Destruction is the name of the game
In his recent Concord Monitor article about Latin America, Jonathan Baird describes how the United States was historically imperialist in its relationships with Latin American countries. This imperialism (aka “control over”) modus operandi is now being used by Trump and his regime not only against countries across the world but also against the American people. The “Speak softly and carry a big stick” imperialism from the Teddy Roosevelt era does not apply to this president — he is all Big Stick. In a sense, the “Big Stick” tactic used by this president is another word for “Destroy.”
The destruction of the East Wing of the White House is a glaring symbol of what is happening to the people and laws of the United States. Not only is part of the “people’s house” being destroyed, the lives of people are being destroyed as well — as seen in the firings of government employees, deportation and incarceration of immigrants and separation of immigrant families along with severe cuts in healthcare, Medicaid, Medicare, the vanishing of valued government departments and the destruction of due process. Trump and his regime show no emotions about this. They have no scruples. Destruction is the real name of the game.
It is time to question and speak up about this not only in protests but also at the voting booth in all elections. The Big Stick tactic will continue unless we choose a different path — while we still have a democracy and people to to vote and uphold it.