Now, it’s perfectly true that there was never a time in America when everyone just got along beautifully. Our history of racism and xenophobia alone puts the lie to that. But Trump’s intolerance truly is ecumenical in that it could be any group, any individual, any foe or (former) friend at any given moment. It’s entirely self-serving.

It’s making more and more people embrace political violence. The recent American Values Survey from Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) in partnership with the Brookings Institution think tank found that one in three Republicans agree that “because things have gotten so far off track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country” – up from 15% in 2021. (22% of Independents and 13% of Democrats agree, all numbers having increased since 2021.) The truly frightening number is that among those who believe the Big Lie, 46% believe they may resort to violence, as well as 41% of Trump fans and 41% who buy into the “Great Replacement Theory.” 39% of Christian nationalists are ready to take up arms to “save the country.” Those numbers represent tens of millions of Americans.

    • shalafi@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      They don’t think liberals are armed and practiced. I have news…

      And if you’re liberal “vermin”, and you are not armed and practicing basic safety and shooting, why not? The largest gun purchasing demographic for the past few years has been POC, LGBT and women. And they’re asking in my liberal gun circles, “What do I buy? How do I practice safety?” And we go all out to help and advise.

      Y’all libs better pull your head out your ass. I’m a middle-aged white guy, an ally all the way, and I’ll do my damndest to defend you, but my family comes first, country second, and I’m prepared. Sounds like the crazy prepper talk I heard in the 80’s and 90’s. Well. Here we are.

      If “The Committe of Public Safety” comes knocking on my door they will meet a hell storm of buckshot and .45ACP. And yes, it will likely mean my personal extinction. But I’m not getting on a fucking train.

      • CADmonkey@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        Thinking you don’t need to arm yourself, because the police will help, is such a privileged take and it’s hilarious when it’s put forth. “Just take the guns away” say the people who aren’t being targeted by one of the political parties in the US.

      • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        Sorry, I do not think I have the courage to kill anyone and I have very little hand-eye coordination. I don’t care if you have a gun. Just don’t expect me to get one.

        • shalafi@lemmy.world
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          11 months ago

          My god no, my friend, I said that all wrong.

          If you do not wish to pick up arms, I do not want you too.

          You’re #1 weapon is your vote. If that fails, and the right is rigging it to fail, and if things go to hell, you can still be a pacifist and help.

          I invite you to read about Desmond Doss, a personal hero of mine.