Unpacking the Impact and Lessons of the MAGA Movement for Americans
Make no mistake, the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement is a potent force in American politics. With a staggering 74.2 million votes for former President Trump in the 2020 election, their influence cannot be denied. Regardless of personal opinions on their platform and actions, it's crucial to recognize their significance. Yet, beyond the media's portrayal of extremism, what values and beliefs underpin their support for the former president? What lessons can we glean from their movement that might contribute to the betterment of the United States and foster unity? This article will explore the nuanced aspects of the MAGA Movement, shedding light on potential areas of benefit and avenues for national cohesion.
This article is proudly presented by the Middle Class Party. Our mission is clear: to cultivate an America united by pragmatic solutions and solidarity, transcending divisions. In our steadfast dedication to empowering everyday Americans, this article takes its place within our ongoing series aimed at revitalizing the vision of our founding fathers
What MAGA Gets Right
The MAGA movement does have some policies that if properly implemented, could have a positive impact on the United States.
Immigration
It's undeniable that the United States is grappling with an unparalleled border crisis. Our courts are inundated with asylum claims, and the influx of migrants entering the country shows no signs of abating, placing immense strain on the resources and capacities of border patrol agents. The current situation is clearly unsustainable. The MAGA policies of halting immigration, deportation, making asylum more difficult and ending Temporary Protected Status programs just make sense.
Economic Policy
Under President Trump, the U.S. economy demonstrated notable strength leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The economy thrived with low inflation and job growth, continuing a trend that had begun under President Obama. By the end of Obama’s presidency, the nation had seen 76 consecutive months of job growth, a streak that persisted into Trump’s term. In 2019, the unemployment rate fell to a historic low of 3.5%, the lowest level in 50 years.
Additionally, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 introduced a significant overhaul of the tax code, reducing the corporate tax rate to 21%. This legislation was designed to spur economic activity and increase consumer spending, which it initially did by providing individuals with more after-tax income. The stock market also reached new heights, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average soaring to 30,000 in 2020, reflecting investor confidence.
The economy experienced robust job creation during this period, with wage growth rising in 2018 and 2019. The TCJA likely played a role in raising U.S. capital investment and stimulating spending, creating an environment ripe for economic expansion. However, it’s essential to recognize that much of this growth was a continuation of the post-Great Recession recovery initiated during the previous administration.
Anti-Woke Common Sense Ideas
While acknowledging the importance of addressing issues like racism, sexism, and homophobia, it's concerning to observe the growing radicalism within the woke movement. What began as a means to shed light on genuine societal concerns has, regrettably, taken a trajectory that poses more harm than good to our nation. The erosion of free speech, the integration of identity-focused curriculum into education, and the dominance of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in workplaces have all contributed to heightened polarization and bitterness, rather than fostering genuine solutions.
If you seek to debate any of these programs, you are instantly shut down and shunned. The MAGA movement is anti-woke and rightfully so.
Where MAGA Is Wrong
Despite the fact that the MAGA movement can provide some helpful initiatives to our country, the MAGA movement is dead wrong when it comes to certain issues
Denying Election Results
A CNN poll has shown that 69% of Republicans and Republican-leaners say that President Biden’s presidential win was not legitimate. This percentage has continued to rise since the 2020 election. Time and time again, cries of election fraud have been disproven due to the lack of any clear evidence.
Interrupting The Peaceful Transfer of Power
The peaceful transfer of power stands as a cornerstone of our nation's democratic principles. This solemn ritual, where one president gracefully relinquishes authority to another, symbolizes our commitment to the rule of law and the collective will of the electorate. It reinforces the fundamental notion that governance is guided by the people's choice, not the whims of any single leader. The events of the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack intended to undermine this process.
Supporting Political Violence
Surveys conducted by the National Library of Medicine among MAGA supporters have found that MAGA Republicans are more likely than others to endorse political violence. While they are not more willing to engage in such violence themselves; their endorsement of political violence may increase the risk that it will occur.
Harmful Rhetoric
The MAGA movement is often characterized by its confrontational nature. This combative stance has fostered an environment where controversial and harmful rhetoric thrives. This rhetoric is perceived as racist, sexist, homophobic, and xenophobic.
We Need To Come Together
No political movement is perfect but the reality is that we all must coexist within this nation. It's imperative that we are able to have a political discussion and debate to move our country forward. We must be able to compromise for the effective functioning of our democracy so that we may pave the way for solutions that benefit all Americans.
If you're weary of incessant bickering, unfulfilled promises, and the divisive polarization plaguing our political landscape, it's time to join our cause. The Middle Class Party offers a platform rooted in practicality, aimed at uplifting Americans and fortifying our nation's resilience. We staunchly oppose the sway of career politicians, lobbyists, and corporate interests, championing instead the voices and ambitions of ordinary citizens.
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