Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:37 PM 12 hrs ago

My dad put a Trump sign in his yard. This is what my sister wrote to him:

Dear Dad,

I am writing this to you to voice my profound disappointment in finding out that you have placed a Trump sign in your yard. How can I process this as anything other than a grave contradiction against everything you have ever taught me and modeled as to what it meant to be a Christian and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

It is an ugly fact that Trump incited a violent insurrection that led to the loss of life rather than gracefully conceding as a leader who truly cares about this country. And this is just one of many innumerable crimes he has chosen to perpetrate in his narcissistic quest for a second term as President.

His words, actions and policies run completely and outrageously against the teachings of Christ. I am shocked you would support a convicted rapist, felon, serial liar and individual who uses hate rhetoric and insults nearly every time he is interviewed. I am embarrassed because I have spent the last 8 years defending your integrity. I have been insisting, even to my own sister, that you would never stoop to supporting a man when his very actions mirror those of an antichrist.

My heart is full of grief over this. By supporting Trump and his agenda, you're condoning the stripping of my personal rights away and empowering a man who conducts himself without honor and deepens hate and division in America rather than unity, love and tolerance.

Your vote is your own and I believe in your right to have it, but now I wonder if you believe in mine? I implore you to research Project 2025 and question how this "plan" would improve anything about this country. Moreover, how, any of this upholds the teachings of Jesus. Matthew 25:31-45.

I am sending this, not to debate, I don't need you to defend your position and you do not owe me an apology. I hope, however, you will look deeply into your heart and pray or ponder everything I have stated here.

*******************************************************************************

I am so proud of her I'm weeping right now!!!

