Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:37 PM 7 hrs ago

My dad put a Trump sign in his yard. This is what my sister wrote to him:

Dear Dad,

I am writing this to you to voice my profound disappointment in finding out that you have placed a Trump sign in your yard. How can I process this as anything other than a grave contradiction against everything you have ever taught me and modeled as to what it meant to be a Christian and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

It is an ugly fact that Trump incited a violent insurrection that led to the loss of life rather than gracefully conceding as a leader who truly cares about this country. And this is just one of many innumerable crimes he has chosen to perpetrate in his narcissistic quest for a second term as President.

His words, actions and policies run completely and outrageously against the teachings of Christ. I am shocked you would support a convicted rapist, felon, serial liar and individual who uses hate rhetoric and insults nearly every time he is interviewed. I am embarrassed because I have spent the last 8 years defending your integrity. I have been insisting, even to my own sister, that you would never stoop to supporting a man when his very actions mirror those of an antichrist.

My heart is full of grief over this. By supporting Trump and his agenda, you're condoning the stripping of my personal rights away and empowering a man who conducts himself without honor and deepens hate and division in America rather than unity, love and tolerance.

Your vote is your own and I believe in your right to have it, but now I wonder if you believe in mine? I implore you to research Project 2025 and question how this "plan" would improve anything about this country. Moreover, how, any of this upholds the teachings of Jesus. Matthew 25:31-45.

I am sending this, not to debate, I don't need you to defend your position and you do not owe me an apology. I hope, however, you will look deeply into your heart and pray or ponder everything I have stated here.

*******************************************************************************

I am so proud of her I'm weeping right now!!!

62 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My dad put a Trump sign in his yard. This is what my sister wrote to him: (Original Post) Coventina 7 hrs ago OP
excellent Skittles 7 hrs ago #1
She sent it via email, no response yet. Coventina 7 hrs ago #2
My daughter will vote for him Tree Lady 5 hrs ago #54
To the more privileged supporting Trump is like support a football team; not much blow back to them. People have to make uponit7771 7 hrs ago #3
It's also like that with a lot of the not-so-privileged BaronChocula 6 hrs ago #35
Absolutely, FAUX NewZ doesn't help uponit7771 4 hrs ago #57
She has written a wonderful letter. crim son 7 hrs ago #4
Excellent and righteous! Drum 7 hrs ago #5
Did your dad always support Trump? Self Esteem 7 hrs ago #6
No, that's part of what is so shocking. He called him a clown, when Trump first came down the elevator. Coventina 7 hrs ago #7
I'm a 60 something white male. My daughter was suprised when I stated harumph 7 hrs ago #10
Rich people live longer Cirsium 5 hrs ago #46
This message was self-deleted by its author Abolishinist 53 min ago #62
What about in 2020? Self Esteem 7 hrs ago #19
I don't know who he voted for in 2020. I doubt he voted for Trump but I could be wrong. Coventina 5 hrs ago #44
I'm sorry. That's too bad. Self Esteem 5 hrs ago #50
Have you considered that some form of senility/dementia is starting? erronis 7 hrs ago #21
Exactly my question too BaronChocula 6 hrs ago #36
I have not noticed any other signs of dementia. Coventina 5 hrs ago #45
That has to be so hard on you. erronis 5 hrs ago #47
I think there are a lot of Rs who can't stand Trump soandso 6 hrs ago #33
Good for her. onecaliberal 7 hrs ago #8
Sorry! No family members here but I lost Cha 7 hrs ago #11
WOW Brilliant and Excellent! Very emotionally Moving... Cha 7 hrs ago #9
I thought about writing something, but I could not keep the anger out of it. Coventina 7 hrs ago #13
Yes, she Did! Your siter is a brilliant writer. Cha 7 hrs ago #22
Maybe write that angry letter? SomedayKindaLove 4 hrs ago #55
We are living in a very trying time for our johnnyfins 7 hrs ago #12
Please hug your sister for us! MLAA 7 hrs ago #14
I'm leaving now to take her a Harris yard sign (prearranged before this happened) Coventina 7 hrs ago #16
Awesome letter Demovictory9 7 hrs ago #15
You go girl! Devilsun 7 hrs ago #17
She cited Matthew 25:31-46 ProudMNDemocrat 7 hrs ago #18
That sounds like a possible culprit. A constant fire-hose of misinformation can warp peoples' minds. erronis 7 hrs ago #23
I didn't think you could turn from liberal to MAGA... Trueblue Texan 6 hrs ago #32
I feel your pain on that one. COL Mustard 6 hrs ago #40
Oh, dear. It's hard to reason with a 99 year old. They know what they know and that is all. erronis 5 hrs ago #48
Yeah. My 82-year-old dad and his wife are Trump votes in Michigan TheGreatConspiracy 7 hrs ago #20
It's brainwashing. maxsolomon 7 hrs ago #25
Will your Dad read it? maxsolomon 7 hrs ago #24
Perhaps send him this sermon pat_k 7 hrs ago #26
That is a perfectly crafted message! consider_this 7 hrs ago #27
Wow. Here's hoping your dad reads it with his heart. madamesilverspurs 7 hrs ago #28
Well stated! BluRay76 7 hrs ago #29
Their "friends" Dan 5 hrs ago #51
What a wonderful letter mgardener 7 hrs ago #30
That was a brave letter for her to write to her own father. slightlv 6 hrs ago #31
I picture him laughing about it wolfie001 6 hrs ago #34
I guess your dad is independently wealthy and doesn't need his SS or Medicare. Katcat 6 hrs ago #37
So well said. wonder if it will reach him. Evolve Dammit 6 hrs ago #38
Very powerful and soulful. Must have been very difficult to write, Brave woman, your sister. Joinfortmill 6 hrs ago #39
Great response mdbl 6 hrs ago #41
Excellent. LoisB 5 hrs ago #42
"Your vote is your own and I believe in your right to have it, but now I wonder if you believe in mine?" Beartracks 5 hrs ago #43
Good letter kwolf68 5 hrs ago #49
When they support a convicted felon/rapist/Insurrectionist not too sure any NoMoreRepugs 5 hrs ago #52
Your sister deseserves a big high five ! Fla Dem 5 hrs ago #53
You should be proud of her. That is one of ... Persondem 4 hrs ago #56
Your sister is awesome!!! berksdem 3 hrs ago #58
Honest and heartfelt. I hope it's received in that way. nt babylonsister 3 hrs ago #59
Woah...fiercely beautiful, or beautifully fierce. She wrote amazing prose. electric_blue68 2 hrs ago #60
That's beautiful RussBLib 2 hrs ago #61

