I have been uplifted lately by my realization that democratic America does not stand alone in the world in the fight to dethrone Trump. It’s as if we all now have a common threat, a common danger, a common enemy, and the name is Trump. Of course, would-be dictators are thrilled at the prospect of MAGA support, but the majority lives in genuine fear of what he might do. Since World War 2, the US has been the linchpin of Western democracy and capitalism, the powerful but not always honorable enforcer of order. And now, suddenly, all that stability is threatened by one man and the willing-to-use-violence segment of the population that stands behind him, goaded on by the billionaires who see only profit. But even that segment, however, united they may seem at the moment, will soon realize that their expectation of higher income and comfort was ill-placed, and the wealthy will also come to realize that the stability they have taken for granted for so long could soon be gone.

Until that reversal comes, the rest of the world can find solace in the fact that we now have a common enemy, as if the Martians have finally invaded. Ukraine quite possibly will no longer be able to count on America for support and will continue its turning toward Europe. Europe is rightly terrified that Putin will be emboldened by a Trump-enabled victory in Ukraine and try to peel off Nato countries, and will want to stop Putin. Xi’s China, the epitome of orderly social organization, will be at the least uncomfortable with an emotional, erratic, and aging dictator with uncontrolled power and weaponry. Justin Trudeau has already gone to Mar-a-Lago to talk with Trump about his threatened tariffs and the destructive impact on the economies of both countries. Canada is making preparations to counter the threat. Lastly, there is Claudia Sheinbaum, Presidente of Mexico, who has boldly refused to be threatened or patronized by Trump. Not only has she already called out Trump’s bragging that in their “excellent” phone call, she agreed to close the border. “No, I did not,” was her rebuttal. She also threatened retaliation with in-kind tariffs should Trump go ahead and play that destructive game. She charged that violence in Mexico was a result of easily obtainable US guns finding their way to drug cartels, who sell drugs to an ever-demanding US market. She also pointed out that if the US would take but a bit of its immoral defense budget to help countries in Latin America, migrants would be encouraged to stay home. I find great comfort in the fighting spirit of this woman south of our border.

And we must not forget the fighting spirit of Governors Newsom, Pritzker, Hochul and many others. All of this, I say, is a sign for hope. Although we may often feel alone and discouraged with what appears on the horizon, a new era may now be opening. At least this pilgrim sees some hopeful signs. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author

A Fellow Pilgrim – Notes Along The Way

Offering observations, comments, and questions by a fellow Pilgrim.