65 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My dad put a Trump sign in his yard. This is what my sister wrote to him: (Original Post) Coventina 12 hrs ago OP
excellent Skittles 12 hrs ago #1
She sent it via email, no response yet. Coventina 12 hrs ago #2
My daughter will vote for him Tree Lady 9 hrs ago #54
To the more privileged supporting Trump is like support a football team; not much blow back to them. People have to make uponit7771 12 hrs ago #3
It's also like that with a lot of the not-so-privileged BaronChocula 11 hrs ago #35
Absolutely, FAUX NewZ doesn't help uponit7771 9 hrs ago #57
She has written a wonderful letter. crim son 12 hrs ago #4
Excellent and righteous! Drum 12 hrs ago #5
Did your dad always support Trump? Self Esteem 12 hrs ago #6
No, that's part of what is so shocking. He called him a clown, when Trump first came down the elevator. Coventina 12 hrs ago #7
I'm a 60 something white male. My daughter was suprised when I stated harumph 12 hrs ago #10
Rich people live longer Cirsium 10 hrs ago #46
This message was self-deleted by its author Abolishinist 5 hrs ago #62
What about in 2020? Self Esteem 12 hrs ago #19
I don't know who he voted for in 2020. I doubt he voted for Trump but I could be wrong. Coventina 10 hrs ago #44
I'm sorry. That's too bad. Self Esteem 10 hrs ago #50
Have you considered that some form of senility/dementia is starting? erronis 12 hrs ago #21
Exactly my question too BaronChocula 11 hrs ago #36
I have not noticed any other signs of dementia. Coventina 10 hrs ago #45
That has to be so hard on you. erronis 10 hrs ago #47
I think there are a lot of Rs who can't stand Trump soandso 11 hrs ago #33
Good for her. onecaliberal 12 hrs ago #8
Sorry! No family members here but I lost Cha 12 hrs ago #11
WOW Brilliant and Excellent! Very emotionally Moving... Cha 12 hrs ago #9
I thought about writing something, but I could not keep the anger out of it. Coventina 12 hrs ago #13
Yes, she Did! Your siter is a brilliant writer. Cha 12 hrs ago #22
Maybe write that angry letter? SomedayKindaLove 9 hrs ago #55
We are living in a very trying time for our johnnyfins 12 hrs ago #12
Very good question. In fact, a question for the ages. That vacuum between victory and fate is when the rot sneaks in. jaxexpat 27 min ago #65
Please hug your sister for us! MLAA 12 hrs ago #14
I'm leaving now to take her a Harris yard sign (prearranged before this happened) Coventina 12 hrs ago #16
Awesome letter Demovictory9 12 hrs ago #15
You go girl! Devilsun 12 hrs ago #17
She cited Matthew 25:31-46 ProudMNDemocrat 12 hrs ago #18
That sounds like a possible culprit. A constant fire-hose of misinformation can warp peoples' minds. erronis 12 hrs ago #23
I didn't think you could turn from liberal to MAGA... Trueblue Texan 11 hrs ago #32
I feel your pain on that one. COL Mustard 11 hrs ago #40
Oh, dear. It's hard to reason with a 99 year old. They know what they know and that is all. erronis 10 hrs ago #48
I'm so sorry to hear about what happened with your mom. calimary 51 min ago #64
Yeah. My 82-year-old dad and his wife are Trump votes in Michigan TheGreatConspiracy 12 hrs ago #20
It's brainwashing. maxsolomon 12 hrs ago #25
Will your Dad read it? maxsolomon 12 hrs ago #24
Perhaps send him this sermon pat_k 12 hrs ago #26
That is a perfectly crafted message! consider_this 12 hrs ago #27
Wow. Here's hoping your dad reads it with his heart. madamesilverspurs 12 hrs ago #28
Well stated! BluRay76 11 hrs ago #29
Their "friends" Dan 10 hrs ago #51
What a wonderful letter mgardener 11 hrs ago #30
That was a brave letter for her to write to her own father. slightlv 11 hrs ago #31
I picture him laughing about it wolfie001 11 hrs ago #34
I guess your dad is independently wealthy and doesn't need his SS or Medicare. Katcat 11 hrs ago #37
So well said. wonder if it will reach him. Evolve Dammit 11 hrs ago #38
Very powerful and soulful. Must have been very difficult to write, Brave woman, your sister. Joinfortmill 11 hrs ago #39
Great response mdbl 10 hrs ago #41
Excellent. LoisB 10 hrs ago #42
"Your vote is your own and I believe in your right to have it, but now I wonder if you believe in mine?" Beartracks 10 hrs ago #43
Good letter kwolf68 10 hrs ago #49
When they support a convicted felon/rapist/Insurrectionist not too sure any NoMoreRepugs 10 hrs ago #52
Your sister deseserves a big high five ! Fla Dem 10 hrs ago #53
You should be proud of her. That is one of ... Persondem 9 hrs ago #56
Your sister is awesome!!! berksdem 8 hrs ago #58
Honest and heartfelt. I hope it's received in that way. nt babylonsister 8 hrs ago #59
Woah...fiercely beautiful, or beautifully fierce. She wrote amazing prose. electric_blue68 7 hrs ago #60
That's beautiful RussBLib 7 hrs ago #61
Family dynamics aside, Matthew 25:31-45 Abolishinist 4 hrs ago #63

Skittles

(157,562 posts)
1. excellent
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:44 PM
12 hrs ago

please let us know if it reaches your dad in any way; I really feel for you folk with family members in the cult

Tree Lady

(12,078 posts)
54. My daughter will vote for him
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:32 PM
9 hrs ago

we started arguing few years ago and since then don't talk politics. I wasn't willing to let go of relationship because she is daughter I am closer too. We hike, do yoga, many things together, I just keep hoping she sees the light. Right now brainwashed by people at work and her boyfriend.

uponit7771

(91,298 posts)
3. To the more privileged supporting Trump is like support a football team; not much blow back to them. People have to make
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:46 PM
12 hrs ago

... real to relatives before they figure it out that MAGA is hurting Americans

BaronChocula

(2,378 posts)
35. It's also like that with a lot of the not-so-privileged
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:02 PM
11 hrs ago

So many people are divorced from the notion of how policy impacts their quality of life.

crim son

(27,501 posts)
4. She has written a wonderful letter.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:47 PM
12 hrs ago

I would copy it and send it to my sister, who has announced her support for Trump, but I know my sister is not much of a thinker, and she is not Christian either, so I cannot appeal to those values. It is really tough when a family member has gone over to the dark side.

