I do not believe that any political party should stir up bigotry or racial animosity (that should not be a remarkable statement in 2016, particularly in this country, yet, sadly, it needs to be said today — in this country). As a lifelong and proud Republican, I reject in every way the appeal to sexism, racial animosity and bigotry that Trump espouses, as he plays to people’s worst and imagined fears: supporting “the total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering this country,” solely because of their religion, making vulgar, sexist remarks, mocking the disabled, calling for the mass round-up and deportation of undocumented Latinos and flirting with white supremacists, including his comment that: “I don’t know anything about David Duke” — making him either the most ignorant candidate, or just the latest political demagogue.
I refuse to engage in the folly of assuming that this is just “shtick” and that Trump will obviously govern differently, or that the weight of the office will mold him into something more high-minded. History is littered with these assumptions and rationalizations, and they only lead to moments of great regret. I don’t know the man. But, I take his words and his actions seriously. Apart from the total idiocy of his pretend policy statements, he carefully selects his words to divide the nation and provoke hatred and bigotry.
If we learned anything from Niemoeller’s journey, it is that the only way to combat bigotry, regardless to whom it is directed, is head-on and with a clarity of conviction, and even at moments — especially at moments — when there may be less confrontational routes.
If we treat hate speech and bigotry with anything less than outrage, we give it oxygen. We give it life.
I am fond of my political party, but I love this nation far more. If the Republican Party stands for nothing other than winning elections, then it will lose its legitimacy to govern and it will lose the general election. To vote for Trump is to vote for a bigot. It is no more complicated than that.
The SDFLA Blog is dedicated to providing news and notes regarding federal practice in the Southern District of Florida. The New Times calls the blog "the definitive source on South Florida's federal court system." All tips on court happenings are welcome and will remain anonymous. Please email David Markus at dmarkus@markuslaw.com
A little too little, a little too late.
ReplyDeletePublished on the evening before the election. Probably very few people will see this before voting. I agree with 10:11 AM.
ReplyDeleteEve of election is the perfect time. The majority of voters (still far too few in both races) will vote today. Many after work.
ReplyDeletelate or not, well said
ReplyDeleteRIP GOP - it was nice knowing ya.
ReplyDeleteYea, where was he when the Republicans were accusing obama of being born in Kenya, or when they joyously would insert "hussein" with particular emphasis anytime they said obamas name.
ReplyDeleteShow me that editorial and this statement may have a bit of meaning. Otherwise, Bob, your great gop is reaping what it began incubating 8 years ago.
2:01 PM, "perfect time"? Apparently not. Many also vote before work and before looking at the newspaper. Better to publish at least a day ahead -- for example, in the Sunday paper -- if you want to have a real effect.
ReplyDeleteWell that helped a lot. NOT
ReplyDelete