He told us so

From 2016 to 2020, when Donald Trump was president the first time, he often talked about taking down the “deep state” and exacting revenge on his enemies. It should come as no surprise, in the wake of the 2024 election, that he is already at work doing just what he told us he would do.

Taking apart the government will be chaotic, but he is choosing exactly the right people to help him do it. Too bad Matt Gaetz had so much baggage that even the Republicans tanked his nomination. He would have been so good taking DOJ part. But replacement nominee Bondi has already said she will begin by prosecuting the prosecutors. 

Trump’s cabinet picks are perfect for implementation of the government takedown that has been suggested. (I still find it hard to believe that half of us voted for this.) It is shocking that of all the picks for high level cabinet jobs, Marco Rubio has the most gravitas of any of them. I guess Little Marco got a pass on his previous criticism of Trump. 

The others are hardliners and hawks, who intend to carry out the mass deportation of immigrants with glee. It is not a good time to be brown in America. Or to be a journalist. Or to be gay. This train is out of the station, conductors are being named, and the burning down is beginning. 

This is what happens when people are misinformed. If I am in the loop of right-wing media, I am in an echo chamber. I only see, hear and read what I already know. People have always been easily persuaded. At such a time as this, when critical thinking and broad reading are passe, we are bearing the fruit of those choices. 

With inexperienced and incompetent people tapped to lead powerful organizations like the military, homeland security and the justice system, what could possibly go wrong? Unserious people in serious jobs make bad leaders. Such acolytes will acquiesce to the whim of the exalted leader. We could follow that leader off the cliff. Lemmings are stupid like that.

One has to wonder if the “enemies list” is already written. Jack Smith would be at the top. Fani Willis, Liz Cheney, who else? Revenge may be an exciting television theme, but seeing it played out in the highest places will be hard for half of us to watch. 

There is chatter that those charged and in prison for the January 6 insurrection will be pardoned. Clear abuses of the power of the pardon will not stop Donald Trump. It didn’t before. He will continue to thumb his nose at the law and the half of us who didn’t vote for him will watch in horror. 

Pundits say there is only so much harm that can be done in four years. No one can be sure of that. With Mr. Trump’s talk about a possible third term, and half of America supporting him, he may rule America from now on. Age will ultimately stop him, or at least slow him down but a lot of damage can be done in the meanwhile. 

Stephen Miller will be one of the more dangerous people in the government. He is smart and very right-wing. He is a person to watch. He’s had Mr. Trump’s ear for a long time. 

Wonder what jobs Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, and Mike Flynn will get? I honestly thought General Flynn would be named head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He could wear his uniform and his stars and pretend to love America.

At this point, I am eager to get to Inauguration Day. It will be a farce to see Donald Trump put his hand on the Bible, and pledge to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. Swearing allegiance to that which he intends to destroy is more than disingenuous. He has no compunction about lying. How much of the day will be crafted to be more coronation and less swearing to be a leader for all?

The evidence that Donald Trump flouts the law and carries out his own will is threaded through his entire life. This is not a new Donald. He told us what he would do. Now he has a bigger megaphone and a heavier stick. Hang on and don’t be surprised by anything. 

Lib Campbell is a retired Methodist pastor, retreat leader, columnist and host of the blogsite www.avirtualchurch.com. She can be contacted at libcam05@gmail.com