Boosterism: It’s a word that means the “enthusiastic promotion” of something, like a cure for hair loss, or a sports team, or a city. In political life, it is a “combination of collective self-interest, civic pride, and genuine concern for a town or a city’s welfare.”

Boosterism is sometimes derided as naïve, or as manipulative.

But the truth is, boosterism is a good thing in a civil servant.

Holland’s city council, and especially Holland’s mayor, Nathan Bocks, practice boosterism.

Bocks’ slogan “And We Get to Live Here!” plus his frequent FaceBook posts and public appearances at city events are classic boosterism. There can be no doubt that Mayor Bocks, and others working for the city, love Holland and are happy to be serving its citizens.

Another local political figure who is a booster is Jacob Bonnema in Zeeland. His FaceBook posts feature photos with local first responders, visits to Zeeland’s Pumpkinfest, and pancake breakfasts. Bonnema LIKES Zeeland, and he LIKES serving his constituency.

You may not agree with either man’s politics, but it’s fair to say that each brings enthusiasm and positivity to his role in the community. Each is a booster.

And then we have Donald Trump. Much can be said about his age, his lies, his incoherent “weaving” when he speaks, his inability to articulate (or understand) complex ideas like tariffs or the auto industry. But more can be said about his blatant disrespect and even disgust for parts of the American nation he hopes to lead, again.

Let’s begin with cities.

Turns out that Trump really doesn’t like American cities — especially if the city’s population is racially diverse. In 2020, Trump said living in Detroit was like “living in hell.” This month, he compared the city to a “developing nation.” He called Milwaukee a “horrible city” in June. Philadelphia is “ravaged by bloodshed and crime.” He has threatened to take over Washington, D.C., a “horribly run city” if he wins the election.

Trump doesn’t think much of women, either, even though they make up half the population.

Hilary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, Nikki Haley, Carly Fiorina, Heidi Cruz, Megyn Kelly, E. Jean Carroll, Rosie O’Donnell, Omarosa Newman: he criticizes their looks, calls them “dogs” and “stupid.” He gives them demeaning nicknames like “Pocahontas,” “crazy,” “low-IQ,” “horseface,” “crooked,” or “birdbrain.” Name-calling like this is so very juvenile. It doesn’t say anything meaningful about the woman being described: it simply is a way to insult and diminish her.

Other politicians and civil servants are also subject to Trump’s venom. Kamala Harris is “not a smart person” despite her accomplishments as a prosecutor, senator and vice president. She is a “commie” “border czar,” but neither of those names is true.

Adam Schiff of California is a “sleazebag,” “lowlife” and an “enemy from within” who will be handled by the National Guard or the military, if Trump has his way. He has said that Gen. Mark Milley, the former chief of staff of the U.S. military, deserves execution.

Entire groups of Americans are targeted by Trump’s language, especially immigrants. Trump doesn’t distinguish between legal and illegal immigrants: He paints them all with the same brush. He “others” groups like Haitians, Venezuelans, Mexicans, and Central Americans by calling them “these people” or “vermin” or violent criminals.

He claims that by allowing immigrants into the country, “We’re just destroying the fabric of life in our country. And we’re not going to take it any longer. And you got to get rid of these people.”

Trump’s view of life in America is weird. He imagines crime everywhere but on his beloved golf courses. “You can’t walk across the street to get a loaf of bread. You get shot, you get mugged, you get raped, you get whatever it may be, and you’ve seen it and I’ve seen it and it’s time for a change.” How does this resonate with your experiences at Costco or Meijer?

How many ways can the Republican candidate say that he disrespects America and Americans before we catch on to his game? Trump doesn’t project hope or goals for the future. He tears down. He doesn’t build anything up — other than his bank account, fattened by Trump-branded watches, sneakers, mugs, T-shirts, wine, steaks, NFTs (whatever they are) and Bibles.

Sentinel Leach is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

He is the furthest thing from a booster. America, in his eyes, is a failed nation. Its cities are doomed; its people are living in fear; its industries are failing. There is a kernel of truth in each of these assertions — but this does not reflect the lived reality of the majority of us.

How can we contemplate placing a person with so much animosity toward this county in the highest elected position in the land?

— Community Columnist Barbara Mezeske is a retired teacher and resident of Holland. She can be reached at bamezeske@gmail.com.