I am looking at the news and it is hard to process that the outcome we worked for is actually here. This belongs to all of you who chose to pay attention and speak up when it was needed most. Please keep reading and thinking critically because that is how …
January 4, 2017
Final supporters
Today, we are faced with a moral test. As historians, we recognize both the ominous precedents for Donald J. Trump’s candidacy and the exceptional challenge it poses to civil society. Historians of different specialties, eras and regions understand the enduring appeal of demagogues, the promise and peril of populism, and the political uses of bigotry and scapegoating. Historians understand the impact these phenomena have upon society’s most vulnerable and upon a nation’s conscience. The lessons of history compel us to speak out against a movement rooted in fear and authoritarianism. The lessons of history compel us to speak out against Trump.
Historians Against Trump does not align itself with any political party or candidate. Many among us do not identify as activists and have never before taken part in such a campaign. We are history professors, school teachers, public historians and museum professionals, independent scholars and graduate students. We are united by the belief that the candidacy of Donald J. Trump poses a threat to American democracy.
As historians, we consider diverse viewpoints while acknowledging our own limitations and subjectivity. Our profession reminds us to look for the humanity in everyone as we examine the ideas, interests and movements that shape world events. We interrogate and take responsibility for our sources and ground our arguments in context and evidence. Donald Trump’s record of speeches, policies and social media is an archive of know-nothingism and blinding self-regard. Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is a campaign of violence: violence against individuals and groups; against memory and accountability; against historical analysis and fact.
The Trump candidacy is an attack on our profession, our values, and the communities we serve. No less than his sham “Trump University,” Donald Trump’s contempt for constructive, evidence-based argumentation mocks the ideals of the academy, whether in the sciences or the liberal arts. Academia is far from the only profession endangered by Trumpism. Donald Trump bullies and suppresses the press, and seeks to weaken First Amendment protections as President. Trump singles out journalists for attack and mocks physical disabilities. Both the judiciary and individual judges face public threats from Trump. Non-white, non-male professionals and civil servants are irredeemably compromised in Donald Trump’s eyes. Judges are disqualified from service because of their ethnicity; women Presidential candidates succeed only because of their gender; the President of the United States is under suspicion as illegitimate and alien because of his skin color and heritage.
Donald Trump’s candidacy is the latest chapter in a troubled narrative many decades in the making. In another era, civil society institutions such as the academy, the free press and the judiciary were counted on to safeguard constitutional democracy. That this is no longer the case cannot be blamed solely on Trump. Donald Trump’s candidacy has profited from the fears of people living precariously and a political culture of spectacle and cynicism, both of which long predate his emergence as a candidate. The impulses and ideologies that animate the Trump campaign will not disappear once he is defeated in November. It is all of our responsibility to heal the rifts exploited by the Trump campaign, building an inclusive civil society in its place. Along with Historians Against Trump, groups like Writers On Trump and Citizen Therapists are organizing in defense of the ideals in which their professions are grounded.
We have a professional obligation as historians to share an understanding of the past upon which a better future may be built. This means equipping the public with historical skills and narratives that are “factual, accurate, comprehensible, meaningful, useful, and resistant to cynical manipulators who sell snake oil as historical truth.” When Donald Trump accepts the Republican nomination on July 21st, a Grand Old Party born out of the struggle for abolition and justice will have succumbed to snake oil. We are here to say, “No more.” Join us in standing up to Trump—for our history, for our future, and for each other.
Historians Against Trump Organizing Committee:
Brian Dolber
Amy Harth
Caroline Luce
David Schlitt
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
November 7, 2016
October 14, 2016
I am honestly overwhelmed by how far this has traveled since those first few quiet emails. This movement belongs entirely to the colleagues who took the time to speak up when it felt like a lonely task.
Reached 100 supporters
July 20, 2016
8 Comments
Yes I am Normand Jalette and, am glad to help spread the petition against Trump! Thank you for helping with cause. I dislike the guy, distrust him and believe he must not become a leader of our county! And, Thank you! Signed: Normand L. Jalette
Finally someone said it. History does not repeat itself but it sure does rhyme. We are looking at a very dangerous man and people are ignoring the red flags.
Scary stuff. Total demagogue tactics. Everyone needs to read this before voting.
