In our society, systems of disparity based on race, gender and class are embedded into policies, media and beliefs about ourselves and environments. 

Breaking out of these systems requires communal, consistent deprogramming. When I was a young adult, I was in therapy groups with women who had been trafficked as children. They recounted violent, horrific treatment. Yet escaping their captors was difficult because of structural inequities and the disempowering messages they had received all their lives.

The Epstein disclosures have been harsh reminders of how abuse networks extend throughout the halls of institutional power. President Donald Trump capitalizes on multiple avenues of dominance. From bragging about sexually violating women to inciting violence against those he deems unworthy, he revels in his own lack of conscience. 

During a 2016 campaign rally, he claimed that he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody without losing voters. In this year’s State of the Union address, he spoke emphatically of terrorizing entire fishing communities in the Caribbean. These are the messages of a man who takes pride in being able to get away with anything.

Many former Trump supporters are ready to break away from Trump’s toxicity. Former supporter Rich Logis founded Leaving MAGA (leavingmaga.org) as a support group for those who, like him, have finally seen through Trump’s deceit and are getting out of his grip.

Leaving the pull of abuse, while not easy, is essential for reviving life’s truly great gifts.

Sable Knapp
Portland