‘Toon and text by John Auchter
Here’s a theory that might help to unify us in these difficult times: What all Americans really, really hate is to be a sucker. Whatever else we disagree on — politics, ideology, economics, dessert toppings, the truth — a common bond is that nobody likes being a sucker.
I think that had an enormous effect on getting Trump elected. Consider this: Many white folks who felt disenfranchised (a fancy word for feeling like a sucker) voted. Many black folks who felt disenfranchised didn’t vote. A little amplification by the electoral college, and — boom! — the GOP wins.
And as I say in the cartoon (literally, that’s me), my inclination is to respect the results. I’m good American. I believe in our system of government. I want to play along. But based on Paul Ryan’s habit of continuously abandoning his moral convictions, Mitch McConnell’s unrelenting enthusiasm for not doing his job (until now), and Donald Trump’s entire life history, I have some reservations. I share with you, my fellow Americans, your same passion: I. Don’t. Want. To. Be. A. Sucker.
That makes sense, right? I mean, whether you are for or against the objectives of the Republican party, you can at least understand my desire to resist. Yes? No? Well, in any case, you decide. Because that’s another thing we Americans really, really hate: Being told what to think.
John Auchter draws cartoons. Lots and lots of them. You can find them at his incredibly popular website auchtoon.com. You can also find his stuff on Michigan Public Radio’s website under Opinion.
Jim says
I respect your opinion about being a good American and all but being a great American means you have the right to disagree with the politicians that are going to run this country. Both parties turned out to be the suckers in the end. Republicans that elected a lying self serving women hating bigot. The dems were just as bad for putting up a candidate that had a lot of old baggage. The bad thing is that the thought they had it won. But in the end I guess I am just not a great Amercan. I cannot get behind a president that treats people the way he does. I have two daughters and two granddaughters and to think that what he said about what he can do to women is just not acceptable. When it was all said and done in the eyes of the politicians we were all suckers.
Tom says
I have this idea for two college sweatshirts, hoodies or whatever. John, you can design them:
1. A shirt for The Electoral College, Founded 1789, Class of 2016,
2. A shirt for Trump University, with a Latin Motto, maybe Numquam Nusquam Sine Lemnisco Tuborum, which means, “Never Go Anywhere Without Duct Tape.”
We need appropriate Trump Administration apparel!
Tom says
Or, another Latin motto for Trump University might be Contubator Sed Locuples. That means, “Bankrupt But Rich.”
Ernie Davis says
Looks like sore losers to me!
Tom says
That Electoral College funding date should be 1787, not 1789.
Tom says
Founding
Cathy says
So with you, Jim . My faith (& having daughers) calls me to speak out against evil . What he says is not acceptable on any level. You are a ‘great American ‘ for fighting for better, esp for those that are marginalized , fearful, or targets of hate.
Keith Spaulding says
Jim –
Pre-election, I entered a FB post saying I could never support Trump because of his views on and treatment of women. “I have a wife and two daughters,” I reasond.
I had to delete the post, as it inspired a maelstrom of female Trumpeters saying things like “I’m a grandmother with daughters and granddaughters, and I’m supporting Trump!”
Sigh…
Keith Spaulding says
*reasoned