By Carol Lucas
“Land of the free and home of the brave.”
These are words from the “Star-Spangled Banner” by Frances Scott Key. Most interpret them to mean that this country prides itself on the freedom and bravery of the citizens here.
With very few days left until we cast our votes in what I believe is the most crucial election in my lifetime, there is a very vital question posed in our national anthem, one crying out to be answered.
Will the future of the United States, as envisioned and openly stated by Donald Trump and his followers, be “the land of the free?” And the second part of that question: will we citizens who abhor Trump’s vision come forward bravely and in sufficient numbers to preserve that freedom?
In “the dawn’s early light,” the dawn of Nov. 6, 2024, will those “broad stripes and bright stars” retain the meaning that they previously held?
Over the past months I have been very consistent about where I stand with regard to the former president. Yes, I have been flippant, sarcastic, derisive, scornful, mocking, all of which pretty well describes my feelings about Trump.
Now I am going to be serious, very serious. I’m going to try to move from mockery to cold, hard facts in an effort to convince some of you (who may still be on the fence) to do what you never thought you would do, and that is vote for a Democrat. No, let me rephrase because that statement doesn’t really correctly give voice to this crucial issue.
Instead, please consider this as a vote for keeping our democracy safe, a democracy that is the envy of the world.
If you are a true conservative, and I understand why you are, although I may not agree with some of the tenets of your convictions, you will take note of those folks who are of the same political stripe as yours, highly thought-of in conservative circles, who are lining up behind Harris.
Do they believe in all of her policies? Emphatically, no! But they recognize the danger Trump poses to our lives as we know them now, and they are putting country above party.
Please know that I, as a registered Democrat (although I consider myself to be an Independent), would cast my vote for Liz Cheney or Adam Kinzinger in a heartbeat. I recognize their ability to lead, not dictate. Furthermore, I see merit in some aspects of their thinking.
Consider the number of Trump’s former administration who have called him “unfit” and are supporting the Democratic candidate. General Mark Milley, as his Joint Chief of Staff, called Trump “fascist to the core.” Others in the military referred to him as a danger to our country.
Beaufort is a military town. We know that Trump holds great disdain for the military, calling them “suckers and losers.” Let’s not forget his insults to John McCain, one of the finest conservatives that ever served our country. And then there is, “I need generals like Hitler had.” Unless you, as military personnel or a spouse of someone in the military, agree with these comments, how can you even think of voting for someone who holds you in such contempt?
I would have to ask my editor for a full page, and then some, to list all of the proven transgressions and illegalities filed under Donald Trump’s name. Over 30,000 provable lies … do you really want a known liar holding the highest office in our country? Can you possibly think that other countries won’t lose respect for us?
And for those who want to tout his economic business acuity, please remember he increased the national debt by $8 trillion and declared bankruptcy seven times. Trump University was a sham … the list is endless.
Donald Trump’s involvement with dictators underscores his desire to become one. Consider his willingness to believe Putin over his own U.S. intelligence community? Think about the fact that he also secretly sent COVID tests to Putin at the onset of the pandemic when these were difficult for our own citizens to obtain. He denied this, but Russia confirmed it.
Remember, too, the love letters from North Korea’s Kim, and Trump’s praise for a group of Neo-Nazis as “very fine people?”
His offenses are beyond anything our history books have documented. The damage that was done in his first administration with his Supreme Court appointments (with no small amount of help from Mitch McConnell) probably cannot be rectified for years. That said, he must not be allowed to continue to wield that wrecking ball again.
The national anthem refers to “the perilous fight.” I might suggest that once more we are engaged in such a struggle. If you don’t understand that this time it is not about policy, God help you, and God help us. I am not one to beg, but I am making an impassioned plea. Please, please consider what is at stake in this election: very simply, your country, as well as the future of those loved ones who will come after you.
Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”
