At the recent address to the joint session of Congress, Donald Trump was finally acting presidential, which was refreshing. However, we’ll have to see the actual details of his plans because Trump the salesman has a history of lying to us. Among other things, I certainly take issue with his continued scapegoating Muslims.
After ordering a poorly thought-out travel ban on several Muslim countries, he chose at the Congressional address to feature several families victimized by Muslim terrorists. All in the name of our safety, Trump wants to institute “extreme vetting” and thus keep the “bad guys” out.
It would be far safer for us all if Donald Trump realized he has two eyes, two ears, and but one tongue. He should then look and listen before engaging his mouth. The experts at various agencies, including Homeland Security, have learned a lot about the complex issues of terrorism since 9/11, and these findings differ widely from Trump’s political agenda.
The most important thing they’ve learned is that the majority of terrorist attacks have come from within America by citizens who are living here and then become radicalized. There are also people with mental illness and/or extreme political views. Guns are everywhere in our culture. When these folks “snap,” it’s often very difficult to tell why they act out violently, but many are quick to label it terrorism.
Millions of Americans live in families where loved ones have become “domestic terrorists” because of untreated alcoholism, drug addition, and/or mental illness. Bad-mouthing the Muslims won’t address these serious problems that impact our safety.
Donald Trump should realize that in a big box of crayons there are 62 colors beside black and white. Diversity is a fundamental and necessary principle of the universe. Donald, before you try to “bomb the crap out of them” try to imagine there’s a Muslim kid now trying to survive who may be holding the answer to one of humanity’s big challenges.
People who blame others should realize that when they point a finger at another, they point three fingers back at themselves. And when immigration issues become political footballs, the world becomes less safe.
Mike Beebe lives in Lyndeborough.