General Discussion

-- and Democrats as hating America and persecuting Christains.

Though none of that is true, the rightwing noise machine from the early days of Rush Limbaugh through Fox News and internet podcasts & rabbit holes -- all of that -- is validated from the pulpit by a reactionary strain of Christianity which seeks to impose its own narrow minded strictures on everyone else.

Elements of that, along with racial and gender bigotry, have fostered strongly embedded tribal animosity which is extremely difficult to dislodge. Tribal loyalty comes before facts and reason.

Also, a strain of anti-intellectualism in America has long disdained academia and scientific expertise. This has been siezed upon and exploited by unscrupulous "populist" politicians who present themselves as relatable regular guys who understand the grievances of common folk and will finally do something about it.

Combined, these traits of American culture built the foundation which made it possible for an utterly corrupt con man like Donald Trump to become president of the United States.

If the consequences of this presidency cause real harm to his voters, and enough of them can connect the dots, it may be possible to begin repairing the damage and to build something for a better future.