As a registered Republican voter, it distresses me that Donald Trump has been selected as the Republican presidential candidate. He appears to be a very narcissistic individual who cares only about himself and his "tribe". I could never vote for this man as I perceive him to be a danger to liberty. Unfortunately he is appealing to the bigotry found in many other Americans. Sad.
Coming from a long line of teachers this makes total sense. His rhetoric is straight out of the worst chapters of the 20th century. History books will not be kind to this man.
As an Independent voter I have tried to respond to the call of all to be an involved voter. I ahve attempted to contact numerous news outlets to raise my concern on their collective failure. Across the board they allow voters to believe that upon being elected all promises by a candidate come to be. But these may only be attempted in harmony with a functioning Congress. If the candidates and surrogates were held to explaining how promises will be delivered upon then the tone of the election changes. Trump has no hope of working with Democrats, and many Republicans will not support him. The candidate of change can change nothing. With Clinton the situation is little different. But she at least has the support of Democrats and can compromise with the sensible Republicans. If we follow Trump, Clinton will keep things as they are. So are default is to remain the greatest nation and our economy continues to improve.
I'm a registered Democrat (conservative side) as well as a life-long student of history. I adamantly agree with everything Mr. Howe says above. I must say each time I hear reference to Abraham Lincoln, linked to comparisons of the present Republican party, I cringe. What's going on now would make President Lincoln ill--he was for ALL the people-not just the wealthy. I am appalled! Trump could have us at war within a week, and continue to divide this wonderful country. I'm shocked that so many Americans can't hear the selfish, narcissist, manipulative man he is. As a retired principal, I am truly nauseated that American students did not learn enough about the deadliness of dictators and vile people. One thing the media could do right now is run a few clips of Hitler and Stalin--there are blatant similarities!
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Share this petition to help it reach more people.
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I am looking at the news and it is hard to process that the outcome we worked for is actually here. This belongs to all of you who chose to pay attention and speak up when it was needed most. Please keep reading and thinking critically because that is how …
January 4, 2017
Final supporters
Today, we are faced with a moral test. As historians, we recognize both the ominous precedents for Donald J. Trump’s candidacy and the exceptional challenge it poses to civil society. Historians of different specialties, eras and regions understand the enduring appeal of demagogues, the promise and peril of populism, and the political uses of bigotry and scapegoating. Historians understand the impact these phenomena have upon society’s most vulnerable and upon a nation’s conscience. The lessons of history compel us to speak out against a movement rooted in fear and authoritarianism. The lessons of history compel us to speak out against Trump.
Historians Against Trump does not align itself with any political party or candidate. Many among us do not identify as activists and have never before taken part in such a campaign. We are history professors, school teachers, public historians and museum professionals, independent scholars and graduate students. We are united by the belief that the candidacy of Donald J. Trump poses a threat to American democracy.
As historians, we consider diverse viewpoints while acknowledging our own limitations and subjectivity. Our profession reminds us to look for the humanity in everyone as we examine the ideas, interests and movements that shape world events. We interrogate and take responsibility for our sources and ground our arguments in context and evidence. Donald Trump’s record of speeches, policies and social media is an archive of know-nothingism and blinding self-regard. Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is a campaign of violence: violence against individuals and groups; against memory and accountability; against historical analysis and fact.
The Trump candidacy is an attack on our profession, our values, and the communities we serve. No less than his sham “Trump University,” Donald Trump’s contempt for constructive, evidence-based argumentation mocks the ideals of the academy, whether in the sciences or the liberal arts. Academia is far from the only profession endangered by Trumpism. Donald Trump bullies and suppresses the press, and seeks to weaken First Amendment protections as President. Trump singles out journalists for attack and mocks physical disabilities. Both the judiciary and individual judges face public threats from Trump. Non-white, non-male professionals and civil servants are irredeemably compromised in Donald Trump’s eyes. Judges are disqualified from service because of their ethnicity; women Presidential candidates succeed only because of their gender; the President of the United States is under suspicion as illegitimate and alien because of his skin color and heritage.
