Trip to Trump Country

Two days ago, my wife and I enjoyed a scenic, 56-km (36-mile) drive from San Diego to Ramona, Calif., where I underwent Stop the Bleed trauma training. In our neighborhood, Democrat-candidate-supporting signs are everywhere. We have seen one for Trump, inside a window where no one could tear it away.

But we saw several banners—one hoisted high above the highway—along the route to Ramona and an actual Trump Store on Main Street. Say what? Someone would either graffiti or torch the place if located in the Hillcrest-North Park-University Heights area. Around where we live, people who can’t stop talking about inclusion and tolerance are quick to exclude and exude intolerance towards Donald Trump, his MAGA-movement, and anything or anyone Republican.

We left Ramona around Noon, passing a gathering of all ages, ethnicity, and races waving Trump flags, nearby the aforementioned store. Oh, we had to stop, shoot some photos, and look inside the retail shop. Of course, we wouldn’t buy anything for fear of being skewered wearing anything sold there. No hats. No T-shirts. Nothing. Okay, we bought something simple for a friend that she can hide inside her apartment.

I got to say that these Trumpers were joyous, as they waved banners, flags, and other paraphernalia. Festive best describes the gathering of supporters and store shoppers, which starkly contrasts to the grim-faced Kamala Harris supporters I see here in San Diego proper. No disrespect intended, but if she’s so great a candidate, why are her acolytes all so miserable? You tell me.

Okay, let’s talk photos—four selected from a group taken using Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra on Nov. 2, 2024. They speak for themselves, so let’s skip to the vitals, starting with the Featured Image: f/2.4, ISO 50, 1/2000 sec, 70mm (film equivalent); 12:11 p.m. PDT. The second: f/1.7, ISO 12, 1/640 sec, 23mm (film equivalent); 12:10 p.m. The third: f/2.4, ISO 50, 1/1000 sec, 70mm (film equivalent); 12:12 p.m. The fourth: f/1.7, ISO 12, 1/640 sec, 23mm (film equivalent); 12:24 p.m.