At work—where Trump supporters are the majority—a coworker was checking the weather on the computer and casually mentioned that rain was approaching “over the Gulf of America.”

I responded, “You mean the Gulf of Mexico.”

And so it began…

When logic, facts, or education fail to support an argument, the default response seems to be name-calling. If you challenge an opinion or present a fact that contradicts someone’s beliefs, you’re immediately dismissed as a “Karen.” That’s exactly what happened when I pointed out that most countries still refer to it as the Gulf of Mexico—as they have for centuries. I even mentioned that historical maps from the 1700s labeled it “The Great Bay of Mexico” until “Great” was dropped later in the century.

“Whatever, Karen.”

It’s nearly impossible to reason with someone who already believes they know everything. Since I’m not Donald Trump, I must not know anything. And since I don’t support him, I must be the problem. But honestly? I’d rather be the problem than blindly follow someone—hanging onto his every word as if God Himself were speaking.

(Side note: Do all Republicans think Trump is the reincarnation of God?)

Then came the ultimate mic-drop moment: “Well, Google shows it as ‘Gulf of America,’ so that’s that.”

And that’s exactly why other countries laugh at us.

When Trump’s Term Ends, Then What?

When Trump is no longer in office, who will his most devoted followers kneel before? Who will give them that same permission to bully others? The truth is, when his presidency ends, they’ll be right back where they started. And the cycle will continue—just reversed. The same insults and criticisms they hurl at Democrats will come back at them if a Democrat wins next.

That’s how politics work now, right?

Want to divide friends, coworkers, and even family? Talk politics.

Want to lose your job? Talk politics to the wrong person.

Want to start a fight—or worse, inspire another domestic terrorist attack like the one on January 6, 2021? Just keep fueling the hatred that has consumed this country. Those who participated in or supported that attack are a disgrace to America.

A Country Defined by Hate

In today’s America:

• If you’re red, you hate blue.
• If you’re blue, you hate red.

It’s like children on a playground:
“Little Timmy is evil! He’s not one of us!”

There is no middle ground anymore. Party lines have become battle lines.

For a brief moment after September 11, 2001, that changed. Americans stood together. Even the far-right radio host Rush Limbaugh, known for attacking anyone who disagreed with him, softened—if only for a short time. But soon enough, the hatred returned, stronger than ever. And now?

Now, we have a bully leading this country, and his presence justifies that behavior among his followers.

The Default Republican Comeback? “Karen.”

When faced with facts they don’t like, many Trump supporters resort to dismissive, empty responses like “You do you.” Or simply, “Karen.”

A closed-minded person refuses to consider different perspectives. That’s not strength—that’s sad. Rather than working to understand and bridge differences, Republicans often tell people who disagree with them to “just leave the country.” As if they own it.

And that attitude? That’s a direct reflection of party leadership.

Are Democrats perfect? No. But I don’t believe they are as violently divisive as today’s Republicans. When I finally woke up to this reality years ago, I dropped party affiliation. I registered independent so I could vote with a free mind, choosing candidates based on integrity and qualifications—not just party loyalty.

Next Election? Vote Independent.

I say, next election, vote for an independent.

Watch how it confuses both parties.

Maybe, just maybe, an independent leader would be a free thinker, willing to make decisions based on what’s right—not what pleases a particular party. Maybe then we can return to the Gulf of Mexico and undo the self-serving, ignorant decisions forced upon us by the current administration.

Because this country deserves better.