So I thought he was evil but he wasn’t stupid. Now I’m not so sure. This is very dumb:
The loathing for America among the leaders of the Republican Party continues to be stunning. As long as I can remember, they were the “love it or leave it” crowd, insisting that it was the greatest country in the history of the world and pretty much perfect in every way. Now that they’ve joined a dystopian cult led by a man who clearly hates everything America stands for they’ve all decided that we are little more than poor third world outpost because of all the immigrants. (Also, hippies, gays, feminazis and Black people …)
James Fallows had this to say about Vance’s comments:
Because immigration *is* the centuries-long US path to prosperity (and innovation, and rejuvenation, and “soft power” through connections around the world, and most powerful global culture), the US is by far the most productive and wealthy and innovative country.
Inability to handle immigration a major limit for Japan, most of Europe, China as well. A major US strength. Just ask any American who, unlike Vance, has spent a lot of time outside the country. Of the crystal-clear dividing lines in the campaign—hope-vs-resentment, “us” vs “them,” forward vs backward—visceral view on immigration is near the top.
Does it grow and expand the pie? Or divide the pie? US history suggests: GROW.
I always thought that the US had a tremendous advantage in the world because of our immigrant experience and that everyone on some level understood that. Boy was I wrong. Racism and xenophobia remain so strong among a certain group that an opportunistic demagogue like Trump can crank it up to 11 very easily.