Consider a recent incident where Texas Republican Chip Roy responded to this Tweet posted by a Dallas-based housing and economic analyst Amy Nixon.

Austin, TX ranks #5 in a list of US Cities with the most people moving OUT

This is the first time in YEARS that a Texas city has made the top 10 list pic.twitter.com/gezIOhZQjr

— Amy Nixon (@texasrunnerDFW) August 31, 2024

In his response, he said rather plainly that if you were in Texas and not a Republican, then you should leave the state.

If you’re a radical progressive Democrat - don’t let the door hit you on your way fully out of Texas. If you’re sane and staying elsewhere in Texas… you’re welcome provided you leave that commie bullsh*t behind. https://t.co/kjUweGYry1

— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) September 1, 2024

Naturally, native Texans pushed back.

I’m a 5th generation Texan. You moved here from Maryland. Fuck all the way off, carpetbagger.

— Michelle (@LoneStarLeft) September 2, 2024

I was born here. My parents were born here. My grandparents were born here. You were not.
Don’t tell born and bred Texan Democrats when to leave Texas.

— 𝚆𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎•&•ꪜꪮꪑỉᡶ🐝🇺🇸🌊🟧🟦 (@WallaceAndV0mit) September 2, 2024

Hey Chip. Afraid of communism? I guess that means you wont be voting for Trump after all? Trump plans to suspend the constitution. Does that bother you or are you full of shit? I remember your mother very well and I can say the apple dont fall far, old friend.

— Jay (@ARsaidso) September 2, 2024

From Voter Suppression to Targeting Indie Bands: How MAGA Republicans Escalate Attacks on Everyday Americans

Initially, in political mudslinging, the targets are other politicians who work to get the votes of regular people regardless of their political affiliation. If a Republican can get elected by gaining Democratic voters, or vice versa, it's a win. Now, thanks to Donald Trump's intimidation tactics, only those who are loyal and willing to push the boundaries of who their enemy is, the targets are regular everyday Americans. 

Before Trump entered politics, Republicans were already going after regular Americans targeting voter's rights. That effort has increased in the Trump era but in other topics, and while there are extensive cases, such as the targeting of 2020 election volunteer staffers, one case this year was with Gov. Greg Abbott going after indie bands who were boycotting SXSW. Just alternative artists who rock 'n roll are now seen as the enemy by an old, wheelchaired fascist. Chip Roy's comment suggests a growing pattern of Trump's Republicans who are willing to stomach a mass purging of Americans. Should Donald Trump successfully steal the 2024 election, there's no doubt the purge will begin. 

Featured image "Chip Roy" by Gage Skidmore via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0