 |
Businessman Bagley analyzes the political minefield of the Trump administration through the historical framework of the racist ideology that has long hampered American politics and daily life. He begins by defining democracy and comparing the ideal to the current reality in which the United States of America finds itself: “I can’t remember a point in my life’s history when racism, sexism, homophobia, narcissistic behavior, gun violence, and divisiveness were as prevalent as in this current political climate. Self-aggrandizement is the foundation of this administration.”
Bagley's book focuses mainly on the issues of the first two years of President Trump’s time in office. Though the book has many recognizable, researched narratives in well-defined chapters, the slim reference page doesn’t reflect the same level of thought that went into the book’s creation, and citation of the references used would have added to the book’s impact. Bagley has tackled many controversial topics briefly but well: police brutality toward people of color and the subsequent lack of adequate investigation into the matter; the inherent racism of the U.S. justice system; the prevalence of white, right-wing terrorism while brown people are barred or deterred from immigration into the country, basically criminalized with a lack of regard for their refugee status; and many more.
It will likely take many years to fully evaluate the effect that the Trump administration has had on American democracy and the nation’s international relationships. This book makes a decent layman’s attempt at articulating the issues that have arisen and that continue to affect the country domestically and on the world stage.