By Jill Richardson
As Donald Trump plans his transition into the White House, some have called for “unity.” Let’s “come together,” they say. Let’s “give him a chance.”
I say no.
When a man abuses his wife, you don’t tell her to give him a chance. You don’t tell her to try to talk things out with him. Meet him halfway. Hear his side of it. Believe him when he says he loves her and he won’t hit her again.
Why? Because it won’t work.
The rules of normal social conduct don’t apply in such a case. Nor do they apply in this one. As I’ve said before, Trump exhibits textbook emotional abuse tactics.
If you give him a chance, he’ll walk all over you. If you go into any negotiation ready to meet him in the middle, he’ll demand it isn’t enough, that he must get his way entirely. And he’ll strong-arm you to get it.
We already have evidence that Trump does absolutely everything he can get away with.
He walked in on naked teenage beauty queens while they were changing, just because he could. Twelve women have accused him of sexual assault. He openly admits that he kisses and gropes them without consent.
He doesn’t pay contractors for their work. During the campaign, he even stiffed his own pollster. And his lawyers had to meet with him in pairs to prevent him from lying about their meetings.
This is a man who’ll do anything he can get away with. And he’s about as ready to change as a man who beats his wife would be.
So we can’t roll over and let him. We fight.
That’s what we must do now. We must make it absolutely as hard as possible for this man to wreck our democracy. And that’s not a partisan statement.
At this point, it’s not about whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican. It’s not about whether you prefer to repeal NAFTA or Obamacare, or about whether you think same-sex marriage should be legal.
It’s now about whether you think the democracy the United States has had for over 200 years should remain in existence. If the answer to that question is yes, then it’s time to fight. Because that’s what’s under threat.
The pain of this bitter election hurts. For the second time in recent years, the Electoral College is on track to install a president who received fewer votes from the American people than his opponent.
We’re all dealing with difficult emotions in different ways. I’m listening to audiobooks and knitting. Okay, and ugly crying. Others are protesting. And some are trying to handle their anger and fear by “thinking positive.”
It’s not the time for that. Not when thinking positive means denying reality.
It’s been only days since the election and Trump has already appointed Steve Bannon, a white supremacist and “alt-right” media kingpin, as a top adviser. If you wanted to give Trump a chance, there. He’s had one. He blew it.
The next four years are going to be hard. But now is the time to start mobilizing. The continuation of our very democracy depends on it.
Jill Richardson is the author of “Recipe for America: Why Our Food System Is Broken and What We Can Do to Fix It.” She is a columnist for OtherWords.org.
Anonymous says
The author of this editorial is 100% right. We have already seen that havoc that idiots in large numbers can do. Now it is time to see what sane people in large numbers can accomplish.
Ron Gross says
Jill, I always love reading the analogies and rhetoric about Donald Trump. I won’t defend anything that he does, I will let him be judged for himself. What I find interesting is that you criticized his acumen in making deals. I believe that this was one of the traits that made so many vote for him. To be a good leader sometimes means doing things people don’t like…So we are clear, I am not defending Trump, I am appraising the skills and traits that you find concerning.
Yet you do not find compulsive lying, to include lying to congress and the american people, obstruction of justice and a trail of corruption and mysterious deaths to be concerning at all. Maybe I am wrong, maybe you do and just chose not to make those statements in this article.
I would then have to ask you, what were the choices. A lying criminal whom we know has committed crimes, or someone that so many people dislike because he is not politically correct, and has made some bad decisions. Almost all of the things you stated were accusations, and some of his egotistical blustering, not his best moments, but he doesn’t have Saudi money in his pocket, he isn’t in bed with the political elite and the people want change.
Please give a fair assessment of both parties in this case..
brian says
trump is a better choice than hillary or obamaboy!!..you dont like it? canada is due north..adios
Steve Wardrip says
I wouldn’t be so narrow minded. Tell us your shortcomings. Tell us how you will triumph. Tell us of your weaknesses, strengths and how you are overcoming. Tell us something other than.. I refuse to graciously accept defeat of my party in a common election. That’s so narrow minded. It’s about out country, not about one person.
Charlie Blizard says
For 8 years I put up with the fallacy and falsehoods of Obama’s economic recovery, expanded government interference, etc.. , before that 8 years of Bush’s blow out spending and increased government incompetence, unending war, etc…. before that 8 years of Clinton, falsely claiming credit for the Reagan / Bush economy, more incompetency, It was like watching children try to be “in charge”.
Now you tell me you can’t “trust” Trump – you think Hillary would have fixed anything either? Hillary’s motives have always been the “sneeky” acquisition of power and money. I say sneeky because Hillary would have you believe she cares about any number of issues.
Elections have consequences – Obama has said that wagging his finger and signing executive orders. Deal with it. Sit in a corner and whine with all the other – He’s not my President – wack jobs. Good luck with that.
Charlie Blizard says
Isn’t it YOUR President that has said for years – Elections have consequences – deal with it.