Donald Trump’s candidacy is the latest chapter in a troubled narrative many decades in the making. In another era, civil society institutions such as the academy, the free press and the judiciary were counted on to safeguard constitutional democracy. That this is no longer the case cannot be blamed solely on Trump. Donald Trump’s candidacy has profited from the fears of people living precariously and a political culture of spectacle and cynicism, both of which long predate his emergence as a candidate. The impulses and ideologies that animate the Trump campaign will not disappear once he is defeated in November. It is all of our responsibility to heal the rifts exploited by the Trump campaign, building an inclusive civil society in its place. Along with Historians Against Trump, groups like Writers On Trump and Citizen Therapists are organizing in defense of the ideals in which their professions are grounded.
We have a professional obligation as historians to share an understanding of the past upon which a better future may be built. This means equipping the public with historical skills and narratives that are “factual, accurate, comprehensible, meaningful, useful, and resistant to cynical manipulators who sell snake oil as historical truth.” When Donald Trump accepts the Republican nomination on July 21st, a Grand Old Party born out of the struggle for abolition and justice will have succumbed to snake oil. We are here to say, “No more.” Join us in standing up to Trump—for our history, for our future, and for each other.
Historians Against Trump Organizing Committee:
Brian Dolber
Amy Harth
Caroline Luce
David Schlitt
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
November 7, 2016
October 14, 2016
I am honestly overwhelmed by how far this has traveled since those first few quiet emails. This movement belongs entirely to the colleagues who took the time to speak up when it felt like a lonely task.
Reached 100 supporters
July 20, 2016
8 Comments
Americans need to demand more of our leaders. Having been a real estate mogul and TV reality figure does not qualify one to be the leader of the US. As his candidacy has advanced, there have been more and more instances of his shocking lack of experience, character, and judgement. Added to this is his deplorable attitude about women, ethnic minorities, and almost anyone who does not believe they way he "pretends" to believe. He should have been rejected by the Republican party months ago; now, he must be rejected by the American public.
Yes I am Normand Jalette and, am glad to help spread the petition against Trump! Thank you for helping with cause. I dislike the guy, distrust him and believe he must not become a leader of our county! And, Thank you! Signed: Normand L. Jalette
Finally someone said it. History does not repeat itself but it sure does rhyme. We are looking at a very dangerous man and people are ignoring the red flags.
Scary stuff. Total demagogue tactics. Everyone needs to read this before voting.
As a registered Republican voter, it distresses me that Donald Trump has been selected as the Republican presidential candidate. He appears to be a very narcissistic individual who cares only about himself and his "tribe". I could never vote for this man as I perceive him to be a danger to liberty. Unfortunately he is appealing to the bigotry found in many other Americans. Sad.
Coming from a long line of teachers this makes total sense. His rhetoric is straight out of the worst chapters of the 20th century. History books will not be kind to this man.
As an Independent voter I have tried to respond to the call of all to be an involved voter. I ahve attempted to contact numerous news outlets to raise my concern on their collective failure. Across the board they allow voters to believe that upon being elected all promises by a candidate come to be. But these may only be attempted in harmony with a functioning Congress. If the candidates and surrogates were held to explaining how promises will be delivered upon then the tone of the election changes. Trump has no hope of working with Democrats, and many Republicans will not support him. The candidate of change can change nothing. With Clinton the situation is little different. But she at least has the support of Democrats and can compromise with the sensible Republicans. If we follow Trump, Clinton will keep things as they are. So are default is to remain the greatest nation and our economy continues to improve.
I'm a registered Democrat (conservative side) as well as a life-long student of history. I adamantly agree with everything Mr. Howe says above. I must say each time I hear reference to Abraham Lincoln, linked to comparisons of the present Republican party, I cringe. What's going on now would make President Lincoln ill--he was for ALL the people-not just the wealthy. I am appalled! Trump could have us at war within a week, and continue to divide this wonderful country. I'm shocked that so many Americans can't hear the selfish, narcissist, manipulative man he is. As a retired principal, I am truly nauseated that American students did not learn enough about the deadliness of dictators and vile people. One thing the media could do right now is run a few clips of Hitler and Stalin--there are blatant similarities!
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Americans need to demand more of our leaders. Having been a real estate mogul and TV reality figure does not qualify one to be the leader of the US. As his candidacy has advanced, there have been more and more instances of his shocking lack of experience, character, and judgement. Added to this is his deplorable attitude about women, ethnic minorities, and almost anyone who does not believe they way he "pretends" to believe. He should have been rejected by the Republican party months ago; now, he must be rejected by the American public.