Racism, Hatred and Violence: The Antithesis of Freedom

The mass shootings of the last weeks cannot be separated from the sowing of hatred and demonization of peoples we hear from President Trump.  The manifesto for the mass murderer in El Paso, Texas includes lines taken from Trump’s speeches and Trump for President websites.  As I’ve said before:  What you reap, you shall sow!

We who love freedom and believe in the dignity of all people (“…endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” [Declaration of Independence]) abhor the talk of demonization of peoples (especially immigrants and the undocumented).  

I say:

•          “No to Demonization of Peoples”
•          “No to Hatred of Immigrants and the Undocumented” and
•          “No to the Violence that rises from Hatred.”

The hatred we saw in El Paso blurred the lines of American Citizenship, legal status in the US, and undocumented status in the US, as the evil murderer in El Paso killed any and all, illustrating a root hatred of Hispanic people and not just those who are undocumented.  This blurring of the lines has led to many incidents where anyone appearing to be Hispanic or speaking Spanish is assumed to be “illegal” and therefore subject to discrimination and hate.

A free people recognize the dignity of all people. 

A free people do not hate any group.

A free people can work to improve the situation on the southern border while respecting the dignity of all.

•          While respecting all people, we don’t have to have “open borders” but rather improve conditions for a more orderly passage of peoples across the southern border.
  
  
•          While respecting all people, we can work together to ensure humane conditions in detention facilities and not separate underage minors from parents or guardians.
  
  
•          While respecting all people, we can work to improve the conditions in Central America that drive the desire to migrate to the US.
•          While respecting all people, we can find a permanent solution for the millions of undocumented peoples living within the US.  We should expel the criminals, but we should also have a process whereby productive workers and the “dreamers” can have a path to a documented status, including a path to citizenship.

We must say no to this hatred and violence now!

Humane Conditions for Human Beings!

Almost everyone will agree on the beauty of a flower.  There is a natural appeal to the eye that generally comes across as both pleasant and even calming.  This may be true for other things in daily life, from cute animals to artwork or a beautiful table setting.

Oddly enough, this universal appeal doesn't apply to our own species.  In particular, I point to the current issues related to immigration to the United States, particularly along the southern border with Mexico.  

The Evil of the Demonization of Immigrants

Before his election, Donald Trump was characterizing those crossing the border as generally criminals: "They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”  (Presidential announcement speech, June 16, 2015).  Trump and many of his supporters have been demonizing these human beings.  Trump has a continuous pattern of demonizing or down-playing those from poor countries, or who are people of color, or just not from northern Europe.  This plays to hatred of immigrants and people of color, hatred that can be found in some of Trump's followers but more especially in the fringe extreme right and hate groups.

This demonization of peoples if evil!  This is not the American way.  This does not support the works of our Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  In this matter of demonizing human beings, Trump is un-American!

The Evil of Inhumane Treatment of Detainees

Migrant camp at the border by Tijuana. 
Nov. 2018 photo by AP.

Current reports indicate that the number of peoples crossing the southern border and detained by the United States is overwhelming facilities resulting in overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, including for children.   This poor treatment of human beings in not the American way.  

More funding is needed immediately to improve conditions so that they are humane and sanitary.  If there are more people than can be held in safe and humane conditions, then people need to be released on one side of the border or the other.

The persistence of inhumane and unsanitary conditions in another sign of the un-American actions of the Trump Administration!

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Contact your elected representatives in Congress and demand immediate action to ensure humane and sanitary conditions for detainees!! 

Violence and a President Who Seems to Fan the Flames

What you sow, you will reap!  This is an old proverb, but still true.  It is unprecedented to have an American President make statements that advocate for violence.  Acts of hate and violence here and world-wide are early fruits of the harvest.

What You Sow

Here are some examples:

--A President who repeated refers to the Press "is the Enemy of the People"

--A President who applauds an assault on a journalist:

• “Any guy that can do a body slam — he’s my kind of guy,” Trump said to cheers and laughter from the crowd, referring to Rep. Greg Gianforte's  assault on Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs.

--A President who, as a candidate, encouraged the crowds at his rallies to commit violence:

• "Knock the hell out of him!...I promise you I will pay the legal fees.”
• “Maybe he should have been roughed up.”
• “I don’t know if I’ll do the fighting myself or if other people will.

With these and other examples, it beyond credibility that Sarah Huckabee-Sanders said at the White House Daily Press Briefing on 29 June 2017:  “The president in no way, form, or fashion has ever promoted or encouraged violence.”  This is just another example of a President and aides who call proven lies as their alternative facts.  (Ref. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/donald-trump-incitement-violence/)

The Harvest?

• June 29, 2018 - Five dead in shooting at Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland. (Reference)
• October 25, 2018 - White gunman who killed two black people in supermarket made racist remarks before attack. “Whites don’t kill whites,” he said to an armed man who confronted the killer. (Reference)
• October 25, 2018 - Man sends 13 pipe bombs to Democrats who criticized the President. (Reference)
• October 27, 2018 - Man yelled "All Jews must die" as he kills 11 at Synagogue in Pittsburgh. (Reference)

Other acts of harassment and confrontation have occurred.  And there is the Unite the Right Rally in Charlotteville, VA on August 11 to 12, 2017, which included many carrying weapons, wearing Nazi insignia, chanting racist and antisemitic  slogans.  And there is the case of the the apparent assassination of a Washington Post contributor.

