5.10 Trump's deeper descent into nihilism
Over the weekend, I was re-reading the history of Hitler’s last days.
I found myself paying special attention to March 19, 1945. When he understood the war was lost, instead of taking responsibility for the mass destruction and death he’d caused, instead of surrendering to end the war, Hitler decided that…
The German people, being losers, did not deserve to live.
In his Gotterdammerung frame of mind, in his nihilistic despair, he issued what was called “The Nero Decree.” He commanded that the infrastructure of Germany be destroyed—water systems, electrical grids, railways, food supplies, all of it. Scorched earth. He said it was to prevent the enemy from using any of those things.
But really…
He was punishing his Germans.
Because they had failed…
Had failed him.
And if his Decree had been carried out, millions of Germans would have died. But Albert Speer and others flew around the country countermanding the order.
This morning as I watched the news, I asked myself…
Why is Trump so hellbent on destruction?
And Hitler’s Decree came to mind.
All his life, Trump has been acting out, massively. He’s always been desperate for genuine love, but he’s never known how to get it. So he sucks attention instead. From anybody and everybody. From the whole world. He keeps hoping this will fill him up, which it doesn’t and can’t.
And now here he is, the most powerful man in the most powerful nation…
For a second time!
What more could he possibly do?
But it’s not enough. It’s not working. It’s not saving him from his childhood pain…
So checkmate.
No moves left to make, no hope left, as more and more Americans turn against him. And why would this not trigger rage? A helpless, desperate nihilistic rage.
The way I see it this morning…
Trump wants to make America feel his pain.
He wants us to pay a price for failing him. An existential price.
Look at what he’s doing. It’s all destruction…
He’s taking healthcare away from millions.
He’s taking food assistance away from millions.
He’s destroyed trade relationships that millions of Americans depend on.
He’s deporting immigrants who key industries depend on and can’t do without.
He’s wrecking the institutions we count on.
He’s destroying the rule of law.
He’s doing his damnedest to put an end to our country.
There’s no greatness here, only a surrender to death, as he delivers his final message…
“To hell with you, America.”