Skittles

(157,558 posts)
1. excellent
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:44 PM
7 hrs ago

please let us know if it reaches your dad in any way; I really feel for you folk with family members in the cult

Tree Lady

(12,078 posts)
54. My daughter will vote for him
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:32 PM
5 hrs ago

we started arguing few years ago and since then don't talk politics. I wasn't willing to let go of relationship because she is daughter I am closer too. We hike, do yoga, many things together, I just keep hoping she sees the light. Right now brainwashed by people at work and her boyfriend.

uponit7771

(91,297 posts)
3. To the more privileged supporting Trump is like support a football team; not much blow back to them. People have to make
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:46 PM
7 hrs ago

... real to relatives before they figure it out that MAGA is hurting Americans

BaronChocula

(2,378 posts)
35. It's also like that with a lot of the not-so-privileged
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:02 PM
6 hrs ago

So many people are divorced from the notion of how policy impacts their quality of life.

crim son

(27,501 posts)
4. She has written a wonderful letter.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:47 PM
7 hrs ago

I would copy it and send it to my sister, who has announced her support for Trump, but I know my sister is not much of a thinker, and she is not Christian either, so I cannot appeal to those values. It is really tough when a family member has gone over to the dark side.

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
7. No, that's part of what is so shocking. He called him a clown, when Trump first came down the elevator.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:52 PM
7 hrs ago

We three kids are just gobsmacked.

harumph

(2,182 posts)
10. I'm a 60 something white male. My daughter was suprised when I stated
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:57 PM
7 hrs ago

that I would be glad when my cohort died off. It's nothing personal, but a good many of my peers can't think their way out
of a paper bag and consequently they are a danger to themselves and others.

Cirsium

(481 posts)
46. Rich people live longer
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:50 PM
5 hrs ago

Rich people live longer than working class people. White people live longer than nonwhite people and wealthier people and white people tend to vote Republican.

Let's not set one generation against another.

Response to harumph (Reply #10)

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
44. I don't know who he voted for in 2020. I doubt he voted for Trump but I could be wrong.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:44 PM
5 hrs ago

I'm just still shocked.