While most of the violence has been perpetrated by fringe characters (either with histories of mental illness and/or violence), the word seems to be "come out, it's safe" for the right-wing fringe.  And what is this saying to the world?

You can't sow the seeds of violence and hatred without expecting the harvest of the same! 

The Demeanor of the Candidate

 

On Thursday, much of the nation watched a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding Brett Kavanaugh, the current nominee of President Donald Trump for a seat on the Supreme Court, and allegations of sexual misconduct in his youth.  My impression is that people saw the proceedings colored by some combination of political views and personal experience. 

Democratic supporters see the need to investigate the allegations.  Republican supporters see it as a political show where suddenly these allegations surface just before the Senate needs to vote on the nominee.  

Women who’ve been raped or sexually abused (and those who know these women) may be suffering again through the horror of that experience.  Men may be worried that some forgotten event in their teens or twenties might be dredged up and now it’s a he-said-she-said situation.

While I could comment on all the above, I’m wondering if the trump card isn’t Kavanaugh’s demeanor both in his statement (a diatribe against the Democrats) and his emotion and anger.  If I were his lawyer, I wouldn’t want him on the stand.  If I were on the jury, I’d suspect he’s hiding guilt behind this offence of blame, accusations and anger.  As a juror, I’d probably vote “guilty as charged!”

I don’t think anything will stop the majority Republicans in the Senate from seating him on the high court.  I also suspect that the party in part sees him as red meat for the base:  he may be finally the vote that overturns Roe.  Think of that for the Republicans in the mid-terms and 2020:  the short shelf life for Roe added to the tax cut, beating up on trade partners, defense of the National Anthem, severe reduction in immigration, etc.  So much red meat for the base.

Kavanaugh is the poster child for the party of the angry white man!

No Cages; Families Belong Together

The Trump Administration's "zero tolerance" policy has resulted in the US Government treating human beings like animals, stored in cages, separating parents from young children.  Fortunately, the child separation policy has ended, but the damage to the children could be life-long. But the cages remain.

Though the number of persons crossing the southern border without documentation is reduced from year past, somehow this Administration thinks that treating human beings like animals is how to "discourage" people from crossing the border, all while the Administration has done nothing regarding its promised wall funded by Mexico after a year and a half in power.  The Trump development companies could erect luxury condo high-rises or a casino in a couple of years.  What's up with this wall?  Was it just a stunt for the campaign?

A rational policy would look at the areas of high crossing rates, and focus better security there both in terms of walls/fences, surveillance and, officials on the ground.  There should be foreign aid to improve conditions in the countries where people are leaving.  And an information campaign focused on these nations announcing that one needs documentation to enter the US.

Finally, there should be "sanctuary" zones in neutral locations outside the US where those seeking refugee status can remain in a safe place while their appeal is processed.

But treat all humans as humans!!

No cages!

Families kept together! 

No Shithole Nations

This week we heard reports that the elected leader of the US used an obscene and derogatory term to refer to Haiti and African nations, saying why do we want people from those nations and not a nation like Norway.

Besides the blatant racism of the statement, it is blatantly untrue that the desirability of an immigrating person is related to the nation from which they come.  As a civil engineer, I've worked with other engineers who have come from these countries, including Haiti, Eritrea, Kenya, and Lesotho, specifically. Besides being nice people, they were also good engineers.

I have to conclude that good and talented people come from all nations, even the poorest nations of the world or the nations where some might not expect talented people to come from.

Some nations may be poor. Some may not have the resorts for the rich and famous. But, there are good and talented people that come from these nations.

Health Insurance and Working Americans

Breaking news:  the latest Republican health care bill in the US Senate is now 2 votes short of passing.

And so goes on the health care political football.  When the Democrats controlled the Congress and White House, they forced through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  Flawed in places and perhaps not stable over time, it let the health care genie out of the bottle.  

For the first time, many working Americans could afford the benefits of health insurance.  The could afford the medicine they need to treat their chronic conditions.  They could feel assured that they were not one bad diagnosis from loosing their home and the job and falling into poverty.  

Cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, stroke:  who knows when they may befall someone.  And without health insurance, any of these could take a productive, working American from a role of being a self-supporting, productive, tax-paying citizen of this land and make them a ward of the state, and burden to taxpayers.

But now the Republicans in Congress and President Trump want to repeal the ACA and replace it with some variation of the various plans that have seen the light of day, each of which would result in so many Americans loosing health insurance.  It seems their idea of freedom is the choice of not getting insurance and either (if you're healthy) spinning the wheel of chance that you stay healthy, or if not so lucky, perhaps unable to afford care, medicine or necessary procedures.

