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I spent the last weeks of summer 2020 on America’s roadways. It’s weird to say, but I have actually enjoyed some time on I-95. I have also ridden many miles on I-64 and cherished the trek to NC-12 like I do every year.
Exploring the surroundings of Smith Mountain Lake, VA, through West Virginia to Lexington, KY and then out and back to Nags Head, NC this year, I observed something different. I noticed Trump / Pence signs. Loads of them. Small and BIG ones. Everywhere.
Most recently, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, as I parked my chair in the sand upon my arrival at the rental beach house I would call home for the following week. In that moment where I started to exhale the last 6 months of busy and tired, I saw a plane, pulling a sign: Make America Great Again. Are you fucking kidding me?
When the “checking out” process normally begins upon my arrival in the OBX, my brain started to spin: Who is flying that plane? Who is paying for this flight? Am I going to have to look at this all week? (Luckily it was the only one I saw in the sky all week).
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The next morning, I walked out of the beach house for my daily steps, heading North on the beach road. Within minutes of my driveway, I observed the following…
And the next day, walking in the other direction…
I wasn’t surprised anymore, I was blown away.
These families brought their Trump gear to display on their vacation. If I were saying this in real life, I would pause for effect after to. display. on. their. vacation.
Think about it: they. planned. for. this.
For visual effect, here is what a “somewhat normal couple” from Northern Virginia’s packing for a week at the beach looks like in the back of a big Japanese truck.
Beyond all the things a family brings to the beach, these individuals thought to remind each other: “Hey Karen, honey, don’t forget the Trump flag!“
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After all the mental gymnastics I went through, I came to the realization that Trump supporters are, simply put, fanatics. They are mega proud to show their affiliation to and support of the current American President. They are everywhere and they are loud.
And like fanatics do, I’m pretty certain they are gonna come out to vote hard, in droves and together on November 3rd. Because beyond showing their support, they are gonna act on it. They have to: you don’t put it out like that and then no-show when it counts.
So I’m scared. I don’t want 4 more years of this shit. Of being embarrassed to have a disrespectful man in power.
If you are a Trump supporter, I respect your right to your opinion.
If, like me, you aren’t, beyond engaging in a conversation, you have to take a simple action: VOTE.
The narrative of change, dialogues and discussions some of us are engaging in are definitely needed and a great start, but change doesn’t happen without action.
Our next best action is to vote.
I take my earned right to vote in the US very seriously and I plan to stay off the streets on November 3rd. I’ll be sticking it to 45 and voting by mail.
Will you join me?
Say something, go ahead!