Self Esteem

(1,295 posts)
50. I'm sorry. That's too bad.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:09 PM
5 hrs ago

And I think a warning sign to those who believe Trump can't 'grow' his support.

erronis

(16,639 posts)
21. Have you considered that some form of senility/dementia is starting?
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:15 PM
7 hrs ago

Changes in beliefs and attitudes can be signs of deep structural brain disorders. These can be manifest in otherwise seemingly intelligent and functioning people.

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
45. I have not noticed any other signs of dementia.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:47 PM
5 hrs ago

I think his wife and her family could definitely be an influence on him.

They are a bunch of rural Bible-belt types.

During the pandemic they were praising ivermectin and all that whack-a-doo stuff.

erronis

(16,639 posts)
47. That has to be so hard on you.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:58 PM
5 hrs ago

I have had a spouse with some extreme relatives and for quite a while it didn't matter too much.

But as time went on her "evangelical christianity" took root again and she became a soldier for her version of "the right". I heard that she was a trump supporter also, but thankfully I lost contact with her 20+ years ago.

soandso

(730 posts)
33. I think there are a lot of Rs who can't stand Trump
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:46 PM
6 hrs ago

but vote party. Maybe your dad still thinks he's a clown.

Cha

(303,885 posts)
9. WOW Brilliant and Excellent! Very emotionally Moving...
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:56 PM
7 hrs ago

I can see why it would bring you tears for what your sister wrote to your Dad. Epic!

Coventina

(27,713 posts)
13. I thought about writing something, but I could not keep the anger out of it.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:59 PM
7 hrs ago

So I've just been avoiding him.

She did an amazing job!!

Cha

(303,885 posts)
22. Yes, she Did! Your siter is a brilliant writer.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:17 PM
7 hrs ago

I Hope her Heartfelt letter touches your Dad. Makes him think Deely

johnnyfins

(1,174 posts)
12. We are living in a very trying time for our
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 05:59 PM
7 hrs ago

Country. This "tough guy" sickness has finally come home to roost. I don't know how we get out of it. Vote? Of course! But then what?

ProudMNDemocrat

(18,685 posts)
18. She cited Matthew 25:31-46
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:10 PM
7 hrs ago

One of the pieces of Scripture where Jesus Christ tells the Goats to His left that the least they did unto his people they did unto Him. Therefore they would not be enjoying eternity in Heaven. Jesus explains that clearly.

I was in tears as well when reading this letter. Wow.

Before my late mother died, her news source was FOX. I had to leave the room when she had it on. She turned from Liberal to FOX. Were she alive now, the relationship would surely be strained.

Trueblue Texan

(2,820 posts)
32. I didn't think you could turn from liberal to MAGA...
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:37 PM
6 hrs ago

Liberals, by definition think more carefully. What happened to your mom?

COL Mustard

(6,752 posts)
40. I feel your pain on that one.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:24 PM
6 hrs ago

My 99 year old mother has Fox on from morning to night. I started leaving the room when it's on, and she asked me why. I said, If you get your news from Fox it's like getting your lunch from the toilet.

Of course she still has it on, but I tried.

20. Yeah. My 82-year-old dad and his wife are Trump votes in Michigan
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:13 PM
7 hrs ago

It's frustrating, even though my long-time Republican sister is voting for Harris (she hates Trump and thinks he's an embarrassment).

But my dad lives in a remote area in the woods and spends a LOT of time watching right-wing news channels. There's no changing his mind. We've tried.

Good luck to your sister, though. Not everyone is as far gone as my dad.

maxsolomon

(34,763 posts)
25. It's brainwashing.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:20 PM
7 hrs ago

The only was to undo it is to replace it with an alternate media source, like NPR.

