What Donald Trump is proposing for America is unconstitutional in addition to asking us to give up our values. The result of doing what he proposes would be worse than any terrorist attack can ever be. For decent Americans listening to Trump spew his hate, it may seem like standing in front of a run-away train and not knowing which way to turn to get out of the way. The slime is getting on all of us.
Trump began his campaign attacking Mexicans, which was unconscionable. He continued to rant often sounding like a ten-year-old school yard bully. He went after each opponent the way a bully would, calling Fiorina "ugly"; suggesting Jeb Bush lacked the energy to be President, and calling out Rubio saying, "He has no money which means he has nothing". After anyone responded to him he reacted the way a ten year old would by calling them names.
But those bullying attacks have now escalated to the point where Trump is sounding like he believes in fascism. His suggestions on dealing with terrorism are actually playing into the hands of our enemies. He proposes abandoning the values that have made America great.
We can and have recovered from terrorist attacks like the one in Oklahoma City perpetrated by a home-grown Christian terrorist, and the one on September 11, 2001 perpetrated by al-Qaeda. While we continue to mourn those who lost their lives and celebrate the actions of the first responders in those events, we actually came out of both stronger as a people and a nation. But if we give up our values of compassion, decency and openness; we may never recover as a nation.
When Trump calls for banning Muslims from entering the United States, making lists of Muslims here now and raiding mosques and building walls to keep people out, one must recall and heed the words of Martin Niemoller who said, "First they came for the socialists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me."
While we must ask how we reached a point where someone like Trump can gain any traction it is important to remember those supporting him are not a majority of Americans. They are the less educated in most cases and are those most susceptible to the fear-mongering Trump trades in. His words are meant to scare and bring people's fears to the surface. I am sure the majority of Americans won't stand quietly and allow the hate Trump spews to take hold in our nation.
Many decent Republicans are beginning to understand they need to speak out. News organizations are starting to understand it isn't enough to report on what Trump says but they must call him on it. Tom Brokaw responded to Trump's proposals on the NBC evening news. The New York Daily News is doing front page responses to Trump. While Trump is seeing some of his poll numbers rise into the 30% range of Republican primary voters one Republican candidate, Lindsay Graham (R-SC), has said people need to tell Trump to "Go to Hell".
Donald Trump was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. His father was a rich man and left him a fortune. He built on that but many say had he just put his money into indexed funds he would be richer than he is today. But Trump has always had a need to be someone. He is ego driven and bluster is his brand. He will say and do anything to appear to win.
I believe in the decency of Americans and they will reject him in the long run. But in the meantime, it is important for everyone with an understanding of the harm he is doing to call him out on it and not let his bluster scare them off. That includes other Republican candidates and their Party who have to find the guts to do what Lindsey Graham has suggested and "Tell him to go to hell". They must trust the majority of voters, even in their Party, will do just that.