The evils of the current administration

Some recent political events have elevated my level of concern for the future of the US and the western democracies of the world to the point where I feel a need to do something, starting with... writing a blog! That'll show 'em! 

Unacceptable #1: Dehumanizing immigrants

A recent video of an immigrant being chained and deported, labelled as ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a tingling sensation that usually begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine), was reposted by the White House:

https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-white-house-mocks-immigrants-deported-asmr-x-elon-musk-rcna192820

This is dehumanizing.

It is OK to have laws and require individuals to comply with laws. However, it is not OK to revel in the suffering of other people. To take pleasure in the suffering of others is psychopathic. I refuse to believe that the United States is a land of psychopaths. I think, like any country, there are a few, but it cannot be the official position of the government that being a psychopath is acceptable or even encouraged. Where this leads is not good: a society where empathy for others is totally lost and extreme cruelty to others is performed and celebrated. Disgusting.

Therefore, for the government to label deportation videos as ASMR is not acceptable.

Unacceptable #2: Nazi salutes

The US fought the Nazis in WW2. luckily, the fight for freedom was successful.

Now, for some insane reason, we are seeing various leaders in the government doing Nazi salutes. Even Elon Musk got in on the action:

If you get excited and accidentally do a Nazi salute, I think the answer is "I'm sorry, that was not my intention. The holocaust was a global tragedy that led to the death of 6 million Jews, and I will try to control my body movements moving forward." The answer is not to gaslight people and tell them they are over-reacting. If you are repeatedly doing Nazi salutes, then you are a Nazi. There is no room for Nazis in the modern world. That's what WW2 was largely about. It is a settled issue. Nazi salutes require detailed explanations when they are met with outrage.

The fact that idiots like Steve Bannon still have any sway (e.g. at CPAC) is beyond my comprehension.

The combination of normalizing Nazi salutes and cruel behavior (see point 1) are not acceptable. 

Unacceptable #3: threatening to invade sovereign nations

It is understandable that Trump would like the USA to own Greenland and Canada. These countries will have growing coastlines and access to resources with climate change warming the planet. However, what is not acceptable is to threaten to invade them. To call the Prime Minister of Canada the Governor of the 51st state is an attack on the sovereignty of a nation. It is not acceptable.

Unacceptable #4: Claiming that Ukraine invaded Russia. 

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was met with condemnation around the world, sanctions, and military aid. Not a strong enough reaction in my opinion (oil imports exempt?!?!), but a strong reaction nonetheless. But the recent "both sides" arguments used by Trump and the suggestion that Ukraine was somehow responsible or should have prevented this, are beyond comprehension. These words seek to wipe away the bitter lives lost fighting for democracy and against tyranny. We must honor the veterans in the fight for democracy against invasion and tyranny, and it is unacceptable to try to pretend that Ukraine was somehow responsible. Russia led an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022. End of story.

Why do I care?

I care because I live in the United States. To me, the USA provides opportunities and also stands for freedom and democracy over tyranny. The US stands for science and technology to advance quality of life and reduce suffering. However, my enthusiasm for the US is plummeting, largely due to the recent political events that undermine these values.

What should we do?

Step one is to unite with others to universally condemn the above actions.