Navigating the Blood on Trump's Ear: What did it really mean?

I never really was into politics. For a long time, my perception of it was clouded by a sense that everyone involved was greedy, corrupt, or self-serving. I didn't have any concrete evidence to back up these feelings; it was an emotional impression I got from a distant observation of economic governance.

However, my perspective started to shift when I married someone deeply connected to politics. My husband, who was in the Navy for 23 years has his own strong views and perceptions, which has opened up new conversations and ways of thinking for me.

Like many people, I was not fond of how Donald Trump conducted himself as president. His lack of social skills and often abrasive behavior made it easy to label him as a terrible leader. Yet, I've come to realize that a person's demeanor doesn't always correlate with their decision-making abilities. Despite his controversial personality, there are those, including my husband, who commend Trump for his support of the military and his straightforward approach to protecting American interests, even if his methods lacked tact.

When it comes to other presidents, my feelings are more neutral. I don't hold any strong opinions against them, although the accusations against Biden, labeling him as a pedophile, are disturbing. However, I still found myself at a loss, not fully understanding the complexities of politics to debate or make a clear judgment. One thing I've come to recognize is the inherently human aspect of political decision-making. At the end of the day, politicians are just people, driven by emotions, anger, frustration, and a desire for power and money. This human element is both the strength and the flaw of any political system.

Against my ignorance, through my husband, I've learned that politics isn't just about the surface-level drama and scandal. It's about understanding different perspectives, the impact of policies on people's lives, and the complex web of motivations behind every decision. While I may never become a political enthusiast, I appreciate the importance of staying informed and open-minded.

I've always viewed presidencies as being caught between a rock and a hard place. President Obama once mentioned in a speech that he felt constrained in his ability to implement many beneficial changes for the American people. He implied that there were powerful entities—let's call them the "knights of the round table"—who blocked his efforts. This made me wonder what initiatives he might have pursued that could have improved the economy but conflicted with the interests of those in power. To me, it often boils down to greed and the pursuit of wealth. Some people are so accustomed to their luxurious lifestyles that they prioritize their interests over the greater good. Yet, my husband who supports me ask me to vote regardless of my feelings.

Regarding recent events with Trump, I have never voted before. Many people say it’s ignorant not to vote, but I struggled with choosing a candidate when I disliked both options and didn't fully understand the potential outcomes of their policies or "desires". Yet, my perspective changed after four years of marriage to my husband, who has shared his appreciation for Trump’s understanding of military politics, and why he believes his leadership is in our best interest. This year, I am officially voting for Trump, not just because he got shot in the ear, but because he leads with no fear.

~Evie Bernal

Dedicated to my Husband: Benjamine Bernal