South Korea vs American Food Health

South Korea has the best healthcare in the world. America, not so much. Ours, frankly, is embarrassing. 

Food health, similar issue.

Recently Kara Swisher's new show, Kara Swisher Wants To Live Forever, is worth a look. Especially, her episode on South Korea. I've been listening to her for years, her podcast for the past year, Pivot with Scott Galloway, and her own On With Kara Swisher.

Highly recommend any of those shows.

But for now we're considering her new TV show on CNN about two systems that are fascinating to compare, especially right now. Actually for us, rather depressing. Ask Koreans if they would like to live in South Korea, or American, they'll likely choose South Korea, mostly for the healthcare situation which in South Korea (especially compared to America), is rather remarkable. 

We really should follow suit. Stop listening to those who say it's not possible, who give one ridiculous, or sane reason to be honest, over another against better overall healthcare, and just force America to get our act together. Our healthcare is failing and in watching this episode of Kara's show, you can see why.

It in part has to do with our not putting our money and our mouths where the issues actually are.

Here's a breakdown.

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Structure and Visual Metaphor

South Korea doesn't actually use a pyramid anymore. The Korean Nutrition Society introduced the Food Balance Wheels in 2010, designed as a bicycle: a large rear wheel divided into the six major food groups, and a small front wheel representing a glass of water -- the whole image is meant to symbolize physical activity as inseparable from diet. There was an earlier tower/pagoda model. The MAHA guidelines, by contrast, use an inverted pyramid structure that puts meats, cheese, and vegetables in the widest part at the top -- flipping the old American pyramid where carbs were the foundation. PubMed CentralCNN

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Grains and Carbohydrates

This is a significant philosophical split. In Korea, grains -- particularly rice -- form the base of the pyramid, suggesting they should make up the largest portion of meals. Korean guidelines even specifically urge people to "enjoy our rice-based diet" as a cultural value. Korean Garden BostonPubMed

The MAHA guidelines move in the opposite direction: whole grains are still present but requirements were reduced, leading to concerns about inadequate fiber, while refined grains and added sugar are sharply discouraged. U.S. News & World Report

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Protein

Both systems emphasize protein, but they diverge on sources. The Korean diet historically relied on fish, poultry, fermented soy products, and legumes as primary proteins, with red meat being rare in the traditional agricultural context. ScienceDirect

The MAHA guidelines are far more meat-forward. Even so, the guidelines urge Americans to "prioritize protein foods at every meal," emphasizing animal sources such as red meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs, alongside plant sources like beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and soy. One of the key recommendations is increasing daily protein consumption from 0.36 grams per pound of body weight to 0.54 to 0.73 grams per pound. U.S. News & World ReportHealthline

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Dairy

Both systems include dairy, but with very different emphasis. Korea recommends dairy in moderate servings, with the Korean Food Guidance System offering an A-type pattern of two dairy servings for children and a B-type of one serving for adults, reflecting differing calcium needs. PubMed Central

MAHA puts dairy much more prominently. The new inverted pyramid places dairy products such as cheese near the top, while the guidelines specifically recommend consuming full-fat dairy with no added sugars. Healthline

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Fats

Traditional Korean cooking uses sesame and perilla oil, limits deep-fat frying, and relies on fermentation rather than fat-based preservation methods. MAHA takes a rehabilitated view of fat broadly: the guidelines recommend incorporating healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados. ScienceDirectHealthline

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Fermented and Whole Foods

This is where Korean guidelines are notably distinct. The Korean diet is characterized by a wide variety of fermented foods -- kimchi, fermented soybean products, and others -- rich in bioactive compounds that support cardiovascular health and glycemic control. Korea's guidelines treat fermentation as a cultural and nutritional pillar. ScienceDirect

MAHA's "eat real food" framing gestures in a similar whole-food direction but doesn't specifically address fermented foods. The 2025-2030 guidelines reestablish food rather than pharmaceuticals as the foundation of health, with a clear "common-sense" message. HHS.gov

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Sodium

Interestingly, both countries have sodium problems but from opposite directions. South Korea has launched extensive low-sodium campaigns, including a "low-sodium meal service week," smaller soup bowls in restaurants, and a Samsam Low-Sodium Food Service system limiting lunch to under 1,300mg of sodium per meal -- because the traditional high-salt fermented foods drive excess intake. MFDS

MAHA's primary concern is added sugars and ultra-processed foods rather than sodium specifically.

