Rick Perry vs. Donald Trump: “The Modern-Day Incarnation of the Know-Nothing Movement”
If you’ve read Little Green Footballs much, you know I’m no fan of former Texas Governor Rick Perry and his brand of “aw shucks” reactionary conservatism. He’s a creationist, he’s a religious fanatic, he’s rabidly anti-choice, he spews anti-Muslim bigotry on cue like most Republicans. In short, he’s a prototypical right wing caveman.
And now he’s having a massive dude fight with the new caveman on the block, Donald Trump. And that means hilarity, for me and you. Today he gave a speech just slamming the hell out of Trump, calling him “a cancer on conservatism,” among other fun things.
The White House has been occupied by giants. But from time to time it is sought by the small-minded - divisive figures propelled by anger, and appealing to the worst instincts in the human condition.
In times of trouble, there are two types of leaders: repairers of the breach and sowers of discord.
The sower of discord foments agitation, thrives on division, scapegoats certain elements of society, and offers empty platitudes and promises. He is without substance when one scratches below the surface.
He offers a barking carnival act that can be best described as Trumpism: a toxic mix of demagoguery, mean-spiritedness and nonsense that will lead the Republican Party to perdition if pursued.
Let no one be mistaken - Donald Trump’s candidacy is a cancer on conservatism, and it must be clearly diagnosed, excised and discarded.
It cannot be pacified or ignored, for it will destroy a set of principles that has lifted more people out of poverty than any force in the history of the civilized world - the cause of conservatism.
But wait — he isn’t finished yet!
In the 1840’s the “Know Nothings” emerged as a political movement, scapegoating Irish and German immigrants for the problems of the nation.
They were obsessively anti-Catholic, so much so that when the Pope sent marble for the building of the Washington Monument, they smashed it to pieces and helped delay its construction for 35 years.
These people built nothing, created nothing. They existed to cast blame and tear down certain institutions. To give outlet to anger.
Donald Trump is the modern-day incarnation of the know-nothing movement.
He espouses nativism, not conservatism. He is negative when conservatism is inherently optimistic.
He would divide us along bloodlines, when conservatives believe our policies will work for people of all backgrounds.
He has piqued the interest of some Republican voters who have legitimate concerns about a porous border and broken immigration system. But instead of offering those voters leadership or solutions, he has offered fear and soundbites. This cannot stand.
Oh yes, this does my heart good to see the Donald ripping the Republican Party apart at the seams. But make no mistake, what’s really galling people like Rick Perry is that Trump says what the GOP really believes and stands for — just a teensy bit too openly. And so far, he’s winning with that ugly message.
The Republican Party created this Frankenstein’s monster, with years of xenophobic rhetoric and appeals to ignorance. Now he’s at the door, wanting his cookie from the creationists and climate change deniers. The “Know Nothing” party, indeed.