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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMy 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!!!
Skittles
(157,562 posts)please let us know if it reaches your dad in any way; I really feel for you folk with family members in the cult
Coventina
(27,713 posts)I'll let you know......
Tree Lady
(12,078 posts)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)... real to relatives before they figure it out that MAGA is hurting Americans
BaronChocula
(2,378 posts)So many people are divorced from the notion of how policy impacts their quality of life.
uponit7771
(91,298 posts)crim son
(27,501 posts)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.
Drum
(9,588 posts)Self Esteem
(1,295 posts)Coventina
(27,713 posts)We three kids are just gobsmacked.
harumph
(2,182 posts)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)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)
Abolishinist This message was self-deleted by its author.
Self Esteem
(1,295 posts)I am curious to see the shift. Did he vote for Biden four years ago?
Coventina
(27,713 posts)I'm just still shocked.
Self Esteem
(1,295 posts)And I think a warning sign to those who believe Trump can't 'grow' his support.
erronis
(16,639 posts)Changes in beliefs and attitudes can be signs of deep structural brain disorders. These can be manifest in otherwise seemingly intelligent and functioning people.
BaronChocula
(2,378 posts)Is everything else the same with him???
Coventina
(27,713 posts)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)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)but vote party. Maybe your dad still thinks he's a clown.
onecaliberal
(35,355 posts)Weve lost a lot of family on both sides.
Cha
(303,892 posts)2 Long time friends on both ends of the spectrum.
Cha
(303,892 posts)I can see why it would bring you tears for what your sister wrote to your Dad. Epic!
Coventina
(27,713 posts)So I've just been avoiding him.
She did an amazing job!!
Cha
(303,892 posts)I Hope her Heartfelt letter touches your Dad. Makes him think Deely
SomedayKindaLove
(958 posts)And never send it. Can help wipe the palate clean so to speak.
johnnyfins
(1,175 posts)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)"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?
MLAA
(18,369 posts)Coventina
(27,713 posts)So I will!!!
Demovictory9
(33,404 posts)Devilsun
(254 posts)Such an elegantly written response. 🤗
ProudMNDemocrat
(18,685 posts)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)Trueblue Texan
(2,820 posts)Liberals, by definition think more carefully. What happened to your mom?
COL Mustard
(6,753 posts)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.
erronis
(16,639 posts)calimary
(83,761 posts)Sheesh - the cable network that tears families apart.
They must be so proud
TheGreatConspiracy
(39 posts)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)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/
maxsolomon
(34,763 posts)Mine wouldn't.
You have to directly say it to them.
pat_k
(10,425 posts)consider_this
(2,755 posts)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)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)I have extended family members who will vote for him
I dont 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 cant 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. Theyre so angry and hateful and vitriolic, and they arent actually *for* anything except hurting people and taking away basic human rights.
Its 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)Hopefully you will disappear when you of age or are able.... with friends like that.
mgardener
(1,881 posts)Your sister is a gem!
slightlv
(4,047 posts)I salute her courage and persistence in her own beliefs. Kudos to your sister. Let her know how much she is appreciated!
wolfie001
(3,335 posts)That's just how "those people" are
Katcat
(334 posts)But the rest of us arent and we dont 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 dont think he was checking on his buddy.
Evolve Dammit
(18,269 posts)Joinfortmill
(16,073 posts)mdbl
(5,317 posts)LoisB
(8,315 posts)Beartracks
(13,385 posts)Wow.
=================
kwolf68
(7,682 posts)Props to sis
NoMoreRepugs
(10,371 posts)written message is going to reach them.
Fla Dem
(25,467 posts)But I feel sorry for both for you to be in that position with your father.
Persondem
(2,066 posts).... the best letters or article on how to push back against trumpism i have ever seen.
berksdem
(652 posts)As a girl Dad I love this!!!
babylonsister
(171,485 posts)electric_blue68
(17,250 posts)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)...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)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?
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?