Should Trump prevail, prepare for a 'Night of the Long Knives'

In the next few days, Americans will know who will be the 47th President of the United States. If Vice President Kamala Harris wins, there will be several weeks of turmoil, possibly punctuated by political violence spurred on by supporters of her opponent, Donald Trump.

If Trump prevails and returns to the White House, we already know what he will do. Trump has repeatedly told us his intentions on various issues, so we should not discount him.

However, there is another aspect to what Trump will do if he returns to power. A story on the DCReport website by Tom Cantlon, Trump and the Night of the Long Knives, casts Trump's return as a threat to opponents and supporters.

Cantlon's title references Adolph Hitler's Night of the Long Knives, which occurred 90 years ago after Hitler became chancellor and wanted to consolidate power. 

Simply put, Hitler killed not only opponents but also targeted former allies who he believed to be threats. While estimates varied, it has been estimated hundreds of people were killed in the purge.  

As Cantlon wrote, "I'm not saying Trump would have people killed, just that there is a parallel as far as dropping supporters from favor, letting whatever bad consequences happen to them."

As it relates to a second Trump presidency, who among his supporters might be victimized by his long knive?

Let's consider agribusiness.

Should Trump successfully push for mass deportations, who will harvest crops? In our backyard, Central Valley orchards, dairy farms, orchards, vineyards, feedlots, ranches, and every aspect of agriculture will be severely affected. 

How about Midwest slaughterhouses? For over a century, recently arrived immigrants have toiled in these stressful working environments, and that labor practice continues today. 

Have you ever read Upton Sinclair's The Jungle? When Trump follows through on mass deportations, do you think any native-born American citizen will work in the fields or slaughterhouses?

Trump has also promised tariffs on imported goods. Do you think trade partners and competitors will not retaliate?

Midwest farmers who export various crops, from corn to soybeans, will see their products slapped with tariffs.  

In both cases, Trump's policies will decimate agricultural interests that support him. Of course, Trump's Long Knives will cut Americans across the board with higher prices. 

Trump's Long Knives will cut his supporters in ways they probably can't even imagine. Of course, those who did not support Trump will be collateral damage. 

Cantlon concluded his story by saying, "I have to walk back and correct one thing. That Trump wouldn't have people killed. That's exactly what it seemed he would be fine with regarding Mike Pence, the Vice President of the United States, on January 6th."

If the former President prevails, everyone, especially supporters close to him and throughout America, can count on being victims of Trump's Long Knives.