99 Days and a Century

Nine years ago, almost to the day, I declared my opposition to Donald Trump. It didn’t feel like an act of bravery, heroism, or deep principle. It just felt…right. He was crude. He was a vile human being. He was flirting even before his candidacy with a portfolio of toxic racial and authoritarian tools. I’m smart enough to know a decent moral decision when I make one — which isn’t always in my life, by the way — and I knew it was right.

Not easy, but right.

I didn’t know the consequences for myself and my family. I lost my business, my friends, my lifetime of work, and my connections. My family paid a terrible price for that decision. Every member of my family now has received death threats except Elton, the kitten, though I’m sure his day is coming.

I could tell you I’m still fighting for democracy, the Republic, the Constitution, and the rule of law. All those things still hold to this day. I could tell you I believe the country needs two (at least) political parties willing to fight for ideas and principles and that both are better for the dynamic process of competition and compromise.

There’s a greater truth now about this fight for me.