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Ultra-Processed Foods

This is where the two systems actually converge most clearly. MAHA calls for a dramatic reduction in highly processed foods laden with refined carbohydrates, added sugars, excess sodium, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives. Korea has been pushing a similar message, worried about the shift away from traditional diets. South Korea has been battling increasing obesity as people shift away from the traditional diet heavy in pickled vegetables toward more processed and fast food. RealfoodFacts and Details

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Bottom Line

The Korean system is carbohydrate-foundational, vegetable-heavy, fish-and-legume-centric, and deeply integrated with cultural food identity and fermentation tradition. MAHA inverts that structure -- making protein and full-fat animal products the anchor, reducing carbs, and framing the whole thing as a return to "real food" after decades of processed food damage. They share a common enemy in ultra-processed food, and both fold physical activity into the framing, but they'd produce very different dinner plates.

Cheers! Sláinte! Na zdravie!

Compiled with aid of  Claude AI 

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JZ Murdock is a retired Senior Technical Writer/IT administrator, and an active award-winning author/ filmmaker, documentarian, and writer based in Bremerton, Washington. 

He publishes commentary on the state of things at murdockinations.com and on his creative works over at Substack. He also posts on Slasher.com on the horror genre.

If this work means something to you, you can support it at Ko-fi. Tips are always welcome and go directly toward keeping independent documentary work possible.

Reclaiming America from the People Tearing US Down Who Wanted to...Make It Great AGAIN?

If we’re ever going to get this country back together — not back like MaGA wants America "back", but forward into something more cohesive, functional, and humane — then we have to clean house.

• Donald Trump has to go, ASAP.
• The GOP needs to be scrubbed and reoriented toward reality.
• Democrats need to get their act together.
• Our national motto has to return to E Pluribus Unum — Out of Many, One.
• The Second Amendment and the gun insanity tied to it have to be addressed.
• Unconstitutional militias — meaning all of them — must be dealt with.
• Congress must get younger.
• Conservatism needs to be cleaned up.
• Education must be funded, functional, and valued.
• We also have to face some hard truths:
• We can’t keep being allergic to taxes if we want a nation that works...government, education, and social services can only function when we actually invest in them.
• Media must be held accountable for disinformation.
• Campaign finance reform is essential...dark money poisons everything.
• The Supreme Court needs real ethics rules and term limits.
• Climate action can’t be optional.
• Healthcare has to stop being a financial death sentence.
• Voting rights must be universal and protected.
• Civic education has to teach critical thinking and citizenship, not consumerism.
• And maybe most of all, we need to start holding people accountable not just to laws, but to basic decency.
• Cancel culture and extremism on both sides calm down naturally when the deeper rot...corruption, fear, greed, and ignorance...finally gets cleaned out.

So...
✅ Donald Trump HAS to go, ASAP.
✅ The GOP needs to be scrubbed and reoriented toward reality
✅ Democrats need to get their act together.
✅ E Pluribus Unum” MUST return ASAP.
✅ In God We Trust must be removed from government.
✅ The Second Amendment and the gun insanity tied to it have to be addressed.
✅ Unconstitutional militias — meaning all of them — must be dealt with.
✅ Congress must skew younger.
✅ Conservativism has to be cleaned up.
✅ Education must be funded, functional, and valued.
✅ Allergy to paying taxes must end now.
✅ Hold people accountable to more than laws.
✅ Canceling people and extremist tactics.
✅ Citizens United, gone.
✅ Abortion legalized nationally
✅ Cannabis legalized nationally with better standards and control for potency, etc.
✅ Supreme Court ethics/control
✅ Gerrymandering, ended or somehow made to be sane, so...ended.

