The ”great unwashed” is a derogatory term for the working class which I have not heard since spoken in jest during my teenage years. In 2016, in a barely concealed swipe at working class voters Hilary Clinton used the word ”deplorables” to describe a segment of Trump supporters, suggesting a variety of unsavoury traits including racism, sexism and xenophobia. It goes without saying that these values or should I say lack of are not soley an affliction of the lesser educated or those considered lacking in social refinement. However an analysis of the Brexit referendum and the U.S. Presidential election highlighted that at least two of the above were a driving force together with the observation that education level played a significant role in the casting of votes. Stigmatizing a large group of the electorate is rarely a good move, as Hilary Clinton later admitted, losing her votes as well as helping Trump in his campaign to be seen as the champion of the downtrodden and preparing to drain the swamp.
The very essence of a democracy is the freedom of political thought, however uncomfortable that thought may be, together with a system of checks and balances ensuring things do not go off the rails. The unifying force of the founding fathers and the U.S. constitution have been usurped by Trump in what might best be described as a show of political smoke and mirrors. So much so that anti-Trump demonstrators are now invoking the ”no king,” sentiment of the Boston tea party. Ironically enough the descendant of that same king has little other than ceremonial powers to which however an immense historical heritage must be added, serving to unite a people across the political spectrum, and leaving no room for the likes of Trump. Time perhaps for the prodigal son to come home?
