The Oligarchy Argument for Trump

In the many, loud, “energetic” discussions I’ve had with Trump voters since the election, I’ve heard one argument multiple times: the oligarchy argument.

“The government is run by puppet masters, and all our elected officials are just dancing on strings.”

(You know this argument by now).

I’m not touching the veracity or truth of this argument with a ten-foot pole. That’s not what this article is about and if you try to argue with me about it in the comments, you’re wasting your time.

My argument is this: BELIEVING IN AN OLIGARCHY BEHIND THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT DOES NOT EXCUSE YOUR VOTE FOR TRUMP.

That’s how it’s always used. “Yeah I voted for Trump, but it honestly doesn’t matter, because shadow government.”

Okay. You still voted for the pussy-grabbing, Muslim banning, wall-building candidate.

If you truly believe it doesn’t matter who you vote for, then don’t vote.

But don’t lend your voice in support of the racist, rapist Cheeto and expect to catch no flak from me about it.

It’s not that I disrespect political apathy—hell, it’s one of the only reasons I support for not voting. I mean true apathy: “I don’t vote, and I don’t care who’s in government and I don’t complain about government because I just live my life.” If you truly don’t care and don’t complain, and don’t vote, I guess I have nothing to say about you.

The oligarchy argument for Trump is not that. You can’t claim political apathy when you’ve participated in the political process.

And as has been said better by other people, you can’t claim not to be racist if you voted for Trump.

Shadow government or not, you put your name and filled in your box next to the modern walking embodiment of racism, ableism and misogyny.

Don’t talk to me about the oligarchy. It isn’t even about the government at this point. It’s about you.

Whether or not there’s people pulling the strings of our government—and again, I’m not saying there is or isn’t, so don’t start—tens of millions of voices around the country showed their support for the views Trump has been espousing for more than a year now.

That has directly led to a surge of racist, sexist violence, along with anti-Semitism and KKK celebrations.

This isn’t about the oligarchy or any shadow governments. This is is about you and your fellow citizens.

And right now, you and your fellow citizens are kind of acting like assholes.