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
7. No, that's part of what is so shocking. He called him a clown, when Trump first came down the elevator.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:52 PM
12 hrs ago

We three kids are just gobsmacked.

harumph

(2,182 posts)
10. I'm a 60 something white male. My daughter was suprised when I stated
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:57 PM
12 hrs ago

that I would be glad when my cohort died off. It's nothing personal, but a good many of my peers can't think their way out
of a paper bag and consequently they are a danger to themselves and others.

Cirsium

(481 posts)
46. Rich people live longer
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:50 PM
10 hrs ago

Rich people live longer than working class people. White people live longer than nonwhite people and wealthier people and white people tend to vote Republican.

Let's not set one generation against another.

Response to harumph (Reply #10)

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
44. I don't know who he voted for in 2020. I doubt he voted for Trump but I could be wrong.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:44 PM
10 hrs ago

I'm just still shocked.

Self Esteem

(1,295 posts)
50. I'm sorry. That's too bad.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:09 PM
10 hrs ago

And I think a warning sign to those who believe Trump can't 'grow' his support.

erronis

(16,639 posts)
21. Have you considered that some form of senility/dementia is starting?
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:15 PM
12 hrs ago

Changes in beliefs and attitudes can be signs of deep structural brain disorders. These can be manifest in otherwise seemingly intelligent and functioning people.

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
45. I have not noticed any other signs of dementia.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:47 PM
10 hrs ago

I think his wife and her family could definitely be an influence on him.

They are a bunch of rural Bible-belt types.

During the pandemic they were praising ivermectin and all that whack-a-doo stuff.

erronis

(16,639 posts)
47. That has to be so hard on you.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:58 PM
10 hrs ago

I have had a spouse with some extreme relatives and for quite a while it didn't matter too much.

But as time went on her "evangelical christianity" took root again and she became a soldier for her version of "the right". I heard that she was a trump supporter also, but thankfully I lost contact with her 20+ years ago.

soandso

(730 posts)
33. I think there are a lot of Rs who can't stand Trump
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:46 PM
11 hrs ago

but vote party. Maybe your dad still thinks he's a clown.

Cha

(303,892 posts)
9. WOW Brilliant and Excellent! Very emotionally Moving...
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:56 PM
12 hrs ago

I can see why it would bring you tears for what your sister wrote to your Dad. Epic!

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
13. I thought about writing something, but I could not keep the anger out of it.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:59 PM
12 hrs ago

So I've just been avoiding him.

She did an amazing job!!

Cha

(303,892 posts)
22. Yes, she Did! Your siter is a brilliant writer.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:17 PM
12 hrs ago

I Hope her Heartfelt letter touches your Dad. Makes him think Deely

johnnyfins

(1,175 posts)
12. We are living in a very trying time for our
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:59 PM
12 hrs ago

Country. This "tough guy" sickness has finally come home to roost. I don't know how we get out of it. Vote? Of course! But then what?

jaxexpat

(7,568 posts)
65. Very good question. In fact, a question for the ages. That vacuum between victory and fate is when the rot sneaks in.
Thu Oct 17, 2024, 05:57 AM
27 min ago

"This "tough guy" sickness" you speak of has been the primary shaper of self-destructive western social philosophies for at least 500 years. Every war and most pestilence since the Rennaissance send their roots into it. I think it's about the misconception that women are fragile vessels of purity which men must "protect". I believe that idea comes from the fact that childbirth in the times after the loss of herbal medicine knowledge and before pro-science times was so life threatening. Those were the days when religiously radicalized men shot themselves in the foot, so to speak, tossing the baby out with the bathwater and leading with their chin for about a thousand years.

