The Question of Obama’s Legacy and Trump’s MAGA Movement

In recent years, the relationship between Barack Obama and Donald Trump has been a subject of intense debate and controversial rhetoric. One viewpoint suggests that the price for having had Obama is the rise of the MAGA movement. This framing is not only misleading but underpinned by a deeply ingrained prejudice against racial and political differences. The phrasing implies a need for “penance” for having a Black President, a sentiment dominated by the most racist elements of the old Tea Party, often referred to as MAGA supporters.

MAGA Movement and Its True Nature

The MAGA movement, with its emphatic slogan "Make America Great Again," is driven by the most xenophobic, racist, and right-wing elements in American society. This movement is not about economic or social reforms to help America thrive; instead, it is a call to a regressive, oppressive era they perceive as ideal, which has been irretrievably lost due to the multicultural and progressive policies enacted under Barack Obama.

Contrasting Obama and MAGA

Proponents of the MAGA movement often draw stark contrasts between Obama’s presidency and their own. For instance, they frequently cite the peace treaties Obama negotiated, such as the historic Cuban Missile Crisis resolution, in opposition to the current conflicts in the Middle East, notably in Ukraine and Israel. Similarly, MAGA supporters emphasize the closed border policies of Trump in contrast to the increased border security and adherence to immigration laws under Biden, which they claim invites terrorists and other unauthorized individuals.

The Economic Impact and Views on Inflation and Crime

Economically, the narrative is similarly skewed. Many MAGA supporters point to rising inflation rates, such as the increased cost of eggs and gasoline, as evidence of economic ruin under the Obama administration. They argue that high inflation rates, with eggs costing over three dollars per dozen and gas reaching over $5 a gallon, are the result of Biden's policies, instead of recognizing the broader global economic factors at play. Additionally, the perception that crime has skyrocketed under Biden, as compared to the quieter years of Obama, is a selective and often exaggerated perspective, based more on hashtags and clickbait news than actual data.

It is important to recognize that the backlash against Obama and the rise of MAGA do not represent a positive or constructive path for America. The term "penance" is inherently flawed, as it suggests that Obama's presidency and the progress it enabled were wrong and that the MAGA movement is a form of reparation. However, it is the continuity of conservative policies and the failed rhetoric of the MAGA movement that is truly causing the current chaos, dysfunction, and discord in American society.

Everyday, calls for MAGA are not about repairing damage; instead, they are about perpetuating a divisive and oppressive narrative. The continued tenure of Biden in power is simply seen as a continuation of this "penance," rather than an opportunity to address real challenges and bring about meaningful change.

Conclusion: The question of whether the MAGA movement represents penance for having Obama is a deeply misleading one. It is driven by a xenophobic, racist, and regressive ideology that seeks to hold America back instead of propelling it forward. What America truly needs is a balanced and inclusive approach that values progress and justice for all.