Nope, it’s not macho MAGA versus wussy liberal-progressive-democratic-socialism.

In any case, for now, Trump has won that one. It’s his and the newly minted Republican Party’s to lose should they fail to keep their word.

 So far so good on that count — maybe more like so far so great.

The real battle for America’s hearts and minds is much simpler than politics. It’s about a crucial clash between our culture’s future as a champion of comfort or a gateway to growth. 

 Historically, we’ve followed the latter.

 That’s why all those millions of people have been invading our borders for a chance to get a piece of the American Dream.

 For some time now, however, there has been a broad mounting emphasis on feeling good over being good. 

 Whether it’s in how we eat, how we activate, how we learn, how we fight crime, how we work, how we pursue spiritual faith, or how we vote, comfort has become the lead enthusiasm for far too many of us.

 Eating — for most — is all about comfort. We talk health, but the quality and quantity of what we eat and our waist size tells the truth. Spoiler alert: There is nothing nutritional or healthy — absolutely nothing — in Doritos, Coke, Fruit Loops, donuts, fries, Pop Tarts, or at least half of the rest of the stuff we eat. The things filling us are killing us.  

 In terms of activation, we’re becoming vegetables. Watch a physical education class in the sixties versus one today. We’re lucky if many of today’s students can pull off the walk to the gym. Serious physicality? Sure, as long as it involves lifting a phone or tapping a keyboard. Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Grandma as helpful models of fitness? Not when their comfortable recliner is worn out and their gym clothes still have tags.

 Our criminal justice system is lucky that most crooks are disloyal and dumb. If it weren’t for tipsters and bumbling lawbreakers, our outnumbered and unsupported law enforcement officers would be hunkered down at HQ praying for daylight. If we designed our judicial system to be intentionally dysfunctional, it would be an improvement over the stumbling, confusing, delaying, pretending court system we have now. Fixing that would apparently make too many people uncomfortable.

 Then there’s work. The most recent adult generation’s idea of work is showing up, making their limitations clear, and working hard to find a working equation that has them working as little as possible. When they demonstrate energy and enthusiasm, it’s to answer texts and sneaking out to cop a buzz. When they do demonstrate work-related energy, it means they are likely on their third comforting energy drink.

Faith? Well, in today’s America one would be hard pressed to note that we were originally founded clearly, firmly and unreservedly on Christian values. Too many of today’s churches have become spiritual country clubs similarly devoted to — you guessed it — the comfort of their members. Another spoiler alert: It’s not possible to be a comfortable Christian. Being a Christian is simply too hard for comfy. All that love, forgiveness, obedience, and live like Jesus stuff is relentlessly demanding and – wait for it – uncomfortable.

Most voters — if they vote at all — vote for candidates (1) they find likable (2) that make them the most promises of something for nothing. Untold number of Republicans in WNC voted for Donald Trump and no one else because they didn’t want to take the time to learn about other candidates. Yes Mrytle, lazy and comfortable go together.

 Our growing list of comfort addictions is endless.

 Let’s try another one — the number of veterans who are embracing disability status and never coming out of it. Last time I looked, 40 percent of the Iraq and Afghanistan vets were applying for some form of disability. The problem is that once one gets on disability, very very few leave the comfort of that guaranteed income. The numbers are way too high to believe that everyone receiving benefits has earned and deserves them. Military service has become yet another way to scam America for personal comfort.

 When was the last time Congress submitted a budget, the federal government lived within its means, and the Pentagon completed an audit? It’s uncomfortable to be held accountable.

 We’re in the middle of the dependable excesses of Black History Month and literally no one is daring to risk the discomfort of suggesting that this is racism personified. How do you get rid of racism by celebrating racism? 

See the recent Super Bowl half-time show for a demonstration of why we should rethink this silliness.

 Let me now be the first to suggest I have overdramatized much of what you have just read. Things are not all bad and we’re not all lazy.

With your patience, I felt the need to put some punch into this missive.

Why, because people like to read what makes them feel comfortable.