Anonymous says
I would not expect a writer from OtherWords.org. to give anyone a chance who is not a Democrat.
Veteran says
Ms. Richardsons commentary sounds traitorous. She should pack her bags and leave with Whoppee and the gang.
Sw says
So now we fight and get nothing done for anothet 4 years while our Country continues to circle the drain. The time to fight was during campaign. Cant give tour article a chance. Sorry
JimB says
In the words of Nancy Pelosi, “He won, get over it”.
I love the way the butt hurt liberal, Jill Richardson, starts this article bashing Trump and then gradually turns it around into a rant against the electoral college voting system and then she ends it with a few more punches to Trump.
I have to wonder… if Hillary had won, would Jill approve of the electoral vote then? I’m guessing the voting system would have been fine and dandy in that case, and her knitting would be ignored and her eyes dry.
I’m not happy Donald Trump will be our next president BUT, I am delighted that Hillary Clinton won’t be.
I believe our voting system needs an upgrade but I would want it to be a system that could not be rigged. A system that could assure that each vote cast was made by a legal (and living) citizen of the United States. Until that happens, our current system is all we’ve got.
Whether you give Trump a chance or not really doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, it is what it is. Donald Trump won. Get over it.
footballen says
So what are you going to do?
Richard Smith says
Jill, maybe you should join the others that are leaving and go live in another country where the democracy wont be at such a “risk” as you say. After enduring a POTUS for the past 8 years that has done exactly what you claim Trump will do, QUOTE -“If you give him a chance, he’ll walk all over you. If you go into any negotiation ready to meet him in the middle, he’ll demand it isn’t enough, that he must get his way entirely. And he’ll strong-arm you to get it.” – END QUOTE.
When I read that statement you describe Obama to a “T”. And then there are the lies. Won’t even go into that part of his presidency.
If the pain of “this bitter election hurts” too much then LEAVE! Trust me they won’t try and stop you at the border. That will be one job job available to an American who really needs it to support their family.
You obviously need to refresh your memory about how a democracy is supposed to work with having THREE branches of government with established “Checks & Balances” so that one branch cannot control the entire government and country like Obama’s buddy Fidel Castro did for nearly 50 years. Obama attempted it with his pen and phone but the democratic system worked not allowing Obama (a wannabe dictator) to make law all by himself.
Do us a favor and the country a favor and leave!
The Ghost of America says
I’m looking forward to all of that buyer’s remorse from the retired “trump tells it like it is” crowd when tom price starts to dismantle medicare and medicaid, and social security gets destroyed. And just wait for $10/gallon gasoline since we aren’t going to deal with saudis for oil, and just wait for domestic produce prices to soar once all of the illegals are rounded up and sent home. A whoooole bunch of people voted against their own best interests this election cycle just because the rhetoric tickled their prostates in the right way.
Ramone says
Articles of this type are comical and not based on any type of reality. Whether Jill Richardson and countless others decide to “give him a chance” will not affect the policy changes that will be brought forward with our new president and the Republican majority in the House and Senate. Taking your ball and going home will not help. Rioting and destroying each others homes and businesses is senseless. It’s just like anything else in life. You have to take the good with the bad and focus your energies on positive progress towards a better society; a better America. Some battles will be lost. We all won’t always get our way. But this type of banter and negativity won’t solve or help anything.
Brian says
I am considering buying stock in either a tissue or a pacifier manufacturing company.
Sadie says
Dear Democrats and Liberals,
I’m noticing that a lot of you aren’t graciously accepting the fact that your candidate lost. In fact you seem to be writing even more hateful things about those of us who voted for Trump.
Some of you are apparently “triggered”. Because you are writing about how “sick” you feel about the results.
How did this happen you ask?
YOU created “us” when you attacked our freedom of speech.
YOU created “us” when you attacked our right to bear arms.
YOU created “us” when you attacked our Christian beliefs.
YOU created “us when you constantly referred to us as racist.
YOU created “us” when you constantly called us xenophobic.
YOU created “us” when you told us to get on board or get out of the way.
YOU created “us” when you forced us to buy health insurance then financially penalized us for not participating.
YOU created “us” when you allowed our jobs to continue to leave our county.
YOU created “us” when you attacked our flag.
YOU created “us” when you decided to vote for progressive ideals.
YOU created “us” when you attacked our way of life.
YOU created “us” when you decided to let our government to get out of control.
YOU created “us” the silent majority.
And we became fed up and we pushed back and spoke up.
AND WE DID IT WITH BALLOTS, NOT BULLETS!
John says
For one…the United States is NOT a democracy. We are a Constitutional Republic…there is a difference. And two, whether one likes it or not, Trump is the next president. We can be bitter, sore losers, or we can work to make our country a better place. It doesn’t matter if you give him a chance or not, but you can make a difference by moving forward.
FedupRep. says
Thank you Sadie.
They pushed us too far, we are tired of the liberal mindset.
We stand tall. No violence. No words. Just voted.
