77 million

I think a lot about Trump’s contribution to the desecration of our country and its humanity. Obviously, I’m angry at him and disagree with just about every policy, word and belief he has. But that’s not really fair. 

To really reckon with the truth, I also have to come to terms with his supporters.

Almost half of the people who voted chose him. 

They checked SELECT! next to his name. 

Maybe for the first time. 

And, my God, maybe for the third time.

49% of voters watched him say the Nazi’s marching in Charlottesville were “very fine people” and wanted him back. 

Knew he delighted in being able to “grab ‘em by the pussy” and chose him anyway. 

Heard he was found liable of sexual abuse and decided “That’s my President!”

Millions of people ensured that we are in a meaningless war for $1 billion a day and that he has increased his own worth by four times that. 

They gave Trump the power to destroy national parks but “drill baby drill” and put his name on performing art centers 

and institutes 

and freeways 

and airports 

and battleships 

and gold card visas 

and coins 

and passports 

and dollar bills 

and national park passes 

and savings accounts 

and prescription drug plans.

The “this is what we voted for” crowd made it possible for innocent immigrants to be sent to jails to get sick, starve or die. They made it possible for thousands of school children in Springfield, Ohio to lose their Haitian friends when those children get sent back to a country that will make them sick, starve or die. 

Some fraction of those voters think the J6ers were righteous and that Alex Pretti’s murderer should remain anonymous. Others hang signs taunting “Trump is Your Daddy” and laugh when he makes fun of … well, anyone. 

Who among them smiled at the “ASMR” video of deportees in chains?

Excused the image of Trump as Jesus?

Ignored the blasphemy of using bible verses to recruit war fighters?

Chuckled at the mocking of people who are disabled, transgender or learning the language?

The hardest reality to face is that he wasn’t an accident. 

No. The Trump era was dreamed of, summoned, and installed by the consciences of 77 million people.