At least that was the duration among the generally educated classes. It's still a "cherished" aspect for some today, though in a uniquely perverse "smart phone-y" version. For instance, MAGA, a movement currently afloat to rally the most backward thinkers to a bad cause by obscenely horrible folks based on primitive hygiene and fantasy worship. What could go wrong?

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
16. I'm leaving now to take her a Harris yard sign (prearranged before this happened)
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:02 PM
12 hrs ago

So I will!!!

ProudMNDemocrat

(18,685 posts)
18. She cited Matthew 25:31-46
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:10 PM
12 hrs ago

One of the pieces of Scripture where Jesus Christ tells the Goats to His left that the least they did unto his people they did unto Him. Therefore they would not be enjoying eternity in Heaven. Jesus explains that clearly.

I was in tears as well when reading this letter. Wow.

Before my late mother died, her news source was FOX. I had to leave the room when she had it on. She turned from Liberal to FOX. Were she alive now, the relationship would surely be strained.

erronis

(16,639 posts)
23. That sounds like a possible culprit. A constant fire-hose of misinformation can warp peoples' minds.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:18 PM
12 hrs ago

Trueblue Texan

(2,820 posts)
32. I didn't think you could turn from liberal to MAGA...
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:37 PM
11 hrs ago

Liberals, by definition think more carefully. What happened to your mom?

COL Mustard

(6,753 posts)
40. I feel your pain on that one.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:24 PM
11 hrs ago

My 99 year old mother has Fox on from morning to night. I started leaving the room when it's on, and she asked me why. I said, If you get your news from Fox it's like getting your lunch from the toilet.

Of course she still has it on, but I tried.

calimary

(83,761 posts)
64. I'm so sorry to hear about what happened with your mom.
Thu Oct 17, 2024, 05:32 AM
51 min ago

Sheesh - the cable network that tears families apart.

They must be so proud…

20. Yeah. My 82-year-old dad and his wife are Trump votes in Michigan
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:13 PM
12 hrs ago

It's frustrating, even though my long-time Republican sister is voting for Harris (she hates Trump and thinks he's an embarrassment).

But my dad lives in a remote area in the woods and spends a LOT of time watching right-wing news channels. There's no changing his mind. We've tried.

Good luck to your sister, though. Not everyone is as far gone as my dad.

maxsolomon

(34,763 posts)
25. It's brainwashing.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:20 PM
12 hrs ago

The only was to undo it is to replace it with an alternate media source, like NPR.

There's a whole movie about it, but the rub is: the family couldn't get him off RW Hate Radio and onto NPR until he was too senile to figure out they'd changed the station.

https://www.thebrainwashingofmydad.com/

consider_this

(2,755 posts)
27. That is a perfectly crafted message!
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:21 PM
12 hrs ago

it cuts to the quick - I'd be shocked if the man does not consider what someone who loves and respects him has offered so thoughtfully.

madamesilverspurs

(16,002 posts)
28. Wow. Here's hoping your dad reads it with his heart.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:23 PM
12 hrs ago

My siblings and I were raised by staunch republicans, but that was back when the GOP was pretty much the complete reverse of what it is today. Dad became increasingly disgruntled with the party when W was in office, and passed during the second term of that administration. Mom, who was the boots-on-the-ground GOPer, became so disgusted that she left the party after more than 70 very active years. She voted twice for Obama, and cast her final ballot for Hillary. My older brother and my sister have been very active Democratic door knockers. Suffice it to say that we were stunned and sickened when our younger brother announced his firm support of Trump, and did so with a swaggering attitude that we'd never seen from him. He's made it clear that his veteran status along with his ordination to the ministry gives his opinion greater weight, and he welcomes no discussion accordingly. He still sends somewhat terse emails to mark holidays, but that's about it. We miss him.

On that note, I hope to read that your dad receives the letter in the spirit in which it was sent. Hugs to you and your sister.

