Well, we finally have the definitive answer to, “what the hell do you have to lose?” To the parents, friends, and family of Heather Heyer, I am truly sorry.
The seemingly split loyalties between Americanism, Russia, loyalties to white supremacist theology and constant tweets against his personal enemies have plagued the presidency of Donald Trump from day one. The pablum regurgitated in the past few days about free speech and reasonable discourse when it comes to the Klan is not worth the time, effort or intellectual heft.
The Supreme Court established the precedent that screaming fire in a crowded theater is anathema to free speech. It is akin to verbal terrorism. The intentional use of language to create fear and propagate violence or murder should be deplored by everyone. I seethed listening to CNN giving a stage to Ken Cuccinelli, telling a black woman to “shut up” or Brian Darling defending Steve Bannon, who proudly declared Breitbart News a platform for the vicious, small minded displays of hatred we all watched with our mouths agape Saturday. Sunday on Meet The Press, Rich Lowry described Joy Ann Reid’s opinion of Michael Anton as “crazy.”
Despite the personal affront, as a black man, I felt watching two learned accomplished black women being minimized with derogatory imperatives and integrity insults, especially within 24 hours of an outwardly racist attack was galling. I am old enough not to be surprised but not too old to be outraged.
In April of 1968 as a 12-year-old in Washington, DC, I remember the smell of tear gas and the orange glow of distant fires lighting the skies of my neighborhood. That too was the aftermath of a racist attempt to split the fabric of America.
If we cannot be angry now, when can we?
This is not the first time America has suffered the racism of an American President. My community and ancestors having our lives affected directly. Hillary Clinton warned us in the strongest terms. I can see the curious and furious responses being pecked out on keyboards reminding us of Mrs. Clinton’s super-predator comments, the difference is the ability and courage to say I was wrong. Donald Trump will never arise from the lies of racism because he is comfortable on that couch.
Inviting the presidents of HBCUs to a meeting at the White House then proposing funding cuts, two-faced; An empty declaration of emergency on the nations opioid crisis, "We're going to draw it up and we're going to make it a national emergency” the President said, I am waiting, two-faced. National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding cuts, the violence against women proposed funding cuts. Neither side of Trump's face is showing leadership. Where are the things Trump promised to make better for “all” the American people?
He truly revealed his lack of empathy, soul or compassion for anyone beyond himself this weekend. When asked by the gaggle of reporters if he wanted the support of white nationalist groups he turned and walked away. How long does it take to say, “NO?”
At some point with clenched teeth and bamboo shoots beneath his finger nails, he will go kicking and screaming to a podium and denounce the so-called alt-right. Do not be fooled it will come with the prerequisite dog whistle. David Duke will have his ears perked up waiting on the signal.
Vote in 18’ for Change.