In this case, I don't know why they don't understand that a healthy working American is a productive and tax-paying member of society, something they value.  And for those in America who have to work for a living - which is the vast majority of those who voted for President Trump and those who voted for Hilary Clinton - affordable health insurance helps keep them productive and tax-paying.   Isn't that what Republicans value?

All I can figure is that got themselves twisted like a pretzel:  they couldn't participate in creating the ACA, so they must kill it!  They are convinced that's why they were elected:  to repeal the ACA!

But that's no longer in touch with their constituents.  Affordable health care ensures working Americans can remain productive, self-supporting and tax-paying even if bad health should befall them.

The people want affordable health care!  So, reform the ACA, make it better and sustainable, but don't deprive working Americans of the opportunity to afford health insurance.

No to Torture!

February 27, 2017.  Donald Trump is now tweeting about a return to torture by the United States.  This is wrong.  It is not the American way.  We do not torture human beings now or ever!

See other posts:

Trump, Torture, Terrorism

Does a Majority of Regular Churchgoers Favor the Use of Torture?
Cheney Still At It
A new Dawn Part 2: The Return of Liberties and the Rule of Law

Trump in Office: Liberties at Risk

February 20, 2017.  The inauguration of Donald Trump brings with it a time of uncertainty for liberties, here in the United States and around the world.  See my previous post.

I am reactivating this blog to point out concerns and violations of liberty as they are put into place by executive action or legislation.

Trump, Torture, Terrorism and Other Talk

Donald Trump, now the official candidate of the Republican Party, presents a great number of concerns when it comes to sustaining liberty and freedom for all. After such a long primary process, the two major political parties have nominated the two most candidates with the most negatives.   However, where the concerns about Hillary Clinton are more with judgement and some poor decisions made, the concerns with Trump are in the areas of Constitutional rights and even the Geneva Conventions.  

Libertarians cannot support someone who is opposed to the freedoms given to US citizens under our Constitution.  Libertarians cannot support Trump.

Here are some examples that Trump is anti-liberty.

Opposition to Freedom of the Press

When the press has said anything unfavorable to Trump, he has many times said the press is lying or corrupt.  He has called for an end to Freedom of the Press by allowing for libel suits against reporters and news organizations.  This not allowed under the First Amendment.

Trump does not want to play by the rules.  All elected and appointed officials realize that the First Amendment allows the press to say unfavorable things about any public figure.  

Opposition to Freedom of Speech

In many of his rallies, Trump points out someone with a sign opposing him, and he has the person removed, often rallying the crowd to chant something against that person.  According to CNN, Trump has also said, "There used to be consequences to protesting. There are none anymore. These people are so bad for our country, you have no idea, folks."(1)   This attitude goes against the First Amendment.

Again, Trump does not want to play by the rules.  All elected and appointed officials realize that the First Amendment allows the public to say what is on their minds, including saying things unfavorable things about any public figure, and including public protests against officials.

Opposition to Freedom of Religion

Trump at one point has called for both the closing of mosques and registering of all Muslims in the US.  The First Amendment guarantees free exercise of religion.  US citizens who are Muslims have their free exercise of religion.  Closing of places of worship or registering the religion of US citizens is against the constitution!

Trump's War on the Constitution

Trump's oppositions to the First Amendment are just one example of his war on the Constitution.  He proposes many controversial ideas including the wall along the Mexican border and the round-up and deportation of millions of the undocumented, likely without due process of law.  While Trump says he loves the Constitution, that love goes only so far as it doesn't stop him from doing whatever he wants to do.

Recently, Khizr Khan at the Democratic Convention asked Trump if he ever read the Constitution.  I doubt he has.

Trump on Torture and Terrorism

Trump's words on terrorism are most disturbing.  He would bring back waterboarding and worse. (2)  While all of his strongly oppose the barbarian cruelty and deliberate murder by terrorists, Torture is never acceptable.  Period!

Trump also wants to murder the families of terrorists. (3)   This is not only illegal, but also immoral!  When told that General Michael Hayden would refuse to follow illegal orders, Trump came back indicating that they will obey him.  Here, again, Trump is proposing to ignore the Constitution and the law.  

Other Trump Talk

Trump, at a number of times, has said things like "I'd like to punch him." and he'd like to punch a number of speakers at the Democratic Convention.  What kind of candidate advocates violence against individuals who speak critical of him?  Certainly no one who should serve in public life.

Mr. Trump:  You don't understand how we do things in this country!  This is America and we are a free people and we are free to speak, even if you don't like it.  The press have the freedom to print the news as they see it, even if you don't like it.  And American citizens have the freedom to express their religions beliefs, even if they are Muslims.  And we live by the rule of law.

If you don't want to live by our Constitution and the laws of the land, I say, Mr. Trump, get with the constitution or get out of the country!  You are not an American!!

References:

(1) http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/12/opinions/defend-trump-free-speech-opinion-randazza/

(2) https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/02/17/donald-trump-on-waterboarding-torture-works/

(3) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-reiterates-desire-to-murder-terrorists-families-a6912496.html