Too Informed

I get most of my news from Newshour and reliable Internet sources.  I find the PBS program usually represents both sides of an issue.  But last night's program gave a very false impression of voters in North Carolina.  They interviewed a family of devoted DJT supporters.  And while the people definitely represent the stereotypical DJT supporters in NC, they do not represent mainstream North Carolina.  And Newshour did not have anyone on the program who supported any other candidate in our primary.  To their credit, they did indicate the segment was intended to be a profile of Trump voters in NC.  But it did not focus on other Trump supporters, only this family.

The overwhelming theme of the three-generation family interviewed was this common one, "He tells it like it is."  The family Newshour focused on is barely making ends meet and they see DJT as their best hope of improving their lot in life because, as they said, "He has always been a good businessman."  It became rather clear that the family knew little about the man they so strongly support except that he is tired of political correctness.  The family is tired of having to make any accomodation to the language and ethnicity of "outsiders."  They should learn English and conform to the American way if they want to live here.  They are not concerned about the treatment of protesters at the DJT rallies.  They are tired of hearing "black lives matter."  The family prayed together, "Father God, we thank you that you are going to  use Donald Trump for your glory and your kingdom oh Father God.  Amen."  The patriarch of the family has never worked on a campaign before.  The thirty-three year old daughter-in-law has never voted before.  Her husband has always been a registered Democrat.  Yet all three and other members of the family are volunteering in the DJT office.  Even the 11-year-old grandson was kept out of school to make phone calls on behalf of the candidate.  If you missed the interview on Newshour, you can access it (HERE).
[LATE ENTRY:  Someone pointed out that the tattoos on the hands of the woman are in fact white supremacy and Nazi in nature.  I had not recognized them but I think their presence explains a lot about her and her beliefs.] 

I have no problem with supporters of any candidate as long as they are informed about who the candidate is and what positions the candidate takes.  And this should include some information about his or her plans for being President of the United States.  I support everyone's right to believe in different approaches to government's roles than I do.  But I do have a problem with voters who enjoy the rhetoric and drama.  Who enjoy the blunt, often rude words of a candidate and see that as the most important quality that draws them to the candidate.

So the primary votes here in NC are over and DJT overwhelmingly won the Republican Primary.  Perhaps the family can now go home until the process is complete and they have a candidate who is nominated.

All right.  I admit it.  My other two sources for news are from John Oliver and Samantha Bee.  But I do recognize that they generally focus on my own point of view.  And I know their "news" is one-sided.  But they do indeed "tell it like it is." Perhaps I'm not so different from the NC family interviewed on Newshour.  Just another side of the same coin.

Whether or not my views on politics are accurate, and whether or not they are in agreement with yours, I do make them based on finding as much information as I can.  And I do listen to opposing viewpoints even when it might be painful.  And I do try to understand the other points of view.  I'm rather like my little cartoon friend.  Whom I still miss very much.

Here in NC we can breathe a sigh of relief.  The phones will be more silent for a while.  We will no longer overhear political conversations in the grocery store.  At least for a while.  And life on the mountains will go on.  And we will enjoy it.