I Was A Trump Troll — Here’s Why I Joined The #BlueWave
Photo courtesy of Nikki Casey. Image by Nikki Casey
By David Weissman November 12, 2018
I used to be a Trump supporter, even a Trump troll. But in the past several months, my eyes have been opened to the true nature of President Trump’s base — and of President Trump himself.
In the past, I’ve always relied on conservative pundits for answers. As a Jew, I cared a lot about who they claimed supported Israel the most, and their conclusions used to be a deciding factor in who I voted for.
But this year, I have decided to keep Israel out of the picture when I vote. A person can be “pro-Israel” and anti-Semitic at the same time. Though there is a spiritual connection between the land of Israel and Jews in America, liberal Jews are able to separate support for Israel and American politics, and I now see the importance of that. With the rise in anti-Semitism, the dog and pony show in Israel is just not worth the lives lost in America.
After learning to decipher the news for myself, and after many hard conversations with many conservatives and liberals — including Sarah Silverman — I have learned that you shouldn’t take a pundit at their word. It’s good and healthy to question everything and to be skeptical of partisan “journalists.” I started to ask myself why there were so many more experts cited in most traditional media outlets than ever appeared on Fox News or in other smaller conservative outlets.
I have also learned that a lot of liberal values do match Jewish values, which surprised me. I have also learned that the majority of liberal Democrats fight racism and sexism and fight for basic human rights without an agenda, regardless of what conservative outlets say. Many American liberals hope America can still be the land of opportunity for immigrants and native-born Americans alike. Liberals fight for LGBT rights, for acceptance and equality for all.
I have learned life is not so black and white. I have realized that while Trump has been pushing one version of American culture, America consists of many wonderful cultures, which makes this country unique, and more importantly, a Democracy.
Free speech is a right for all Americans, not just for your base or for those that agree with you, and the president (of all people) shouldn’t interfere with that right.
Instead of taking a conservative pundit’s word as to what the 2nd amendment implies, I researched and found that gun policies Democrats advocate actually fits what is written in the Constitution.
I believe the NRA enables mass shootings when they threaten politicians, and I believe that they prioritize a selfish agenda over saving lives of American citizens.
I have learned through dialogue with Muslims that many are wonderful people and have contributed to society, and that their religion is not a hateful ideology like Conservative media claims to be.
I am now pro-choice because women should have the right to choose what they do with their body.
It’s been an overwhelming, exciting and challenging several months of nonstop learning about politics, people and world events, and all of this couldn’t have come at a better time. I am proud to say for the first time in my life, I voted as a Democrat — as do the majority of American Jews.
I’m proud to be counted among them.
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