Thought experiments are a useful intellectual exercise. I employed it to visualize what a possible Trump presidency would be like.  At first, I was tempted by the notion of an America become a flaming pile of crap-- the same image of America that, according to the recent Republican Convention, is already the case!  But I thought I owed it to poor misguided Trump worshipers to take a subtler, more detailed look.

So I did.  And the conclusion is inescapable.  Trump would inevitably disappoint you.  The reason why?  You think too highly of him, pretty much messianically.  And you thus expect too much of him.

This is not surprising, as Trump makes big promises that cannot be fulfilled.  Utopia is not on the horizon, folks.  Tough talk and posturing may give you a thrill, but that doesn't do a thing to solve our problems.

Crime will still be with us.  Urban disorder as well.  Illegal immigration will continue (they'll just tunnel under his vaunted wall.)  Manufacturing jobs will not come back.  The decline of the Middle Class will continue-- even worse, as Trump would push policies that favor the ultra-rich.  Sorry, gays will not go back in the closet for you.  America will continue moving in a post-Christian direction.  Terrorism will not disappear, even though the Magic Words "Radical Islamic Terrorism" would have at least been officially uttered.  (What a surprise.)  And far from making the world respect us, he will make things worse by adding the world's justified contempt.

Of course, that will just give you a satisfying sense of, once again, being put-upon, and you'll gladly hate the world rather than blame Trump for being a clod.  Because in blaming him, properly, you would also be blaming yourself.  You supported the clod to begin with.

There is no positive outcome to a Trump presidency.  The only ones who will get what they want are those who are supporting Trump for the specific purpose of destroying everything.  You'll have to decide whether that's what you really want.  How satisfying is a flaming pile of crap, anyway?

Sincerely,

Stephen Van Eck

Rushville, PA