There's a whole movie about it, but the rub is: the family couldn't get him off RW Hate Radio and onto NPR until he was too senile to figure out they'd changed the station.

https://www.thebrainwashingofmydad.com/

consider_this

(2,755 posts)
27. That is a perfectly crafted message!
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:21 PM
7 hrs ago

it cuts to the quick - I'd be shocked if the man does not consider what someone who loves and respects him has offered so thoughtfully.

madamesilverspurs

(16,002 posts)
28. Wow. Here's hoping your dad reads it with his heart.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:23 PM
7 hrs ago

My siblings and I were raised by staunch republicans, but that was back when the GOP was pretty much the complete reverse of what it is today. Dad became increasingly disgruntled with the party when W was in office, and passed during the second term of that administration. Mom, who was the boots-on-the-ground GOPer, became so disgusted that she left the party after more than 70 very active years. She voted twice for Obama, and cast her final ballot for Hillary. My older brother and my sister have been very active Democratic door knockers. Suffice it to say that we were stunned and sickened when our younger brother announced his firm support of Trump, and did so with a swaggering attitude that we'd never seen from him. He's made it clear that his veteran status along with his ordination to the ministry gives his opinion greater weight, and he welcomes no discussion accordingly. He still sends somewhat terse emails to mark holidays, but that's about it. We miss him.

On that note, I hope to read that your dad receives the letter in the spirit in which it was sent. Hugs to you and your sister.

BluRay76

(30 posts)
29. Well stated!
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:29 PM
7 hrs ago

I have extended family members who will vote for him… I don’t honestly even know what they think about him as a “human,” since they never actually say anything about what policies they support or what they want our country to be. All they do is share the GQP conspiracy fake social media posts and talk about how angry they are that Biden and Harris are giving FEMA funds to immigrants. I confess I am not strong enough to respond to them because I can’t do it without getting angry… but also because I have some fear about retribution. Not from my family members themselves, but from people who are their “friends.” They’re so angry and hateful and vitriolic, and they aren’t actually *for* anything except hurting people and taking away basic human rights.

It’s truly impressive that your sister communicated this message in such a respectful yet heartfelt way. I hope that she has managed to make him think about who he is and what message he is sending.

Dan

(3,961 posts)
51. Their "friends"
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:10 PM
5 hrs ago

Hopefully you will disappear when you of age or are able.... with friends like that.

slightlv

(4,047 posts)
31. That was a brave letter for her to write to her own father.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 06:35 PM
6 hrs ago

I salute her courage and persistence in her own beliefs. Kudos to your sister. Let her know how much she is appreciated!

Katcat

(334 posts)
37. I guess your dad is independently wealthy and doesn't need his SS or Medicare.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:13 PM
6 hrs ago

But the rest of us aren’t and we don’t need a fake as President. I support his right to vote how he wants but any man who votes for Trump will get my scorn for enabling a man who went to epsteins rape island numerous times. And I don’t think he was checking on his buddy.

Beartracks

(13,385 posts)
43. "Your vote is your own and I believe in your right to have it, but now I wonder if you believe in mine?"
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 07:41 PM
5 hrs ago

Wow.

=================

NoMoreRepugs

(10,371 posts)
52. When they support a convicted felon/rapist/Insurrectionist not too sure any
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:12 PM
5 hrs ago

written message is going to reach them.

Fla Dem

(25,467 posts)
53. Your sister deseserves a big high five !
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:17 PM
5 hrs ago



But I feel sorry for both for you to be in that position with your father.

Persondem

(2,066 posts)
56. You should be proud of her. That is one of ...
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:57 PM
4 hrs ago

.... the best letters or article on how to push back against trumpism i have ever seen.

electric_blue68

(17,249 posts)
60. Woah...fiercely beautiful, or beautifully fierce. She wrote amazing prose.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 11:10 PM
2 hrs ago

I hope he will have a change of heart.

But importantly, too, your sister poured her heart out instead keeping inside on something this both wide, and deeply personal that could be detrimental emotionally.

I'm very lucky. In our extended family we have ?3 or 4 Republicans who as of a couple oh years ago hated drumphf.

A different one's been kind of cynical decades back; "they're all the same".

The rest (well, the ones I know) will probably, to definitely vote for Kamala.

My sis will (we've always been Dems), and my friends, and long time acquaintences run Liberal Dems, Center Dems, and probably a progressive or two.

Me? I'm a super staunch liberal. But I might have a bit of progressive streak, I think. l came to respect the Nordic Democratic Socialist countries. But I'm a pragmatism, too.
If we can get bug jumps - great. Otherwise bit by bit.
Ugh, right now we have hold the bulwark!

RussBLib

(9,562 posts)
61. That's beautiful
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 11:13 PM
2 hrs ago

...that could apply to quite a few families. It's so well-written and succinct. I'd be proud to have her as a sister, or friend

https://russblib.blogspot.com/?m=1

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»My dad put a Trump sign i...