As billionaires try to take us back to the Gilded Age, I goback to the man who started it all. Rush Limbaugh made hating liberals popularand began convincing working people that rich folks have our best interests atheart. Since American History teaches us that the Gilded Age didn't turn out sowell and that common sense teaches us that rich people don't usually give twofigs about working people... I realized that Rush was playing the long game. Hewas NOT the man we thought he was!

Today, Donald Trump will lay his hand on the Bible and swear to protect and defend the Constitution... an oath he broke the first time around. Many Americans understand that this is a dark day in our history. Just as many Americans disagree. Some of these are true believers who are lost inside their silos of hate, fear and misinformation. But most Trump voters... they don't think there is anything to worry about. Things will just go along... just as they have their entire lives. Maybe I am wrong and they are right. So I have written a letter to Abraham Lincoln and asked him the question, "Has history stopped?"

Evangelical Christians have been essential to Trump's rise to power. They may not be ready to hear this letter, but when they are, it will be here, ready for them. It is the sermon their pastors have failed to give them.

Trump's administration will take one of two paths... the first will be disastrous, the second will be worse. Thinking about what to expect helps us understand how to prepare.

Trump's reelection is a defeat for America. We may be on the edge of disaster, but the future is only hopeless if we give up hope. What greatness America has achieved is because previous generations of Americans stepped up when it was their moment. This moment is ours.

Meet your host, Chuck Bennett, as he describes the purpose for Letters from an American Optimist. SPOILER ALERT: He thinks the far right has declared war against American ideals... but he believes it is a fight we can win.