>>Before I reply, a question....which aspects of this article do you think are the strongest/most compelling arguments?

Apologies to Martin Niemöller for the paraphrase, but

First they came for the Hispanics, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Hispanic.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Muslims, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Muslim.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

The point I take from Tamar's citation is that even if it's not "me" being targeted, it's the responsibility of thinking civilized people to stand up and oppose despotic arbitrary targeting of any group. For more selfish types, consider Niemöller's fourth stanza and ask what is there to stop you being the target in due course. Ayn Rand fans should have little difficulty with this concept.

The reason Trump says these things, is because it makes audiences cheer. As Bill notes, people are as mad as hell and if presented with a simple answer to complex problems, they applaud thankfully. Hence Great Walls of America, cancellation of international agreements like the TPPA and "take, take, take" to make America great again. The audiences cheer themselves hoarse. IMHO the concern expressed in Tamar's citation is that this is not the first time we've seen mobs hollering out support for despotic plans to make the trains run on time, create jobs, rebuild national pride and expel the evil culprits eating us from within.