As a Washington, D.C. resident, I have dealt with many pests, including rats, roaches, and bedbugs. However, the worst pests are those suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome, or TDS.
I believe that Trump Derangement Syndrome stems from the need for approval. If someone doesn’t agree with the opinion that he’s the devil incarnate, they are often ostracized, ridiculed, and treated like a non person. I learned this the hard way while living in D.C., where 92% of the population voted for Joe Biden. Because I don’t support liberal causes, I am immediately labeled as bigoted, xenophobic, misogynistic, and patriarchal — and then condemned.
Those suffering from this syndrome find comfort in knowing millions of unhappy people share their sheep-like devotion to despising the former president. Their rage towards Americans who support Trump closes their eyes to the harm their contempt for society has done to their physical and mental well-being.
I avoid discussing Donald Trump to prevent heated arguments and losing friends. I’ve already lost customers and don’t want to lose any more. I should stick to bartending and talking about hot wings instead of politics.
However, they often swarm around me like flies on a hot summer day, sharing the latest schemes to arrest, take down, or prevent Trump from running for re-election. When bugs start to irritate me, there are sprays to get rid of them, but unfortunately, there is no repellent to keep Trump detractors from incessantly bugging me about him.
I remain optimistic. But at times, I encounter individuals whose hatred for Trump has become so intense it reminds me of stumbling upon an animal with rabies. These individuals seethe with anger and foam at the mouth, leaving an indelible impression on me.
A month ago, I was at my favorite café, sipping my coffee and reading the newspaper on my laptop. Suddenly, a regular customer of Street Sense approached me and started talking about Trump. She had conspiracy theories about him, but I wasn’t interested in discussing politics. I didn’t want to be rude, but I didn’t ask for her opinion on Trump. Things took a turn for the worse when she suggested that I write a column condemning Trump or else she would stop buying from me. I was taken aback. Did she think I would lose my apartment if she didn’t give me a few dollars or didn’t buy the paper from me? Not only are people who suffer from TDS delusional, but they are also narcissistic. I felt like telling her to take her business elsewhere, but then I realized if I lost her as a customer, I would still have my coffee, newspaper, and sanity.
I am concerned about Trump’s impact on some people. I have observed highly educated individuals become wholly consumed and lose themselves at the mere mention of his name. Their very essence has been taken away. Those who dislike Trump often await news of his potential imprisonment, much like crocodiles waiting for their next meal.
As we draw closer to the 2024 election, we are headed toward some kind of collision. I am still determining what will happen the day after the election — each side will win or lose everything, which will be unprecedented in the annals of history. Contemplating what the future holds is both exhilarating and frightening.
I have mixed feelings about Trump. Sometimes I regret the moment when he announced his candidacy for the presidency by coming down the escalator. It caused some of my customers, relatives, and friends to stop talking to me. I’ve had angry leftists come to my job demanding that I be fired. On the other hand, I am glad he did. He has exposed a world of lies and deceit like no one else has. Although this process has been painful, I believe it was necessary, and ultimately, the world will be a better place because of it.
While I respect everyone’s right to protest, I will exercise my right to dissent and call out anyone who labels me a sellout. Insults will not intimidate me, nor will they drive me to vote for Democrats. I refuse to associate with people who resort to shouting, harassing, and name-calling simply because they disagree with me.
