Politico has a pretty good piece up today challenging the Democratic narrative about rural white rage. One of the arguments is that Democrats actually do good, policywise, for rural areas - even if those dumb hicks out there don’t realize it. And it occurred to me just where this narrative first really struck home with me. In the movie Cool Hand Luke.
That scene where Luke is getting the leg irons. The clip is there along with the dialog, and what is the key piece: I wish you’d stop being so good to me captain. Of course the first reaction of the Captain is his own rage. He then attempts to cover that up with a high-sounding speech to keep the other inmates in line. Naturally that fools no one, because that moment of rage was his honest reaction.
Progressive politicians and pundits probably can’t fathom being viewed as the sadistic prison boss (brilliantly played by Strother Martin). But when you preach to someone that you are abusing, that you are doing so for their own good, you have to be remarkably self-absorbed to miss it. After all, you’re just trying to make Luke into a better person, one with a proper place in society - all while making ridiculous excuses for a hundred other non-conformists (and why they matter more than you do Luke). Is it really such a mystery that a person such as Luke would resent you, and backtalk you, and do all that he can to frustrate you? Never mind that your ultimate solution to that problem is to turn loose your soul-less killer. [Sorry if that’s a spoiler - but c’mon, the movie has been around since 1967.]
I don’t support Trump, although there are things he did, and would do, that I would support - policywise. But he is a lousy human being. I didn’t vote for him in ‘16 or in ‘20, and I won’t vote for him in ‘24. Yet, because I don’t rage against him, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been called a Trumper. I’m left wondering what kind of fucked up human you are to do that, and even more astonished that you can think I should vote against him to gain your acceptance. No Captain, I’ve seen your rage and all I want is to be as far away from it as I can be; and if you can’t let me be, then I understand that you and the man with no eyes will leave me only one choice - to kill or be killed. That doesn’t enrage me, it saddens me.
I don't think the writing is on the wall, yet, but it is clear that international liberalism, which has been the ascending paradigm since 1968 in the western world, is played out. Too many people are left behind currently, the farmers around the world most dramatically, but the working class generally, and also anyone who lives or desires some sort of traditional life based on a nation or group identity.
This is why we keep getting Trumps. Trumps and Modis and Bolsaneros, etc. Because far too many people are getting kicked out of the circle, and no one is really being let in. And so they will alight on anyone who can articulate the fears and hopes of those forgotten people.
I am far too much of a utilitarian not to vote for Trump. I think the whole idea of taking your vote and going home is a completely idiotic idea. The fact that you have at least some small ability to change events/raise your middle finger at such a small cost, it is sad those who have their nose too far up their own ass to take advantage of it.
Understanding who you're up against, I'm surprised you can't swallow a few character flaws and vote for Trump