I Would Prefer Not To
Learning the Lessons from Trump’s First Term
Welcome to the Civic Way journal, our quick take on the relevance of current events to America’s future governance. The author, Bob Melville, is the founder of Civic Way, a nonprofit dedicated to good government, and a management consultant with over 45 years of experience improving public agencies.
I would prefer not to. – Herman Melville, Bartleby the Scrivener
Introduction
In How Democracies Die, Steven Levitsky depicted the tactics used by “elected autocrats” to destroy democracy: “packing and weaponizing the courts…, buying off the media and the private sector (or bullying them into silence), and rewriting the rules of politics...” This is the playbook that Trump and his enablers are using to seize illegal powers and kill democracy.
Trump’s driving motivation is his deep-seated need to get even (see the Payback Presidency). He can neither forget nor forgive the slightest offenses. No matter the collateral damage, he is hell bent on vengeance. And he has filled his administration with lackeys who will do his bidding no matter what it does to the country. That is why his second term is proving much nastier and more dangerous than the first. He is Ahab and America is the Pequod.
How can we protect America from Trump? To be more focused and disciplined this time, we must first appreciate what not to do. Instead of trying to make sense of Trump’s words and deeds—a fool’s errand to be sure—we must find ways to minimize the damage and start rebuilding America (more about this in the next essay). This requires us to avoid repeating our past mistakes, to know what not to do.
Don’t Despair, Retreat or Capitulate
No matter how painful it is to watch the unfolding damage to our country, we must not pretend that it isn’t happening. Don’t withdraw from the news or surrender to fantasy (like binge watching West Wing reruns). Don’t succumb to fatalism, self-recrimination, indifference or defeatism. Above all, don’t abandon our hopes for America or our faith in a better future.
Never preemptively surrender to the sins of this immoral administration (like Bezos, Zuckerberg or Columbia University)[i]. Don’t mistake civility for capitulation. Don’t confuse bipartisanship as the end game. Don’t negotiate with dishonest bullies— especially from a position of political weakness—and never compromise our principles. In Nicholas Kristof’s words, be a “watchdog,” not a “lap dog.”
Don’t Be Fooled by Smokescreens and Theatrics
Don’t waste one more moment on Trump’s mad posts, behavior and demands. Why care about his golf swing or TV habits with democracy under siege? Why lampoon his follies as his scheming cronies overthrow the government? Why stalk his defects when his wrath puts us all at risk? Above all, don’t give Trump what his cruelty craves—headlines and another fight on his turf.
Reject the theatrical demonstrations and futile protests that marked Trump’s first term. Stop the moral grandstanding that so often puts self-righteousness above tangible political wins. Redirect resistance tactics that merely enhance Trump’s standing among the MAGA crowd. Stop taking the bait when Trump and his allies distort policies for the purpose of scaring or enraging voters.
Curtail the performative politics that distract us from more constructive work. Stop squandering our resources on political theater. Instead, let’s concentrate on doing more for hard-working Americans. Let’s build an agenda for improving lives and saving America from tycoons and tyrants. Let’s start focusing on helping others instead of making ourselves feel better.
Don’t Stop Pushing American Values
Don’t make it easy for those who want to destroy America. Don’t refrain from firmly and respectfully opposing Trump’s sadistic agenda. Don’t tolerate bullying or cruelty. And, whether at work, church, family reunions or home, don’t build walls between your values and the people in your life.
Don’t ignore politics in your personal relationships. Don’t give your friends and family a pass for supporting those who would betray America. Every encounter is an opportunity to remind MAGA supporters that political differences are healthy. In engaging MAGA acolytes, avoid stereotypes, condescension and the conceit that you have nothing to learn. Neither hector nor appease. Don’t be afraid to challenge their assumptions. Don’t let them normalize Trump.
Don’t ignore politics in your community. Don’t play it safe and remain in your bubble. Don’t accept the notion that your neighbors fear engagement. Don’t assume that someone else will improve your community or your neighborhood. Don’t miss the opportunities to build community.
Don’t Let Trump Divide Us
Trump’s political success is largely based on his knack for dividing people. He has narrowly one two elections by convincing one group that the other group is a threat to them and the nation. By convincing his supporters that only he can protect them from the other group, Trump has convinced millions of people to stop thinking for themselves, to believe whatever he tells them.
Most of us have friends, family, workmates, neighbors and acquaintances who have fallen under Trump’s spell. We must not blame them for Trump’s cruelty. We must not forget why they matter to us. Instead, we must listen, respect and, if necessary, forgive them. We must not allow Trump to turn our friends and loved ones into enemies.
Conclusion
Václav Havel, the former political prisoner and president of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, said, “the political arena will always attract irresponsible and ambitious … charlatans.” The second Trump administration is filled with charlatans and extremists. Their aim is not to reform the federal government but rather to overturn America, including its government, culture and institutions. As JD Vance said, “We need to be really ruthless when it comes to the exercise of power.”
In the coming days, everyone who loves America must ask tough questions of themselves. Am I really okay with what’s going on in DC—the unprovoked fight with Canada, the war on Social Security, inflation, the disappearing of innocents? What am I pretending not to know? What am I be willing to risk for my principles? Will I have the courage to hide someone in my attic?
Havel urged us to fight tyranny “because it is the right thing to do.” That fight must begin with an adamant but polite refusal to go along with the madness. Like Bartleby in Melville’s beloved short story, we must face aggression with an unwavering, “I would prefer not to.”
I prefer not to despair, retreat or capitulate. I prefer not to pursue distractions and theatrics. I prefer not to betray my values or principles. I prefer not to abandon my friends or neighbors even if they have lost their way. I prefer not to give up hope until I have tried everything to stop the madness.
I prefer not to believe that my efforts won’t make a difference. I cannot possibly know.
I had two discouraging and nearly disheartening community encounters today. One with the Trump-supporting post office man, when I offered my hope that the USPS won’t be privatized (and he thinks lots needs to be looked into and is supportive of what has happened so far) and the other with the wife of my lawn guy who is Mexican-born and now a US citizen. She’s ok with the deportations because they’re “only sending bad people” back. I offered my concerns in both conversations.
On my drive home, I felt deflated about these two fairly friendly encounters. Very alone and weak in my struggles. But after reading this, I am encouraged. I’ll keep engaging. I have to believe it will make a difference. I thank you for this article.
Boom!
Readers wherever you are, send this far and wide. We won't be privy to much better rallying cries than this.
I shall prefer to follow this wise guidance!