Donald Trump and Redemption

 

The Trump phenomenon is mostly about redemption. That’s the theme in the video below. But there’s much more than that happening. Trump is talking to people who know very well how “flawed” our criminal justice system can be. He’s tapping into people’s sense of unfairness that supersedes class or station. (Video starts at 47:35.)

The power of redemption and possibility delivered in ritual. Think about being someone who did wrong things and just graduated from a program that helped you and gave you hope. And the President of the United States shakes your hand and presents your diploma. in the moment, you can’t really appreciate something like that, but you have a picture and a memory and that grows. It also lends importance to your learning and goals.

Trump obviously has a special place for people who are turning around their lives. He lost his brother, and it affected him to the point of lifelong alcohol aversion. A very humble and practical epiphany: this could easily happen to me.

He doesn’t judge these people – at least on a moral level. He does judge talent and personality, he feels qualified for that and perhaps rightfully. He knows we are all vulnerable. What’s unique about Trump is he is very humble, in never invoking any hint of moral superiority. You could laugh and say, Because he can’t! 

Then there’s real graciousness. This guy, who is supposedly so egomaniacal, is able to do this. In the case that he is being false and phony, then they should be in awe of his acting abilities and discipline.

He’s being “the President” for them. He knows they have this one special moment with the President of the United States.

Perhaps Trump deserves the same kind of second chance too. I like to consider the possibility – a kind-of positive paranoia – that people are conspiring to help me, and everyone in general.

I do for the most part. I want to help people. Doesn’t everyone? Even … Donald Trump? Maybe?

I know too many people and too many things to think that everyone is all good. That certainly includes me. And there’s no one that’s all bad.

So the answer is forgiveness and redemption. And we certainly need it now with so much accusation and public condemnation.

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  1. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Franco: He’s tapping into people’s sense of unfairness that supersedes class or station. 

    Good point.  He’s taken the issue of fairness away from the left not only by talking about it, but by taking action.  Brilliant!

    • #1
  2. DonG (skeptic) Coolidge
    DonG (skeptic)
    @DonG

    The Lefties always slam on Christians for supporting Trump, because he is a sinner.  They don’t understand redemption and joy that comes from a sinner that repents.   Additionally, I think that Trump understands tyranny more than most presidents since the Founding Fathers. 

    • #2
  3. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    I experienced a fascinating confluence watching this. At Mass last night (same as today), the readings were about being “perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” and our priest talked about God’s greatest gift being forgiveness -> redemption. He said the poorest of the poor are those in prison and that’s why Jesus calls us to visit the prisoners — to show God’s love to them. It seems to me that’s exactly what Donald Trump did here. 

    You don’t help people to become better and more virtuous by scolding them (ahem, Mr. French). Donald Trump and this program show us how it’s done.

    • #3
  4. Ontheleftcoast Inactive
    Ontheleftcoast
    @Ontheleftcoast

    Not quite on topic, but it’s Trump and it’s great. Hat tip Steven Hayward at Powerline.

     

     

     

    • #4
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