It would appear that Donald Trump is the presumptive GOP candidate for president. And speaking from the heart I am disappointed. I think this is a great and terrible mistake. I will not support this candidate.
I suppose some change in the rules about the awarding of delegates, an insurgent third party candidate or some other bolt out of the blue might alter this result. However, such low probability events are unlikely. It is what it is.
It will be exceedingly tempting to embrace the snark and sarcasm to which social media readily and efficiently lends itself in order to ridicule those who support a cause or a candidate so disagreeable. But that will not change the outcome. Heaping scorn and piling-on will likely result in the followers of Trump to double down in their support. Therefore I resolve to comport myself as the reasonable adult that I am.
Yes, there needs to be a differentiation between those who value character and the truth and those who do not. To recognize and value intellectual constancy and curiosity over vague and fanciful inconsistencies. And to elevate decency and respect for our fellow Americans and eschew racial and religious enmity, untruthfulness and thinly veiled threats of violence.
So what to do?
The art and science of persuasion tells us that short conversations with someone can actually change an individuals position or opinion on even the most polarizing of subject matter. As long as the persuader is sincere in their beliefs, engages in active listening and can communicate how they reached a different decision based upon facts and the truth.
Accord others the same degree of respect as you would expect to receive otherwise we all lack the standing to put a stop to a terrible mistake.
Better to win some hearts and minds, save a great nation and move on to the next election.
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