Why I Could Not Ever Vote for Trump

I am a white female as well. Christian. Formerly committed republican (see “pro-life” section), now independent. 

Also, I would like to state from the outset that I am not a Clinton supporter, but I will be voting for her. Because... I would never, EVER consider voting for Donald Trump, and I am disheartened that smart, reasonable republicans are rationalizing away their initial disgust with this man enough to vote for him, and I would like to explain why.

1.       The character issue- sure, we as Americans don’t look to the president as the moral beacon of the country, but the president of the US is the leader of the strongest country in the world. So to take all that Trump has said publically and say “oh, it’s fine, we aren’t looking for upstanding moral character anyways” is to say that divisive, hate-filled rhetoric is really harmless and alright by us, so long as it keeps the country in the right political balance. The nation is asking all those people who were the butt of his slurs- women (although apparently not all women are offended to the point of disgust), Mexicans, Hispanics and latinos who were disrespectfully addressed as ‘Mexicans’, POWs, ‘the African americans,’, and Muslims- to allow their dignity and humanity to take one for the team in the name of restoring political balance.  Also, it’s no secret that Trump’s candidacy seems like it was the product of hijacking by America’s extremely angry republicans, and this is NOT the voice that the party would have chosen to represent itself if it was as unified as it wants to be. In this case, to really ‘look at the big picture’ means republicans need to swallow this loss, get themselves together with a strong rebrand and updated, unambiguous stances, and then try again in 4 years. Electing this man would affirm that division, hate speech and fear mongering are ‘telling it like it is’ are the way to victory for the GOP, and this would definitely set a precedent for the direction in which the party continues to move. What about that big picture?

Also, with the notes on sexual misbehavior, if by “Hillary reduced jail time for rapists” you are referring to the Kathy Shelton case, she was forced to take on the defendant, and the sentence was reduced due to a plea deal because the evidence was botched. Trump has made it out like she was victory hungry at any expense, and ‘mocked’ the girl by laughing while talking about it, but please fact check this. It is simply not true. Furthermore, it is a DAMN shame that he is brought these women to the debate with him like props. I am in no way condoning or agreeing with or even denying her handling of her husband's sexual exploits, but those were her husband's, not hers, and I believe all the derogatory statements she made about the women were made in private conversations, not in public forums. But feel free to correct me if I am wrong. 

2.       National Security- Clinton’s plan for receiving more refugees includes screening, and is not a free-for-all welcome party as some see it. Also, let’s not forget that, although he is describing it as ‘intense vetting,’ Trump’s security plan was to ban ALL MUSLIMS from entering the U.S. Which, apparently, he is constitutionally allowed to do. Also, Trump’s unbridled angry tongue, coupled with his complete lack of humility and inability to apologize or admit wrong is, in my eyes, as imminent a national security risk as any other. Offering to “blow away” 3 Iranians for mocking US sailors is not putting America’s safety first. And let’s not brush this off as tongue-in-cheek. Trump will start more conflicts with his bullying and untamed tongue his ‘vetting process’ will ever stop.

Also, sure, you can say that the second amendment is a fine way of keeping US citizens safe. But Trump has the NRA in his back pocket. Enough said.

3.       Economics- I have heard fact checks that say one thing, and financial analysts that say another about tax plans. It does seem like Trump’s tax plan will decrease taxes for everyone, and I can get behind that, but he has yet to explain how programs funded through tax money will continue receiving those funds.

I do, however, heartily disagree with your statement that many of the wealthy got where they are through "hard work and smart business practices". True, they probably had these elements, but DO NOT propagate the lie that these are a recipe for richness in America. You also need a strong upper-middle class family who will raise you with an awareness of financial responsibility and a supportive home, a college education (most likely financed in part by said family, unless you somehow become wealthy whilst strapped with college loans), the privilege of second chances, and whiteness. Oh, and a cut-throat business ethic that puts profit above humanity. Trickle-down economics worked in the Reagan era for white, upper middle class families, while furthering the chasm between rich and poor to make it virtually unbridgeable. So returning to this will keep this balance of wealthy on top, poor on the bottom.

Also, if we’re talking big picture here, giving those at the bottom a leg up in the way of opportunities is the real success maker.  People who complain about those who rely on public assistance are also those who criticize subsidized housing, health care, and higher education. HOW ON EARTH are people born into poverty supposed to escape the cycle if they are never given assistance for long enough to create stability? I could talk for days about this, so if you have questions, feel free to contact me.

ALSO you are saying that people at the top employ others, so taxing them at a higher rate is punishing them. No. In this world, high income companies are looking for ways to make more money, and as technology becomes more capable, don’t think they aren’t replacing human jobs with technology. These are the same corporations fighting the movement to raise the minimum wage. They are all spreading this lie that the would have to fire employees by raising the minimum wage. What bullshit. No, it just means CEOs and board members would make a few less dollars.

4  The supreme court- The president isn’t the only person responsible for selecting the SC judges. They must also be confirmed by the Senate. So if republicans are really worried about this, they should vote in some decent senators to confirm or reject those who they do or do not agree with.  Plus, I don't believe that Trump would even nominate judges who represent conservative values. Be honest, he himself does not represent conservative values outside of his economic policies, and he is so unpredictable that it's hard to say who he would actually choose.

5   Abortion- Being pro-life is not just about abortion in isolation. Pro life is about human value in it’s entirety, from conception to death. Republicans view the defunding of Planned Parenthood as this golden ticket to saving babies everywhere. But they failed to explain that it also took access to quality health care away from women, and this essential health care access allowed many more babies to live then abortions killed.  Did you know that abortion rates dropped during the Obama and Clinton administration, and rose while they were under Republican administrations? I didn’t either, until I started researching! As a pro-life supporter, I have read many articles and blogs on this, but find this one to be the most helpful on why Clinton is the best choice for pro life policies.

Furthermore, to say that Mike Pence is a man of strong character and faith is a statement that was disproven by his response to Trump after the second debate. He tried to hold a strong position on national security, Trump disagreed, and Pence simply said he was proud to be standing by this man. Trump is going to walk all over any upstanding character you see in him.

Finally, I don't typically engage in political debate online, and certainly not with people I don't know, but my heart is legitimately breaking over people who are betraying their consciences and supporting this man 'in the name of the big picture.' Maybe it's because I am an independent, but I can't believe that party loyalty is worth the cost of reinforcing the idea that it's okay to disparage whole people groups, and that is the message we are sending our future nation.