Complicity Part I: Principles

This is a two-part Sketchier strip. Part 2 posts tomorrow. Why two? See tomorrow’s essay.

Whether it’s dementia kicking in, the authoritarian tactic of uniting a country against the other, or he’s decided to release his kraken, Trump is on a racist rampage. Which pairs nicely with his consistent misogyny—like matching the right wine with the main course. His hateful screeds are on full display and shining brightly enough for even his most ardent supporters to see through their tightly shut eyes.

During the campaign, Trump and his sidekick Vance lied about Haitians in Ohio stealing and eating neighbors’ pets. When confronted by Dana Bash on CNN about this, Vance said, “If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do.” In other words, lying is noble when it furthers their agenda.

Now the Dynamic Duo in the White House have set their noble sights on Somalis in Minnesota. The Somali community there is established, respected, and responsible. But who cares? The Administration has an agenda.

So who’s next? Afghans? Vietnamese? Shriners?

Some Republicans in Congress defend Trump’s bigotry. They agree with him, claim he’s only joking, or deflect like Vance did. These Republicans are, presumably, auditioning for a cabinet position. The vast majority of Republicans in Congress, however, simply stay quiet. Which is worse. It’s approval of racism through inaction and acquiescence. It’s the fertilizer that enables authoritarianism to grow.

Why? Principles suggests the answer is fear and a desperate desire to hold onto their status as exalted elected enablers. Why let principles stand in the way of the prestige and pension that awaits the Trump loyalists in Congress?

Principles also suggests that even these spineless cowards have their limits. Unfortunately, it’s so low that by the time it’s crossed, the end of Democracy will not be nigh, but already accomplished.

Sketchier