Chapter 1: The State of Knowledge in Trump’s America

I find myself genuinely concerned about the future of the United States. In the era of Donald Trump, we appear to be engulfed by a culture that dismisses intellectualism. We are surrounded by individuals who take pride in their ignorance, attacking those who possess knowledge and disregarding factual information. How can we reverse this trend?

A quick glimpse at a Trump rally or a scroll through a pro-Trump Facebook group illustrates the current climate we face. If a news report doesn't align with their views, it's branded as fake news and widely accepted as such. When they encounter a political rival they disapprove of, they resort to childish nicknames and label them as unpatriotic or traitorous. Investigations that challenge their beliefs are simply dismissed as witch hunts, losing all significance in their eyes.

Approximately half of the American electorate seems to have abandoned the value of facts, opting instead for sensational headlines and memes that reinforce their biases, regardless of their truthfulness. This group not only celebrates one another but also their leader, ignoring the actualities around them. They’ve constructed their own reality, where willful ignorance has fostered personal truths to which they remain steadfast.

How can we return to a society where facts are respected and education is esteemed? I truly don’t have the answers. Sharing a meme or a misleading headline requires significantly less effort than seeking out the truth. This behavior is reminiscent of highly religious circles, where many participants are often the same individuals. Instead of seeking the truth, they gravitate towards simpler narratives that provide comfort. Just as religious texts caution against alternative explanations for existence, Trump has persuaded his supporters that anyone who contradicts him is spreading falsehoods or is untrustworthy.

And when did we start to have “followers” of a president? When did it become commonplace for a sitting president to host rallies outside of a campaign? Such behavior is typical of narcissistic dictators, not leaders of democratic nations.

We find ourselves in grave circumstances, yet we lack a serious leader. Strangely enough, our elected officials seem reluctant to address this situation, fearing it might jeopardize their positions. But if your role involves defending a self-absorbed liar, what’s admirable about that? I certainly wouldn’t want a job that compels me to eliminate every reflective surface in my home out of dread of what I might see.

End of thoughts. Wishing everyone well.

Chapter 2: The Disconnect from Reality

In the following video, titled "Trump is apparently incoherent, ranting & raving ahead of debate," we see how the current political landscape can often feel chaotic and disorganized. The video explores how Trump's erratic behavior contributes to the public's perception of him.

The second video, "Donald Trump: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)," offers a satirical yet insightful look at Trump's presidency and the consequences of the prevailing culture that favors ignorance over informed discussion.