So, we have things to deal with…

• Media responsibility
• Campaign finance reform
• Climate issues are real, deal with them, we were, until Trump.
• Healthcare, single payer
• Voting rights, obviously
• Civic education, absolutely
• Public service, unquestionably
• Criminal justice, for profit prisons ended.
• Privatizing everything as conservative ideal ended.
• Cultural respect
• Citizen respect
• Social Media (which couldn't have gotten so bad if things above had previously been dealt with)

Cheers! Sláinte! Na zdravie! 

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Wealth Over Welfare: America's Trade of Care and Empathy Under POTUS47 Trump

America's Trade of Care and Empathy for Wealth Under POTUS47: A Critical Look at Trump's 2nd Ridiculous Term...

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, beginning his second, non-consecutive term. The ceremony, held indoors due to inclement weather, symbolized the beginning of a new era in American politics. However, beneath the rhetoric of national pride and renewed strength, there remains a central question: How has America, particularly under Trump’s leadership, traded care and empathy for the pursuit of wealth and power?

The Shift Toward Wealth Over Welfare

One of the most striking features of Trump's first term was his administration's prioritization of corporate interests and economic growth, often at the expense of social programs designed to care for vulnerable populations. As POTUS47, Trump has continued these policies, signaling an ongoing commitment to wealth-driven governance.

Trump’s inaugural address, filled with nationalistic fervor and a renewed focus on “America First,” laid the groundwork for policies that further reflect a shift away from care-oriented governance. His declaration of a national emergency at the southern border and his focus on increasing domestic oil production, while touted as moves for national security and energy independence, also underscore an administration committed to business expansion and economic growth, sometimes at the expense of social justice and environmental concerns.

Immigration Policies and the Erosion of Empathy

A key example of this trade-off can be seen in Trump’s continued stance on immigration. His second term began with a focus on building the border wall and further restricting immigration, including the expansion of the “Remain in Mexico” policy. While these measures were framed as necessary for national security, they also represent a hardened stance toward vulnerable populations, particularly refugees and asylum seekers.

Instead of offering compassion and empathy toward those fleeing violence and hardship, the administration’s approach prioritizes economic concerns—namely, the protection of jobs for American workers and reducing the strain on social services. This underscores a broader theme of prioritizing wealth and national interests over humanitarian considerations.

Economic Policies: Wealth Over Welfare

Trump's tax policies, particularly the tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, further reinforce the trend of valuing economic power over the collective well-being of the American people. In his first term, Trump’s tax cuts disproportionately benefited the wealthiest individuals and large corporations, exacerbating income inequality. Despite this, Trump has continued to champion these policies, arguing that they stimulate job growth and economic prosperity. Yet, the reality for millions of Americans remains that these policies have failed to substantially improve wages for the working class or address the systemic issues of poverty.

In his second term, Trump has shown no signs of shifting away from this economic model. His focus on deregulation and bolstering corporate profits stands in stark contrast to the unmet needs of millions of Americans struggling with healthcare, housing, and education. This economic framework, which favors wealth accumulation for the few, continues to prioritize profit over the social care systems that could benefit the broader population.

Healthcare: Profit Over People

A glaring example of America's trade-off of care for wealth is in the healthcare system. Under Trump’s leadership, the focus has largely been on preserving the interests of private insurance companies and pharmaceutical giants. Attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during Trump’s first term without providing a viable replacement resulted in millions of Americans remaining without adequate healthcare coverage. Rather than prioritizing universal healthcare or making healthcare more accessible, the Trump administration’s policies largely favored corporate interests, with little regard for the societal benefits of universal care.

