Well, I agree and disagree with what you wrote. I think you are correct in stating that Americans want someone not beholden to special interests, speaks their mind and loves his country and wants it to be great again. I also think you are correct in the last part about the sea change that is happening (on many levels, actually).
I disagree on the part about Trump being conservative. Yes, he is to a degree. But it’s the degree that he’s not that is a concern for me and I think others as well. Some of his statements and past practices show a guy who is more a pragmatist than true conservative. He may be fiscally conservative and that is great but… when I think about a Supreme Court nomination that Trump might make, I have no confidence in him at all to pick a constitutionalist or to even recognize a real conservative for the post - he might - but I think it would be more accident if he actually picked one.
When you look at the level of corruption in our nation from the president, Congress all the way down to school board member and dog catcher what seems to be clear is that we are a lawless nation and we don’t seem to mind it that much - or enough to seek to change it. What institutions in our nation today produce men and women of character and integrity? I think that question would give most Americans pause and answers and the actual importance of it would escape them. It used to be families, schools and churches - but no more. We’re modern now and don’t need that outdated stuff. Well, where are the individuals that can’t be compromised when and if they are elected to positions of public trust. Those that will do the right thing, not take bribes, not seek power for its own sake or to use it for corrupt purposes. Many start out good - but don’t stay that way. Why not? Because they have no meaningful core values that inform their choices. We believe Trump has core values, just not the ones we value. He has money so, yes, he’s not all that tempted by it - and that is good, but in other areas he’s still vulnerable.
We need moral men and women more than we need economic reforms. What good will a better economy and more jobs do if we are still a nation of liars and thieves? Well, we’ll be richer liars and thieves but how will that make America great again? Lots of people think morality and the “social issues” don’t matter that much and it’s just the Bible thumpers hyperventilating again so we can ignore them and get on with the really “important stuff” - like making money. Our morality, good or bad, will always be at the base of everything else we seek to do. And it will certainly be at the heart of who we are.
Islam is gaining converts hand over fist because its adherents believe with all their heart that their religion is the truth. They are willing to die for their beliefs. Americans used to be as passionate about Christianity. Not so much anymore. Like Europe, churches are turning into museums and like Europe we believe in mostly nothing today - and it shows all across our culture. We still believe that money and success will fulfill us. The lack of morality is a big part of why our country is where it is at present. We have lost our ability to discern good and evil (remember, Obama was elected twice).
A Trump presidency, and I will vote for him if he wins the nomination, will be a very mixed bag in my opinion and I know I am not alone in my distrust of his “conservative bonafides.”
“It amazes me that the Cruz people on here don’t understand that Trump is exactly what we’ve been asking for for years.”
No, I think they understand that perfectly. It’s just that, as good as those things are, they know that America needs more than what he’s offering. Neither Trump, nor Cruz for that matter, will save America. I think that understanding is what separates the two choices. At best, the descent into the pit will just be delayed a little. I think most Cruz supporters understand that difference. Unless we are turned around morally we are toast. We just see Cruz being able to help in that department better than Donald and we like that he’s a Constitutional scholar. Trump’s offer is more of a “pain free” way to fix America - “We’ll build a wall, we’ll create more jobs, we’ll fix the banks, I can deal with Putin and China, it’ll be fun - just sit back and watch me!” Cruz supporters know and understand that any attempt at a fix will be painful. To fight real evil costs a lot - reread our history. The socialists, communists, free-riders and jihadists will not ceed ground without blood being spilt. Freedom costs a lot. “Our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” We (maybe I should just say I), believe Cruz has the beliefs, the values, and the relationship with his God for the long haul against the corruption and evil that’s in our nation - more so than Trump. So... flame away!
No need for anyone to flame away at you. I appreciate the post and your thoughts. Ted is my #2 guy and if not Trump, would be more than happy to vote for him. Would actually like to see a Trump/Cruz ticket. But that said, Cruz does trouble me on a few levels. Mostly in that I feel he is more of an insider than he claims, and he is, a career politician. Now that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a good conservative President, just saying I think he may not be as reliable as some would hope. I agree that Cruz is more of the strict Constitutionalist, but I do think Trump will be able to get things done, either by force of will or force of public opinion. Another reason I think a Trump/Cruz ticket would be good.