Divisive Rhetoric

Americans expect the president to inform the nation of important issues and events in a formal capacity: State of the Union addresses, important press conferences, etc. Trump, however, randomly, haphazardly, and sporadically communicates using a variety of methods, including social media.

Some might consider this being “transparent” and “speaking to the common person;” instead, it’s unfiltered, irresponsible, and downright dangerous.

When we face a crisis as a nation, we want someone to show us a calm, even-tempered demeanor. We want to know that our leader is on the job, managing the crisis in a serious,

controlled fashion. We don’t need or want our president publicly projecting his first knee-jerk, emotional reaction; making random, unsubstantiated, threats; and casting aspersions on people before he knows all the facts. We don’t need our president calling people names, inciting violence against his perceived enemies, and creating social, political unrest.

Trump makes it difficult for us to remain unified as a nation, for us to thoughtfully and effectively solve problems together, and for common decency and humanity to rule the day. His recent rant in the wake of the National Guard tragedy in which one soldier was killed and another critically wounded fanned the flames of violence and unrest in America. Rather than address the tragedy with the seriousness, concern, and decorum becoming a leader, he lashed out senselessly and irresponsibly. He spewed blatant and harmful lies about immigrants, insulted a state leader using disgusting language, and openly mocked a member of Congress for her culture and religious beliefs.

His statements were untrue, unhelpful, and terribly damaging to our nation’s delicate condition.

The shooter in question was legally accepted into the country during the Trump administration. He came here legally, obtained legal status, and was in no way considered illegal or a criminal until he attacked the National Guard soldiers a few days ago. The event was tragic, heartbreaking, but certainly doesn’t warrant sweeping generalizations that only serve to pit us against each other in this country.