BluRay76

(30 posts)
29. Well stated!
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:29 PM
11 hrs ago

I have extended family members who will vote for him… I don’t honestly even know what they think about him as a “human,” since they never actually say anything about what policies they support or what they want our country to be. All they do is share the GQP conspiracy fake social media posts and talk about how angry they are that Biden and Harris are giving FEMA funds to immigrants. I confess I am not strong enough to respond to them because I can’t do it without getting angry… but also because I have some fear about retribution. Not from my family members themselves, but from people who are their “friends.” They’re so angry and hateful and vitriolic, and they aren’t actually *for* anything except hurting people and taking away basic human rights.

It’s truly impressive that your sister communicated this message in such a respectful yet heartfelt way. I hope that she has managed to make him think about who he is and what message he is sending.

Dan

(3,961 posts)
51. Their "friends"
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:10 PM
10 hrs ago

Hopefully you will disappear when you of age or are able.... with friends like that.

slightlv

(4,047 posts)
31. That was a brave letter for her to write to her own father.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:35 PM
11 hrs ago

I salute her courage and persistence in her own beliefs. Kudos to your sister. Let her know how much she is appreciated!

Katcat

(334 posts)
37. I guess your dad is independently wealthy and doesn't need his SS or Medicare.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:13 PM
11 hrs ago

But the rest of us aren’t and we don’t need a fake as President. I support his right to vote how he wants but any man who votes for Trump will get my scorn for enabling a man who went to epsteins rape island numerous times. And I don’t think he was checking on his buddy.

Beartracks

(13,385 posts)
43. "Your vote is your own and I believe in your right to have it, but now I wonder if you believe in mine?"
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:41 PM
10 hrs ago

Wow.

=================

NoMoreRepugs

(10,371 posts)
52. When they support a convicted felon/rapist/Insurrectionist not too sure any
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:12 PM
10 hrs ago

written message is going to reach them.

Fla Dem

(25,467 posts)
53. Your sister deseserves a big high five !
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:17 PM
10 hrs ago



But I feel sorry for both for you to be in that position with your father.

Persondem

(2,066 posts)
56. You should be proud of her. That is one of ...
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:57 PM
9 hrs ago

.... the best letters or article on how to push back against trumpism i have ever seen.

electric_blue68

(17,250 posts)
60. Woah...fiercely beautiful, or beautifully fierce. She wrote amazing prose.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 11:10 PM
7 hrs ago

I hope he will have a change of heart.

But importantly, too, your sister poured her heart out instead keeping inside on something this both wide, and deeply personal that could be detrimental emotionally.

I'm very lucky. In our extended family we have ?3 or 4 Republicans who as of a couple oh years ago hated drumphf.

A different one's been kind of cynical decades back; "they're all the same".

The rest (well, the ones I know) will probably, to definitely vote for Kamala.

My sis will (we've always been Dems), and my friends, and long time acquaintences run Liberal Dems, Center Dems, and probably a progressive or two.

Me? I'm a super staunch liberal. But I might have a bit of progressive streak, I think. l came to respect the Nordic Democratic Socialist countries. But I'm a pragmatism, too.
If we can get bug jumps - great. Otherwise bit by bit.
Ugh, right now we have hold the bulwark!

RussBLib

(9,562 posts)
61. That's beautiful
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 11:13 PM
7 hrs ago

...that could apply to quite a few families. It's so well-written and succinct. I'd be proud to have her as a sister, or friend

https://russblib.blogspot.com/?m=1

Abolishinist

(1,787 posts)
63. Family dynamics aside, Matthew 25:31-45
Thu Oct 17, 2024, 01:53 AM
4 hrs ago

says that God would one day judge the world and cast those who broke His law into hell for all eternity. This is not a message I care to hear, but this is the Jesus we find in Scripture.

Perhaps the greater take-away is that those who are believers create their own world, not of logic but of cult. Given that, how can one 'judge' another?

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was ahungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee ahungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was ahungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.


In other words, if you are not a true believer, you will spend eternity in HELL! And given that, who are you to say how this is determined?


Latest Discussions»General Discussion»My dad put a Trump sign i...