Interesting feature article at the Washington Post this morning which offers a glimpse into a particular Trumpster's mindset, a man who cannot see, cannot hear the damage that is being done by this Administration. A good ole boy who excuses himself because he's convinced he's a 'good man.' In some respects, that appears to be true in his relationships within his own personal sphere. But even there, his insight is limited, his ability to reflect in any deep manner has been short-circuited when it comes to racism, sexism and/or base cruelty. Because it hasn't affected him . . . personally.
It's only when he starts to receive critical, unflattering emails that the Man Who Stood Behind Trump begins to blink, just a smidge.
He doesn't recall racial strife in the South though he was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, born 50 miles from where Emmett Till was murdered. He doesn't remember segregated bathrooms or water fountains during the 60's, just doesn't recall. He simply has no living memory of racial violence in the South. For a man of privilege (think trust fund baby) he sees only the world that he's lived in, been part of--a good life, an easy life, a world where The Man Who Stood Behind Trump is respected, well-liked, even loved.
So when the emails start over his Trump rally appearance where POTUS mocks Christine Blasey Ford and he and his friend laugh and clap and cheer, he's mystified that strangers would call him on his behavior. Because he's not a sexist, he would tell them. He's loved his Mama and his sick wife, both strong women. Surely his love of the black woman who tended him as child proves that he has no animosity towards women or black people. He loved Edna Beatty in the way only a child can love so surely that proves he's a 'good man' though he doesn't recall ever asking about
her personal life, the one she lived beyond him.
He doesn't remember. He cannot see or hear.
The Man Who Stood Behind Trump is only beginning to think about these things. He's still living in the dimly lit room he's constructed for himself, still defending his positions. But without the carefree innocence of the past which is something he hankers for--the way things used to be where your patriotism, your place in the world was never questioned.
The Good Ole Days.
Mind boggling.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/national/wp/2019/01/19/feature/the-man-who-stood-behind-trump/?utm_term=.a96fd8d935e2