In his second term, Trump’s emphasis on deregulation and reducing government involvement in healthcare could further entrench the private sector's hold over medical services, potentially deepening the divide between those who can afford necessary treatments and those who cannot.

Environmental Policy: Profits Over Planet

Trump’s environmental policies have also reflected this trend. His administration has rolled back numerous environmental regulations, allowing industries such as oil and coal to operate with fewer restrictions. While these policies have been lauded by business interests for stimulating economic growth and creating jobs, they have come at a significant cost to the environment and public health.

The administration’s focus on short-term economic gains, such as increased fossil fuel production, directly conflicts with the long-term health and well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. In this context, the needs of the environment—and by extension, the health and future of the American people—have been subordinated to the interests of wealthy corporations with ties to the fossil fuel industry.

National Security and Military: A Focus on Power Over People

Trump’s actions in the realm of national security also reflect a prioritization of power over the well-being of everyday Americans. His rehabilitation of military personnel who were discharged over COVID-19 vaccination refusals and his broader focus on strengthening the military are emblematic of an administration that places national might over the care of its citizens in areas like public health and welfare. While military strength is often framed as necessary for the protection of the nation, the emphasis on military power without equal attention to healthcare, education, and social services suggests a system that values strength and wealth over the care of its people.

A Divided Vision for America

Ultimately, Trump’s second term as POTUS47 stands as a continuation of the policies that have led America to place wealth and economic power above the needs of its citizens. Whether through his immigration policies, tax cuts, deregulation of business, or approach to healthcare and the environment, the Trump administration prioritizes the interests of the wealthy and powerful over those of the broader population. As a result, the country continues to struggle with deepening inequality, a lack of universal access to basic services, and a failure to address pressing social and environmental issues.

In this context, America has increasingly traded care and empathy for wealth, with the rich benefiting from policies designed to protect their interests, while many Americans face greater challenges in securing their health, safety, and dignity. The question remains: Will the focus shift toward a more empathetic and care-driven society, or will the pursuit of wealth continue to dominate America’s political landscape? The answer will likely shape the future of the nation for years to come.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

What Would Our Missing 1 Million COVID-19 Dead Think Today?

As of March 2025, the United States has reported approximately 1,222,603 deaths due to COVID-19. Some of them died still believing in the Trump disinformation campaign. Many died horrified they ever believed Trump or voted for him...

The missing one million

More than one million Americans died during the Covid-19 pandemic. Five years later, they remain largely invisible.

Jason Steinhauer

The question of how the "missing 1 million" Americans who died from COVID-19 would vote is an interesting and speculative one, as it's impossible to know their individual preferences. However, we can make some broad inferences based on various factors:

1. Demographic Impact: The pandemic disproportionately affected certain groups, including older individuals, communities of color, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Historically, demographic factors like age, race, and health status have influenced political preferences. Older Americans, for example, tend to lean more conservative, while younger, more diverse groups lean more liberal. However, COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups could have influenced future voting trends, potentially affecting both parties’ base.

2. Policy and Governance Influence: Many of the "missing" Americans died during the Trump administration, which led to significant political division over the handling of the pandemic. Some individuals may have become more politically active or altered their political leanings due to the perceived mishandling of the pandemic, with criticisms of the government’s response to COVID-19 potentially leading to a shift in voter sentiment away from certain political figures or policies.

3. Healthcare and Economic Factors: The pandemic underscored deep divisions in the country over healthcare access, economic support, and pandemic response. Those who suffered due to poor healthcare or financial hardship might have developed stronger support for policies promoting universal healthcare or better social safety nets, which are generally associated with the Democratic Party. Alternatively, those who felt that COVID-19 restrictions were overblown might have been more inclined to support conservative candidates who favored less government intervention.

