One of the results of the “Trump Effect” has been the defection of many prominent and life-long Republicans. The combination of Trump’s immoral and illegitimate presidency combined with a cowardly and hypocritical party which bows to his every demand, inspired multiple men and women who support the principles and morals of the once Grand Old Party to renounce their membership. Long-time Republicans including Steve Schmidt, who was a principal member of John McCain’s campaign staff, and columnist George Will have denounced Trump and his vile agenda.

On Thursday the Chief Justice of California’s Supreme Court announced that she is leaving the Republican Party. Tani Cantil-Sakauye said that she had been considering this action for a lengthy period of time. She stated that after the debacle of Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court she was convinced that this current group of Republicans in name only no longer represent her beliefs.

Justice Cantil-Sakauye was very upset about the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh, and the attacks against his principal accuser, Professor Christine Blasey Ford. The actions of many of the old, white men on the right-wing of American politics during the hearings was despicable. They followed the ‘party line;’ the man never lies and the women always do. The example of how they attacked Hillary Clinton relentlessly displays the fact that “it’s always the woman’s fault.”

Prior to Trump’s immoral nomination by the Republican Party, the GOP was in turmoil. Today it is imploding. Before the 2018 midterm elections at least 44 Republicans resigned from the House. On January 3, 2019, they will become the minority, and other resignations are expected before the general election on November 3, 2020.

GOP acceptance of extremists into their midst began in 2010 and is the primary reason our government became dysfunctional. Not only do these men and women refuse to deliberate or compromise with Democrats and Independents, they do the same within their own party. Democracy cannot exist without conversation and an attitude of ‘give-and-take.’ Every important and effective piece of legislation in our nation’s history was achieved through the willingness and ability of the men and women elected by the people to work together for the common goood.

Trump has ruled over the American people in a purely partisan manner. He is attempting to become America’s first fuhrer. If Republicans had maintained control in the House, he would already have achieved his goal.

In Washington the Republican Party no longer exists. That’s not stopping real Republicans from speaking out against the imbecile tyrant in the White House. Personally, this gives me hope. As a life-long Independent, I have always voted for the best candidate; the one who most closely shares my beliefs; until 2000.

George Bush and Dick Cheney frightened me. Because their party blindly obeyed every proposal from the White House I rejected the entire GOP.

In 2016 I found Trump boorish, crude, immoral, ignorant, sexist, unqualified, and completely unfit to become our nation’s president. I was in shock and disbelief on November 9, 2016. I could never vote for a member of the ‘Trump Party.’

My hope, my belief, is that because of these many defections a new breed; a new age of real Republicans will rise and replace the old, white men who have harmed our nation for decades. With America’s average age of 37.8 years of age, and the fact that 51 percent of our nation’s population are women, change in both parties is mandatory and will save democracy.

On November 3, 2020 the people can take back their country and all we have to do is vote. Please encourage everyone you know to go to the polls and use our most important right. This country is ours not theirs.

The Truth Lives Here

Op-ed by this “Wise Old Fart,” James Turnage

Source

My six novels are available on the free Amazon Kindle app; click here