Dankchuk says
I have to come to the defense of Ms. Richardson. Although, I agree with most of what she said, there are points I would take exception to. However, this is a free country and she is entitled to her opinions, whether you agree with them, or not. This is what makes America great now, as it always has been. We will all have to live with the vote- time will tell.
What I would like to take umbrage to is the commenter that posted the bullet point Shawn, Rush, Faux News rhetoric. It would take me one hour of wasted time to spew that nonsense. Let me counter point.
How did this happen you ask?
YOU created “us” when you attacked our freedom of speech.
Really, and when did that happen? Did you get disconnected from a hate filled rant?
YOU created “us” when you attacked our right to bear arms.
I own guns. I have never felt my right challenged, not now, not ever.
YOU created “us” when you attacked our Christian beliefs.
Oh, because our Constitution provides for freedom of religion. So, we’re all supposed to be Christians?
YOU created “us when you constantly referred to us as racist.
Hmm, me thinks tho doeth protest to loudly
YOU created “us” when you constantly called us xenophobic.
Do you know what that means? I doubt it. it’s one of those buzz words.
YOU created “us” when you told us to get on board or get out of the way.
On board to where? Are we going on a cruise? On board to what? I don’t get this one.
YOU created “us” when you forced us to buy health insurance then financially penalized us for not participating.
20 million people now have health care. Most civilized countries ensure their citizens have health care. I guess you have that socialistic medicare, right? Savor it, because as Dylan sang “The times they are a changin”
YOU created “us” when you allowed our jobs to continue to leave our county.
Corporate greed- enough said. It’s capitalism at it’s worst.
YOU created “us” when you attacked our flag.
Wow, this is really scraping the bottom of the barrel of nonsense.
YOU created “us” when you decided to vote for progressive ideals.
What, like saving the planet, recycling, cutting back on fossil fuels, feeding the hungry, protecting our air and drinking water, creating equal rights, an on, and on.
YOU created “us” when you attacked our way of life. Huh? Other than your family, who cares about your life?
YOU created “us” when you decided to let our government to get out of control.
Oh, this is deep.
YOU created “us” the silent majority. Where have you been all this time?
Pretty sure you have always had a voice. Whether you elected to use it, or not, that’s your problem.
And we became fed up and we pushed back and spoke up.
So did the those that bought into Hitlers fascist hatred. How’d that go?
AND WE DID IT WITH BALLOTS, NOT BULLETS!
IMHO, you “us” was created when a black man moved into the White House. Boom!! The rest is rhetorical BS, and most smart people know it.
Anonymous says
Trump will implode. it is inevitable. The real question is: How long and much will it take before it happens?
Anonymous says
We are a Democratic-repubulic. I agree with Jill. Price is one of those extremists that will screw over ALL of you retirees. Just wait until you have to fork over $300 or more to pay for Medicare once all the corporatist Wall Streeters that Trump is hiring take control. Wasn’t the whole “yay Trump crowd’ all giddy about him being ‘non-establishment’ when in fact he is the very face of the corporatists that are stealing money from businesses (banks and their debit card fees they charge each business) while slavering over all those trillions in social securiry (bye, bye, ss!)??
Lena Marshall says
We’ll miss Jill then I Dure Canada might have some room
You have a problem then
Double Standards Again says
Gosh, all this fluff about how bad he treats women. You have to admit you mentioned nothing about the fellow who had affairs in the White House, whose wife defended him and who was going to private islands with (and AS) other known pedophiles. Writers problems with Trump don’t matter when compared to even a portion of that. Writer needs to protest by leaving the country…the border to Mexico welcomes plain looking white women like her.
Knightwatch says
I cannot and will not ever accept Trump as president. I can not and will not “get over it”. We are turning this country into an Idiocracy (remember the 2006 movie?). We put the bottom feeders in charge with a banana republic buffoon to lead them.
Hello, third-world! It’s Amerka calling.
Katie Semore says
I suggest that the left give Trumpbo the same chance the right gave Obama.
Bill harvey says
I can’t believe how the Democrats are such big babies and sore losers Trump is our president and accept it Democrats have done nothing for the past eight years except apologize apologize and apologize to other countries and nations how bad we are and were .The sore losers that they are and they teach their kids to get pissed off when they do not get their way I guess act like you’re an adult and intelligent adult except the outcome that was done the right way he is our president and me and myself personally I thank God he is president. The last two idiots were useless this man speaks the truth and does not play politics , get the illegals out of this country only allowed the legal ones in which I do not have a problem with that is the law I’ll obey and they must obey the law. I have not heard any of the big celebrities who said that they would lead this country if Trump gets elected from what I understand they are still here. More crybabies in life there were a lot of things I did not get my way in the job I worked all my life for 30 years or in my marriage or with anything else and I came across in life what I did not sit back and cry I moved on and hope for the best
Mizz Auggie says
Man,,, T Rump has more scandals in 2 weeks than Mr. Obama had in 6 years,nobodys crying, its just facts, hes a dog.