4. Changes in Political Awareness: Some people may have been more motivated to vote as a result of losing loved ones to COVID-19, especially if their deaths were influenced by systemic issues like inadequate healthcare infrastructure or political negligence. This could have led to greater support for candidates promising change in those areas, such as those advocating for stronger public health systems, better pandemic preparedness, or healthcare reform.

Ultimately, it’s not just about who those "missing" Americans would vote for, but also about how their deaths impacted the political landscape. Their absence could contribute to changes in voting patterns, particularly in swing states, where their votes could have had a significant impact on elections.

Many of our dead were MAGA voters who changed their minds on their deathbed, shocked at what they had done, and Trump hadn't. How would they see reality different today?

It's a thought-provoking question, and while it's speculative, there are some possible angles to consider based on the nature of political shifts and the impact of personal experience.

1. Cognitive Dissonance and Reflection: For many people, political identity is deeply tied to their worldview, and shifting political views—especially later in life or during major personal crises—can create cognitive dissonance. If some of those who passed away from COVID-19 were MAGA voters who experienced profound regret on their deathbeds, it's possible they felt a deep internal conflict between their previous beliefs and the reality of what they experienced during the pandemic. In this case, they may have come to see the actions (or inactions) of leaders like Donald Trump as not only ineffective but potentially harmful, especially if they felt that more could have been done to save lives.

2. Disillusionment with Leadership: Many MAGA voters supported Trump, especially for his promises around American exceptionalism, economic prosperity, and law-and-order policies. However, if those same voters felt betrayed or misled by Trump's handling of the COVID-19 crisis, they might have come to view his leadership in a more negative light. For those who were directly impacted by the pandemic, this could lead to a significant change in how they viewed reality, potentially seeing Trump’s downplaying of the virus and lack of immediate action as a serious failure.

3. A Shift in Trust: If they were among those who regretted supporting Trump, they might have begun to see the need for a different type of leadership—one that prioritized science, healthcare, and empathy. This could lead them to question other aspects of their political beliefs, particularly regarding social safety nets, healthcare access, and government intervention during crises. The realization that their previous choice didn’t protect them or their loved ones might have sparked a deeper desire for change.

4. Impact of Pandemic Deaths on Political Consciousness: If these individuals came to the realization, particularly near the end of their lives, that the political system—and by extension, their support for a certain political figure—was contributing to their suffering or the suffering of those around them, it could have led to an emotional and intellectual awakening. Their regret might not just be about Trump, but about the broader political environment that enabled such inaction or misinformation.

5. How They'd See Reality Today: Assuming that many of these individuals, had they lived, were to engage in the political discourse of today, it’s likely they would be looking for leadership that acknowledges mistakes, prioritizes public health, and focuses on healing divisions rather than exacerbating them. They may be more receptive to candidates who emphasize unity, truth, and compassion over partisanship and conspiracy. For those who had been staunch MAGA voters, this shift would represent a significant departure from the political ideologies they once supported.

In essence, if those voters who passed away from COVID-19 had the chance to reflect and reconsider, they might see reality today as one where leadership is judged not by loyalty to a personality but by the ability to effectively address crises and protect people. Their regret could lead them to support policies and candidates that offer tangible solutions, rather than rhetoric.

Likely today, they would not be for Trump as they had originally been, considering they died because of his purposeful missteps and lack of empathy and compassion.

It's quite plausible that many of the Americans who died from COVID-19, particularly those who were staunch supporters of Donald Trump as POTUS45, might have experienced a shift in their perceptions of him and his administration's handling of the pandemic. Indeed, there are reports of exactly that. 

Also, studies have shown that counties with higher support for Trump in the 2020 election experienced higher COVID-19 death rates, suggesting a correlation between political affiliation and pandemic impact.

CIDRAP

Furthermore, the Trump administration's response to the pandemic faced significant criticism, including downplaying the virus's severity and promoting unproven treatments.

Times Union

These actions may have led some supporters to question their previous endorsement. It's conceivable that, in their final moments, some individuals reflected on the leadership decisions that contributed to the crisis, leading to feelings of regret or disillusionment.

