Confidence in MAGA
Juan was quiet for a long time. When he was at home, he had a role to play. He was the head of the house, the decision-maker. But he’d grown up with Roberto. They’d worked the same jobs together back in Mexico. When Juan first came to the United States, Roberto supported him until he got on his feet. Roberto was one of the few people on earth Juan could confide in.
“All my life, all I’ve ever done was work,” Juan looked down at the can in his hands. He absently swirled the contents around. “Now, I feel like I’m losing everything. It’s getting bad.”
Roberto came around and placed a reassuring hand on Juan’s shoulder. “Yeah, sometimes I feel that way too.” For once, Roberto dropped the bombastic act and spoke to his brother from his heart. “It always seems like the scales are tipped in favor of the corrupt and morally bankrupt.”
Juan looked up. Roberto held up a bottle of Modelo, rocking it gently, silently asking if Juan’s was empty and if he wanted another. Juan declined with a shake of his head, returning his gaze to the can he was holding.
“Let’s get some music going!” Roberto tried to change the somber mood. “Look, hermano,” he said over his shoulder as he walked towards the speaker. “Nothing ever stops the Torres men! We’ve been through a lot worse times than this. It’s gonna be OK.”
“Ay!” Juan cried as the first strains of “El Rey” began to crackle from the speaker. Translated as “The King,” this classic ranchera song symbolizes the strength and confidence of a man in love. It celebrates masculinity and charisma.
“See what I mean?” Roberto pressed another can of Coors Light into Juan’s hands. “A lot of people are going through tough times. But with or without money, we’re still kings!”
Juan grinned and popped the can. “You’re right,” Roberto was always able to cheer him up. “Salud!”
“To President Trump!” Roberto raised his Modelo. “MAGA!”
Juan knew his brother was teasing him, but he didn’t mind. “You might be surprised, but I’ve been thinking a lot about the President lately. Biden just won the Democratic primary. So even though Biden beat Trump last time, I still got confidence in Trump.”
Roberto raised an eyebrow, “Why would I be surprised? Trump’s no fool. He’s not going to let them cheat again.”
“I heard he’s sending hundreds of lawyers out to Arizona.” Juan pictured plane loads of men in expensive suits landing at the Sky Harbor airport. “One thing he knows is how to fight in the courtroom.”
“Yeah,” Roberto chimed in. “He’s got the Supreme Court too. He appointed half of them.”
Juan grimaced. He wasn’t so sure about that one. But he said, “They did overturn Roe vs Wade.”
“That’s right,” Roberto agreed. “When Trump gets back in, he’s going to get the transgendered out of the military too.”
“That would be good,” Juan nodded. “My son is a Marine, and he doesn’t need to deal with that tonterías (foolishness).”