By Matt Underwood Kelly says he wishes someone would tell Trump ‘how math works’, and frankly, it’s a sentiment many people share. It’s not just about simple arithmetic; it’s about understanding the fundamental principles of numbers and how they impact reality. The core issue seems to be that a significant portion of the electorate, and apparently Trump himself, struggles with these basic concepts. The frustration stems from the idea that sound decision-making, in any field, relies on a solid grasp of mathematical truths. When those truths are ignored or distorted, it leads to a distorted understanding of the world.
The problem, as articulated here, isn’t just that Trump might misunderstand math; it’s that he seems uninterested in grasping it. Some believe that he actively chooses to ignore the realities numbers represent because they don’t align with his desired narrative. This is where the issue becomes less about education and more about deliberate manipulation. The suggestion is that Trump understands how to exploit a lack of mathematical understanding, and he uses this to his advantage, feeding his base information that can be considered misleading or simply untrue. He knows his base is unlikely to question him, and the numbers become malleable tools for crafting his public image.
Furthermore, there is a perception that Trump actively surrounds himself with people who are unlikely to challenge him or present him with contradictory evidence. This creates an echo chamber where alternative viewpoints, especially those that conflict with his own, are effectively shut out. This makes it challenging to even have a productive conversation, much less actually teach him anything. When you have a leader who doesn’t seem to acknowledge the importance of math, the consequences can be far-reaching, from economic policies to healthcare plans. These consequences affect everyone, regardless of their political affiliation.
The comments also reflect a certain weariness with the whole situation. It’s a sense that those who truly understand the implications of Trump’s statements on matters of math and the truth of numbers have been trying to make their voices heard for years, but to no avail. There is a sense of hopelessness, and that these attempts have been futile, and that the only results are disappointment and increased division. It’s like watching someone confidently march into a burning building, knowing full well the danger, but feeling powerless to stop them.
The perception that he is a “skilled grifter,” adept at manipulation, further complicates the situation. It suggests that his ignorance or lack of concern regarding mathematical truth isn’t due to stupidity, but a strategic tactic. If he can leverage his audience’s lack of mathematical understanding for personal gain, the incentive to change is diminished. The truth becomes a commodity to be discarded or used as needed.
Additionally, this extends to other important matters. The inability to comprehend basic facts is seen as a sign of weakness and a liability. There is an assertion that he is not a leader of his people, but instead, he is a figurehead who takes advantage of the system for his own benefit. The fact that Trump’s supporters, described as “the uneducated,” are the people he loves the most. To put it very simply, he doesn’t need to know the facts or math, he just needs to be fast enough to keep them from realizing he is wrong.
One person even questioned why Trump would need math in the first place, given that his actions often seem to prioritize self-interest. It’s a cynical statement that is not meant to be taken seriously, but it reveals the extent to which some believe that the truth and integrity have been abandoned in favor of achieving specific goals. If his followers are comfortable with the alternative facts he presents, then there is no incentive to embrace reality.
The final sentiment here is that the problem isn’t just about math; it’s about the broader issue of truth, knowledge, and how they relate to leadership. The hope is that people, when they look at this issue, can see how important facts and reality are, especially when making choices for the future. In the end, it all comes down to the individual’s choice to accept or reject what they are being told and to use their own minds.