However, it's important to acknowledge that political beliefs are deeply ingrained and can be resistant to change, even in the face of contrary evidence. While personal experiences, especially those as profound as facing a life-threatening illness, can influence one's views, they don't always lead to a complete reversal of political allegiance. Therefore, while some individuals might have reevaluated their support for Trump due to the pandemic's impact, others may have remained steadfast in their beliefs, interpreting events through their existing political lens.

DEATH after all, IS the greater arbiter of Reality, and the biggest form of being unable to face one's mistakes

Death is the ultimate and most irreversible Reality we all face. It's a stark confrontation with the consequences of our lives and decisions. For many, especially those nearing the end of life, it can serve as a powerful moment of reflection, a time when the weight of past choices becomes undeniable.

In the case of people who may have voted for Trump and later died due to the mishandling of the pandemic, it's possible that, in their final moments, they faced an undeniable reckoning with the consequences of their support for someone whose decisions might have directly impacted their survival. That moment could create a deep sense of regret, especially if they felt let down by someone they trusted to lead through such a critical time.

The emotional and existential impact of death can certainly amplify those realizations, as there's no escape from it. It can also lead to a reevaluation of beliefs and choices—especially in the context of a public health crisis where those choices had life-or-death consequences.

Ultimately, the reality of death does bring a clarity that nothing else in life can—forcing individuals to come face to face with their mistakes, their legacy, and the world they leave behind. In this way, it could lead to a profound shift in perspective, even if only in the final moments.

Here's a potential thought process for a MaGA voter who, in their final moments, begins to grapple with their regretted support for Donald Trump, particularly in light of how he unfolded the pandemic against us for what he perceived as best for his national perception, mostly only by his supporters:

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Initial Thoughts: "I always believed in Trump. He promised to make America great again. He spoke to my frustrations—about the elites, the government that didn't care about us, the economy, and our place in the world. I voted for him because he seemed like someone who understood our struggles. I believed he was tough, that he could get things done."

Facing the Pandemic: "But then the pandemic hit. At first, I didn’t think much of it—just like Trump said, maybe it wasn’t as bad as people were saying. But it kept spreading. People were dying, and the hospitals were overwhelmed. I watched as friends and family got sick. Some survived, but others didn't. I heard the way he downplayed the virus, calling it a hoax, telling people not to worry, and that we didn’t need to wear masks. I thought he knew best. I trusted him."

Cognitive Dissonance: "But now... looking back, I can’t help but wonder—was he wrong? Why didn’t he do more? Why didn’t he listen to the doctors? Why didn’t he act faster? There were experts saying we needed more testing, more precautions. And he just dismissed it all. Maybe he didn't care. Maybe he never really cared about us, the people he said he was fighting for."

Regret and Realization: "Now, here I am. I didn’t take the virus seriously enough. I thought I was invincible, or maybe I just didn’t want to believe it. But people died—so many people. And Trump... he kept pushing lies. How did I not see this sooner? I gave him the benefit of the doubt, but now it’s clear—he didn’t have a plan. He didn’t even try to fix it. If he had done more, maybe my friends would still be here. Maybe I’d still be here."

Reflection on Choices: "I’m looking back at all of this, and I realize that I was so blinded by my anger at the system, by the idea of someone shaking things up, that I couldn’t see the bigger picture. Maybe I was so focused on what Trump promised that I ignored what he was actually doing—or not doing. This isn’t just about politics anymore. This is about lives. About my life. About the people I love. And the truth is, Trump failed us. He let us down. And now we’re paying the price."

Final Thought: "I wish I had listened more, thought more critically about what I was supporting. I wish I had taken the time to see the flaws, not just in him, but in my own thinking. I’m sorry—sorry for all the people I encouraged, the things I believed that turned out to be lies. Maybe if I had done things differently, things might have turned out better for all of us. But it’s too late now. The damage is done."

