Rising Water
“It may be a species of impudence to think that the way you understand God is the way God is.”
― Joseph Campbell, Thou Art That: Transforming Religious Metaphor
Speaking of the increase of "christian nationalism" in our country, and with Dylan's "Watching the River Flow" in mind, I'd like to attemp a "threat evaluation" as we head into both the mid-term elections and the likely criminal prosecution of Donald J. Trump. For we are heading into uncharted territory, and need to cross this river to get back to a place where there is democracy and the rule of law.
We've all seen film of unfortunate examples of someone attempting to drive across a flooded stream when a hard rai has fallen, only to get stuck. Those most familiar with the natural world recognize it is impossible to find safe crossing when a river has overflowed its banks. For it is safer -- though not necessarily "safe" -- to cross it before it crests. And that is where we are at now.
We sense the gathering storm. In some ways, it appears like other storms we have either witnessed, or learned about in human history. In early April of this year, Samuel Perry and Jemar Tisby published the book, "The Flag + the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy." It is perhaps the most accurate forecast available to us at this time.
That the Trump cult views Donald as a religious figure brings to mind what Campbell was speaking of. They are convinced that they are now in a holy war, with God on their side. That "god," of course, is the group's combined projection of their self-righteousness. We see this in their portraits of a white Jesus. And we saw it on January 6, with Trump flags, conderate flags, "Don't Tread on Me" flags, christian flags, and the prayer to their imaginary Jesus in the Senate chambers.
When a group of people are convinced that they are in a holy war, with God on their side, it is much like a bend in a flloding river. While the surface water at the edge of the outside of the bend often appears the calmest, it is actualy where the undertows are strongest. But, before we consider what constitutes both sides of this bend, there is one more issue to consider.
Polls indicate that a growing number of people find the threats to democracy to be the most important issue facing our country at this time. This includes many who think we are approaching -- if not already in -- a civil war. Likewise, there are those who think a civil war is unlikely, either because it is not a fully geographic divide, or because the white christian nationalist Trump cult could not win such a war. That their forces are too small.
It is always risky to attempt to apply rational thinking to the motivations of those who are convinced they are engaged in a holy war. More, it would be an error in thinking to limit the concept of "civil war" to the north versus south experience in our nation's past. The proper model would be much more like "the Troubles" in Ireland. For that matter, the Ku Klux Klan was a white christian nationalist outfit, not unlike the cult members involved in the January 6 insurrection.
We know the Grand Lizard of the current members. We know he lit the fuse to set off the January 6 powder keg. And we see that there are two current powder kegs that he will attempt to set off if the DOJ and the Georgia criminal investigations lead to his being indicted. On the surface, the potential federal case may appear larger than the Georgia case, in terms of a powder keg. But I think otherwise.
Republicans in office would be less likely to support Trump if the document case continues to uncover what is the worst case scenario. Some will, of course. Maybe many. Either way, it would fracture their party. Fewer republican voters would be okay with Trump sharing classified intelligence with Russia, for example. But almost, if not all, will stick with Trump if he is indicted in Georgia.
If he is indicted by the DOJ, the task of bringing him to court --after attempts to delay -- than if he is charged in Georgis, while living in Florida. The role of governors may be important. Is DeSantis going to have his state cooperate with officials in Georgia? If Kemp wins the election in Georgia, might he pardon Trump? And what will the maga response be if Stacey Abrams becomes governor when Trump is tried? Isn't a state court a softer target than a federal court?
There are a lot of very important elections this November.
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