Finally, a web ad that carves up the Trump turkey

 

There’s so much to be thankful for today, starting with the basics – as Sinatra sang, “Look at all you’ll derive just by bein’ alive” – but since politics is our province here, let’s give thanks to the new web ad that carves up the Trump turkey. Finally, somebody is doing it.

Granted, the ad is sponsored by John Kasich, who’s struggling in single digits because his creds (successful governor of a swing state) don’t click with the unhinged Republican electorate. But the rest of us appreciate his willingness to say what needs to be said.

Better yet, Kasich doesn’t say it. He cedes that urgent task to a retired Air Force colonel named Tom Moe. (Military guys get more respect than politicians.) Here’s Moe in the ad, speaking recently in Ohio:

I would like anyone who’s listening to consider some thoughts that I’ve paraphrased from the words of German pastor Martin Niemoller. You might not care if Donald Trump says Muslims should register with their government, because you’re not one. And you might not care if Donald Trump says he’s going to round up all the Hispanic immigrants, because you’re not one. And you might not care if Donald Trump says it’s okay to rough up black protesters, because you’re not one. And you might not care if Donald Trump wants to suppress journalists, because you’re not one. But think about this: If he keeps going, and he actually becomes president, he might just get around to you. And you better hope there’s someone left to help you.

Martin Niemoller’s name might ring a bell. After spending seven years in a Nazi concentration camp, he publicly lamented his (and his nation’s) failure to confront the impending storm:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.

Does this new web ad imply that Donald Trump is dabbling in neo-fascist rhetoric? It does more than imply. Does it warn us about Trump in ways that no other Republican has dared attempt? You bet.

Have a great Thanksgiving, Gov. Kasich. And thanks.

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