been more mass shootings than days on the calendar. The United States has the most guns per capita in the free world and is the only developed nation with a serious gun problem. One of the once Grand Old Party’s owners is the NRA, an unconstitutional lobby for gun manufacturers and sellers. Claims made by Trump, the NRA, and the GOP about the Second Amendment are invalid. The safety of the American people supersedes everything.

“Women are men’s property, and must be subservient to the male population.” Facts prove otherwise. In 2022, women control the majority of the nation’s wealth. More women are enrolled in colleges and universities than men. More women are registered to vote and elected to hold office at local, state, and federal levels. Women dominate the population 51-49%. Moreover, 57% of the workforce is composed of women. Women have proven to be superior to men in most areas of employment.

“Climate change is a lie.” Once again, Trump and the right-wing are science-deniers who support the nation’s biggest polluters: major corporations. Yet, climate change is the greatest danger to the future of the United States and the entire world. The environmental crisis is an undeniable fact.

Giving citizens things like healthcare, education, family leave, etc. are all socialist concepts and will destroy the ‘American way of life.'” The United States is the only developed nation that does not provide free healthcare for 100% of its people.

By not ensuring that every man and woman in America has access to higher education, America is losing some of its greatest minds and undermining the nation’s economic future. Semantics mean nothing. Socialism already exists in many forms in the USA, for both the rich and poor. And “the American way of life” no longer exists for most of the nation’s people.

“Going into politics is the ticket to riches and fame” is accurate and proven by every incumbent in Washington. Although the basic salary for the 535 legislative branch members is $174,000 per year, they are also members of America’s millionaire club. Their basic wage covers most of their expenses. So why, after three terms in the House or two terms in the Senate, are all but two members of Congress millionaires? Can anyone say, “massive corruption?” Once again, term limits are vital.

“Local, state and federal laws do not apply to the rich and powerful.” Unfortunately, this is also an accurate statement in 21st century America. The entire justice system is prejudiced in favor of the wealthy and those in positions of power. Moreover, law enforcement is influenced by a pervasive level of racism. The courts have two standards: one for the poor and less fortunate and one for those who contribute to judicial elections.

Many other lies are considered facts by millions of uninformed Americans and Trump supporters who choose ignorance over fact. But, these are just the “lowlights.” What began in 1981, a second Civil War, is happening today.

Elections in 2022 and 2024 will decide the future of America. Will America continue to be a free, democratic society or surrender to the fascists who occupy the right side of the Capitol Building?

Op-ed by James Turnage

Sources:

Daily Kos: The Shocking Things the GOP and Trumpians Believe; by thomhartmann community
Time: The Big Lie Has Been Proven False. Republicans Can’t Shake It; by Philip Elliott

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Gage Skidmore’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of 401(K) 2012’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of John Kittelsrud’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Third Inset Image Courtesy of Victoria Pickering’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License