Now, it’s perfectly true that there was never a time in America when everyone just got along beautifully. Our history of racism and xenophobia alone puts the lie to that. But Trump’s intolerance truly is ecumenical in that it could be any group, any individual, any foe or (former) friend at any given moment. It’s entirely self-serving.

It’s making more and more people embrace political violence. The recent American Values Survey from Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) in partnership with the Brookings Institution think tank found that one in three Republicans agree that “because things have gotten so far off track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country” – up from 15% in 2021. (22% of Independents and 13% of Democrats agree, all numbers having increased since 2021.) The truly frightening number is that among those who believe the Big Lie, 46% believe they may resort to violence, as well as 41% of Trump fans and 41% who buy into the “Great Replacement Theory.” 39% of Christian nationalists are ready to take up arms to “save the country.” Those numbers represent tens of millions of Americans.

  • YoBuckStopsHere@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    Trump is already talking about putting blue states under military control, arresting his opponents, and becoming a dictator for life. Does anyone see a second term for him being peaceful?

    • NewNewAccount@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Many Republicans see it being very peaceful after dictator Trump is reinstated and all “woke liberals” are jailed or murdered.

        • shalafi@lemmy.world
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          10 months ago

          They don’t think liberals are armed and practiced. I have news…

          And if you’re liberal “vermin”, and you are not armed and practicing basic safety and shooting, why not? The largest gun purchasing demographic for the past few years has been POC, LGBT and women. And they’re asking in my liberal gun circles, “What do I buy? How do I practice safety?” And we go all out to help and advise.

          Y’all libs better pull your head out your ass. I’m a middle-aged white guy, an ally all the way, and I’ll do my damndest to defend you, but my family comes first, country second, and I’m prepared. Sounds like the crazy prepper talk I heard in the 80’s and 90’s. Well. Here we are.

          If “The Committe of Public Safety” comes knocking on my door they will meet a hell storm of buckshot and .45ACP. And yes, it will likely mean my personal extinction. But I’m not getting on a fucking train.

          • CADmonkey@lemmy.world
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            10 months ago

            Thinking you don’t need to arm yourself, because the police will help, is such a privileged take and it’s hilarious when it’s put forth. “Just take the guns away” say the people who aren’t being targeted by one of the political parties in the US.

          • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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            10 months ago

            Sorry, I do not think I have the courage to kill anyone and I have very little hand-eye coordination. I don’t care if you have a gun. Just don’t expect me to get one.

            • shalafi@lemmy.world
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              10 months ago

              My god no, my friend, I said that all wrong.

              If you do not wish to pick up arms, I do not want you too.

              You’re #1 weapon is your vote. If that fails, and the right is rigging it to fail, and if things go to hell, you can still be a pacifist and help.

              I invite you to read about Desmond Doss, a personal hero of mine.

        • frunch@lemmy.world
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          10 months ago

          They don’t think that far ahead, or they assume they’ll remain part of the in-group. Either way, it’s gonna be a rude awakening

    • CharlesDarwin@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Nope. But I see a lot of idiotic “independents” that are going to sit out, or vote third party or vote for the orange blob anyway, not realizing they are likely at risk, too. All because they are so principled, or want a tax cut, or claim they want it all to burn down, etc. I guarantee you the minute things hit the very worst, they will be bitching more than anyone, assuming they are able to survive the very worst.

      And I fully expect most of the “liberal media” to bothsider/horse race us right into the destruction of this country.

      • IDontHavePantsOn@lemm.ee
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        10 months ago

        He’s 3.9% older than Trump! Now that’s old! Just ignore that their ages are 77 and 80.

        In all seriousness, along with tax forms, every candidate should have to present a clean bill of health that includes cognitive testing. I would tack on a psych eval as well, but I’m not sure most in politics would pass it.

        Edit:

        The first part of my comment was satire. Back in 2016 there was a lot of discussion about Bernie’s age of 72. Now either a 77 or 80 year old is going to be president. Biden is still the lesser of two evils, but he’s still far older than should be considered. Same goes for Trump. Age and term limits should be assessed for every political position.

        Also, let me know how a clean bill of health and cognitive testing would be a bad thing.

        “I sure would hate the my candidate to be out of the running for something as small as a team of doctors saying their basic. bodily and brain functions are dwindling.”