The 2020 US Election officially takes place tomorrow, November 3, 2020.
The world is anxious for a variety of reasons. I’ve spoken to a few of those reasons before, but never on the real issue.
As a whole, a nation exists because its citizens share a collective set of values. It doesn’t matter if that nation is the United States or Canada or China or Russia. A nation can only remain intact as long as the vast populace agrees on the nature of their government and has leaders who support that ideal.
Americans like to speak proudly of “freedom,” “democracy,” and “representative government.” The United States rose to vast global prominence as an active force against the authoritarian regimes that formed the Axis Powers in WWII. We may have gotten into the war to fight back against Japan, but Americans still assaulted beaches in Nazi-occupied France.
American culture is the benchmark of artistic efforts throughout the world. Books, movies, music, no matter the format, a comparison to American culture always happens. It is the largest influence the United States has upon the world as a whole. There’s economic power and imports and diplomacy, but our culture shapes us and how the world sees us.
With this in mind, I’ve been absolutely fascinated by The Lincoln Project. If you’re not aware, they are a group of top-level Republican organizers who are committed to “continuing the debate” that constantly sways between the Republican and Democratic parties. These are Republicans who see Donald Trump as a manifested attack on American values.
Not family values or fiscal values. American values.
The Lincoln Project is run by people who have stood in opposition to Democrats all their lives. Their leadership includes John McCain’s 2008 campaign manager, Steve Schmidt. One of their more recent recruits is Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee. These are the people who have built the modern Republican Party. They’ve taken on Barack Obama because of political disagreements.
Now, they’ve pledged to fight against Donald Trump.
They put their money into showcasing the effects of Trump’s policies. They advertise some of the sharpest ads you’ll ever find from a political group. They’ve pledged to support Democrat Joe Biden because Democrats are devoted to “continuing the debate.”
In their own words: “The Lincoln Project is holding accountable those who would violate their oaths to the Constitution and would put others before Americans.”
Even shorter, they believe one should be loyal to their country more than they should be loyal to a political party.
When so many media outlets sell their viewers on a cultural divide, this group of high-ranking Republicans has publicly endorsed the needs of the nation as a higher priority than obedience to a single party leader.
I don’t believe in party loyalty. It breeds uninformed voting. Why would a sick person vote for someone to strip their health care? Why would someone in the military vote for someone who treats soldiers like “losers” and “suckers?” I am not saying you shouldn’t vote your conscience.
You should vote for people who will serve you. Don’t vote for someone who expects your vote. Never vote for someone who demands you obey.
Donald Trump only serves himself. He expects everyone to vote for him. He demands everyone must obey him. I know this. The Lincoln Project knows this. You know this.
For those who plan to vote tomorrow, ask yourself what you plan to do about it. Is it more important to vote for American values or do you plan to surrender them for one man’s vanity?
Post Script:
This post was inspired by the 60 Minutes YouTube clip "Would the Lincoln Project have supported Bernie Sanders?" I found the responses amazing and inspiring. It's well worth two and a half minutes of your time.