As we emerge from Covid and re-engage with friends and family I’m reminded of how badly Trump has damaged public discourse to the point where it’s now necessary for republicans to state which of the 3 categories they belong to. So let’s see, are you a Liz Cheney type with conservative values but a never Trumper? Or do you fall more in the camp of a Mitch McConnell, a chicken with no backbone who secretly hopes Trumpism goes by the wayside but is afraid to say so publicly for fear of losing Trump’s base. Or have you gone full election denier, Q Anon, Trump Cult and sympathize with the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers? Which is it, I really need to know!

Because if you’re an election denier, birther, racist cult member, we don’t have much to talk about. In fact I’m inclined to find some other place to be if you’re around.

If you’re in the Liz Cheney camp then we can definitely socialize and have a good time because while I know we will disagree on policy issues, you understand what ethics are and are strong enough put country over party when no one else will. Also I can be pretty sure you haven’t lost your mind.

If you’re in the middle camp of people who are either afraid or unwilling to denounce Trumpism or don’t really agree with it but engage in debate for sport in order to own the libs, then we don’t have a lot to talk about because it’s really difficult to engage in conversations with people who are intellectually dishonest.

My approach is to cut people a little bit of slack to start with because most of us are born into (and subsequently adopt), the party of our families. If your parents espoused Republicanism, chances are you’re an R. I get that. Bummer of a birthmark, but it happens. Maybe you’re mostly apolitical or inclined to holding out for republicanism to return to normal someday. That’s very optimistic of you to think that, but okay, no judgement.

And if you voted for Trump the first time because you were holding out for tax breaks or are passionate about the second amendment or abortion or whatever the case might be, I get that too. You get to be you. It’s unfortunate you didn’t heed the massive red flags from the campaign but hey, mistakes happen.

If though, after 4 years of this shit-show that left no doubt that Trump is a racist with no redeeming qualities, you voted for him again, then I’m going to suggest an intervention is warranted. Not by me, I don’t have time, but hopefully you have some friends and family who can help you see the light. Best of luck to you, have a nice life.

But republicans please, whether it be a subtle hint or an outright declaration, let us know what camp you’re in so we know what we’re dealing with. Thank you.