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In this thought process, the individual would likely feel a profound sense of regret, realizing too late that their choices, their trust in a leader, may have contributed to a crisis that cost lives, including their own. The deathbed reflection could be a stark moment of clarity, where the realization of the failure of leadership and the pain of lost opportunities becomes undeniable. It would be a moment of confronting the truth about how their support for Trump, driven by anger or a desire for change, ultimately led them down a path of destruction that they hadn't fully understood until it was too late.

It's plausible that many MAGA voters who experienced personal loss during the COVID-19 pandemic underwent a significant shift in their perception of Donald Trump and his administration's handling of the crisis. Facing the death of loved ones due to the pandemic, some may have felt profound regret and disillusionment, especially considering Trump's downplaying of the virus and lack of decisive action. This disillusionment could lead them to reevaluate their previous support and decide against voting for Trump in subsequent elections.

Research indicates that Trump's approval ratings were significantly influenced by his handling of the pandemic. For instance, Gallup's data shows that Trump's approval ratings rarely topped 50% during his tenure, with notable fluctuations during the pandemic. Additionally, families of COVID-19 victims expressed anger towards Trump's comments minimizing the virus's severity, feeling that such remarks disrespected their experiences and losses.

Given these sentiments, it's quite reasonable to infer that some MaGA voters, particularly those directly affected by the pandemic's toll, might have reconsidered their support for Trump. This change in perspective could manifest in their decision not to vote for him in future elections, driven by a reassessment of his leadership during a critical time.

Following through with their thought process ending on the reality that Trump was a mistake...would they vote for him today...from what they could "see in the afterlife"? IS he even worse this go around? Here's a potential thought process that might conclude with the realization that voting for Trump was a mistake, followed by a reflection on his current state:

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Initial Thought:
"I remember how I felt back then—Trump spoke to my frustrations. He promised change, a better life for people like me. I believed he could fix what was broken in America. But now... looking back, it's clear he failed us. He failed me. The pandemic hit, and he couldn't even keep us safe. He lied, downplayed the virus, pushed false cures, and let people suffer."

Reflection:
"I can't undo what I did, but I can see now that supporting him was a huge mistake. I thought I was doing the right thing, but in reality, I was just holding on to a man who didn't care about the people he promised to protect. Too many lives were lost—lives that didn't have to be lost. Families torn apart. I could’ve taken a different path, seen the truth earlier, but I was too blinded by my anger and distrust in the system."

The Regret:
"I wish I could tell my family and friends that I see it now. I see the failure. I see how his lies hurt us all, how his refusal to take action cost lives—my life, maybe. I was loyal to a man who only cared about himself, not about us, not about America. Trump was the wrong choice, and I know that now. I won’t make that mistake again."

Looking Ahead:
"And if I could see the world now, from wherever I am—looking at what's happening today—it’s even worse. Trump is still pushing the same tired rhetoric. Still stoking fear, still dividing people. He's worse now, more dangerous than ever, and it’s clear that his intentions haven’t changed. The chaos, the lies, they haven’t stopped. If I could be there, if I could vote today, I wouldn’t vote for him. Not now, not ever. It was a mistake before, but it’s even more of a mistake now.

Now, if only all those still living and still supporting Donald Trump, could just see before they too die, for they kill our country, seeing it live on as an autocracy, an oligarchy, a kakistocracy... the dire reality of our current situation that they had a lot to do with bringing into our reality.

There is still time...if we can wrest control from these unAmerican actors under the Trump and MaGA authoritarian umbrella and bring America back to what our Founding Fathers had originally intended:

A nation based on freedom, self-governance, Laws, and the protection of individual rights. They sought to escape Tyranny and build a government with limited power, ensuring people’s freedoms were protected and giving them a voice in how their government protected them, and their interests...rather than the interests of merely the few and the powerful.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT