Mr. Kristof apparently doesn't distinguish between a travel ban and a decapitation, or a travel ban and a truck massacre of innocent civilians. He would be better off in dealing with the Moslem fanatics if he quit posing as Mr. Nice Guy and started facing up to the fact that innocent peoples of all faiths are being attacked indiscriminately by Moslem jihadists. Please, enough of a spurious Mr. Nice Guy.
29
Nicholas, Thank you for the article.
I totally share your thoughts and I do think it is just the right thing to do.
Of course we have to apologize, even I as a Swede,(Sweden is some times called the 51 st state by people perhaps not so happy with Swedens closeness to the US.)
So far Sweden does perhaps not have that much to apologize for when it comes to immigrants but the Brown shirts are unfortunately marching also in my home country. Breibart news are producing fake news about immigrants and what they do in Sweden, a country that is deliberately portrayed as a naive and falling apart.
Real journalism is always important but tomorrow it will be crucial in terms of not getting a new set of Himler and Görings staging everything for a new world order.
Looking forward to your next article!
I totally share your thoughts and I do think it is just the right thing to do.
Of course we have to apologize, even I as a Swede,(Sweden is some times called the 51 st state by people perhaps not so happy with Swedens closeness to the US.)
So far Sweden does perhaps not have that much to apologize for when it comes to immigrants but the Brown shirts are unfortunately marching also in my home country. Breibart news are producing fake news about immigrants and what they do in Sweden, a country that is deliberately portrayed as a naive and falling apart.
Real journalism is always important but tomorrow it will be crucial in terms of not getting a new set of Himler and Görings staging everything for a new world order.
Looking forward to your next article!
23
Of all of the horrible things that I imagined that could happen to this great country, this religious/ethnic bigotry at the highest levels of our government was not even on my radar. After the abolition of slavery, the Holocaust - and I am specifically talking about the murder of 6,000,000 Jews - the incarceration of Japanese Americans in camps while their sons fought in World War II, the Civil Rights movement and all of the wrongs we, as a nation, allowed and owned up to and then tried to atone for, I never thought that we'd allow religious persecution to again rear its ugly head. I can't believe that our so-called leaders are being allowed to take us down this dark path. Our Congress has all of the backbone of a jellyfish and are, except for a few, cowards. Our Supreme Court remains silent. I don't recognize this country anymore. It feels chaotic and unsafe and rudderless. Mr. Kristof, I frequently disagree with your opinions, but this time I wholeheartedly agree with you. I will never accept treating anyone in a way that dehumanizes them no matter what their religion is. I'm afraid our current administration is barbaric and things will just get worse.
42
"Trump took a real problem, inflated it with hysteria, handled it with incompetence and created an unjust policy ... " What more is necessary for the impeachment process to commence? Republicans apparently care more about themselves than the country ... and the Democrats will follow their lead. The goodwill and common ground necessary for compromise is simply gone from the public discussion. In it's place is the lust for power. It is the lust of which the Bard once wrote: "The expense of spirit in a waste of shame ..."
America will become uglier and uglier, mumbling about America First as we become an international pariah. This shames all of us.
Trump markets fear. His confidence (and Bannon's) rests on the proposition that fear will turn voters into easily manipulated cowards. That's how he won, and it is how he is and will govern. We should remember FDR's words: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
The lady in New York's harbor weeps. Find the courage to rise up and say NO to the autocrat. Do not allow his administration to steal our democracy without a fight.
America will become uglier and uglier, mumbling about America First as we become an international pariah. This shames all of us.
Trump markets fear. His confidence (and Bannon's) rests on the proposition that fear will turn voters into easily manipulated cowards. That's how he won, and it is how he is and will govern. We should remember FDR's words: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
The lady in New York's harbor weeps. Find the courage to rise up and say NO to the autocrat. Do not allow his administration to steal our democracy without a fight.
19
Well said Mr. Kristof! My only question is exactly what about our current vetting process was not working? Did I miss something about recent violence from refugees or immigrants from the banned countries in the United States? I believe that the 9/11 World Trade Center disaster traced back to Saudi Arabia, but that country is not even among those targeted?
The ban plays to fears. Of course, caution is well-advised but panic as evidenced by a "slam the door" approach? Why? What has changed other than the President of the United States? Is this all for show?
We may be making things worse by creating a climate within the U.S. that will make Muslim youth more susceptible to radicalization. Is Mr. Trump even thinking about this?
The ban plays to fears. Of course, caution is well-advised but panic as evidenced by a "slam the door" approach? Why? What has changed other than the President of the United States? Is this all for show?
We may be making things worse by creating a climate within the U.S. that will make Muslim youth more susceptible to radicalization. Is Mr. Trump even thinking about this?
14
In Portugal, the prime minister encouraged young people to leave the country because there were few job opportunities for them at home. At some point, life opportunities are better in another country for various reasons including quality of life.
Here in France, my life as an American expatriate is better than in America because I feel that the French government and my neighbors are watching out for my good health and general safety. The French health care support system for retirees like me is designed to give me optimum health.
In America, when I left in 2003, I didn't feel that my country cared about me at all regardless of my ability to purchase good health care services. My neighbors barely new I existed in Hawaii except that I was an unwelcome haole from the mainland who they preferred move back to California.
Look around you at the atmosphere in America since Trump was elected and ask whether America feels like a warm caring community that cares about your life. Then decide where you would prefer to live your life!
Here in France, my life as an American expatriate is better than in America because I feel that the French government and my neighbors are watching out for my good health and general safety. The French health care support system for retirees like me is designed to give me optimum health.
In America, when I left in 2003, I didn't feel that my country cared about me at all regardless of my ability to purchase good health care services. My neighbors barely new I existed in Hawaii except that I was an unwelcome haole from the mainland who they preferred move back to California.
Look around you at the atmosphere in America since Trump was elected and ask whether America feels like a warm caring community that cares about your life. Then decide where you would prefer to live your life!
15
Thank you, Mr. Kristof. Indeed, we, Americans, do owe apologies to Muslims. However, don't forget our Mexican neighbors. They are equal targets of the same willful ignorance and scapegoating.
By-the-way, how can this manifestly hostile act toward all Iraqis not interfere with the current military action to take Mosul from ISIS lead by the Iraqi army? I thought ISIS was the central, immediate enemy. Why is our new Scapegoater-in-Chief giving aid and comfort to our blood enemy? Is this Muslim Ban a part of his secret strategy America's leading generals were too stupid to develop on there own?
Nearly all critics of Trump's Executive Order on extreme vetting state an opinion that it is likely to make us all less safe. Obviously, I agree, but what about the current, military campaign to retake Mosul? Isn't that a more acute issue of concern? Bullets are flying and children are at risk as I type these words. Questions about constitutionality are important to resolve, but less so when there is an open question about our President providing aide and comfort to people actively trying to kill Americans TODAY. Do stupid actions ever reach a level of treason?
By-the-way, how can this manifestly hostile act toward all Iraqis not interfere with the current military action to take Mosul from ISIS lead by the Iraqi army? I thought ISIS was the central, immediate enemy. Why is our new Scapegoater-in-Chief giving aid and comfort to our blood enemy? Is this Muslim Ban a part of his secret strategy America's leading generals were too stupid to develop on there own?
Nearly all critics of Trump's Executive Order on extreme vetting state an opinion that it is likely to make us all less safe. Obviously, I agree, but what about the current, military campaign to retake Mosul? Isn't that a more acute issue of concern? Bullets are flying and children are at risk as I type these words. Questions about constitutionality are important to resolve, but less so when there is an open question about our President providing aide and comfort to people actively trying to kill Americans TODAY. Do stupid actions ever reach a level of treason?
5
I, too, apologize to Muslims for the offense they feel at President Trump's actions. I also hope they understand that allowing people to come from dangerous countries without any government but with extensive terrorist activity is not a smart move.
The inconvenience of those travelers was unfortunate. I'm sorry for the panic they must have felt being detained like that. But in the long run, our country will be safer. I have to assume all Americans of every religion desire that.
The inconvenience of those travelers was unfortunate. I'm sorry for the panic they must have felt being detained like that. But in the long run, our country will be safer. I have to assume all Americans of every religion desire that.
8
The problem is that many Muslims who want to emigrate from majority Muslim countries want to do so precisely because of the oppressive (and sometimes turbulent, in the cases of the specific countries) atmosphere there, which is what we’re concerned about inadvertently introducing. It’s a real danger; Muslims know it. And you’ve made the case right here. The larger problem is more subtle and far more complex: one goal of ISIS and their ilk is to induce Muslims to become more religious. They wouldn’t like my old professor of computational algebra from Pakistan who went to his mosque maybe once a month and thought the whole thing was a lot of foolishness, but they sure like women who’ll wear the hijab, especially the ones who think they’re doing it for “cultural” reasons than for “religious” reasons. The American project of assimilation is, by their lights, the disintegration of Islam, or when loyalty to one’s fellow citizens of a nation-state is greater than his loyalty to coreligionists.
9
Amen Kristof. I share your dream. But let's have no illusions. Millions of Americans don't share that dream and genuinely believe you are merely trolling them by posting such an opinion. For them, what you are saying is so contrary to their beliefs and perceptions (especially about Muslims) that they honestly cannot take you seriously. Pretty sad, huh?
6
Please let us not forget that the greedy man/child in the White House, who is under the spell of his puppet master -Steve Bannon, did not include the Middle Eastern countries where he has business dealings - i.e. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Dubai, UAE, And some of these are the countries where actual terrorists came from and did horrific things to our country. Trump is using his policies to make as much money as he possibly can for himself and his family. THAT is his guiding principle. The other stuff is just Bannon's ugly, twisted neo-nazi ideology at work.
11
My concern as a secular humanist is that I want to live my life without religious adherents taking away any of my freedoms, or freedoms of my children. I already live in a country that will never elect a humanist to high office, but set that aside. Some other Christians want taxes diverted to their causes and a male dominated society. Some other Jews want Jewish laws and a male dominated society. Some other Muslins want Sharia Law and a male dominated society. So goes it. For whatever reason, Islam, by fact, is producing a far more violent and extremist subgroup. In fact, many Muslim countries are violently intolerant of others, such as myself. Trump, whom I detest, has a dog in this fight because of this.
9
Comrade Kristoff,
No apology necessary. Perhaps Muslim friends should be more vocal about what is happening within their religion. Sadly they are not. If Americans saw this from this community things would be looked at at differently.
No apology necessary. Perhaps Muslim friends should be more vocal about what is happening within their religion. Sadly they are not. If Americans saw this from this community things would be looked at at differently.
8
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for your eloquent plea. I share your sentiments.
7
The trouble is, this is a false equivalence. The Muslim who is being badgered to apologize for the actions of murderers who happen to share their ethnicity have no control over, and no responsibility for, what they did. But Trump very much IS America. Tens of millions of Americans voted for him, and even now 40% or more approve of the job he is doing as president. That is a far, far greater level of approval than the terrorists would command from Muslims. So apologies are indeed warranted by Americans, but not by Muslims.
8
Did I miss something? I was under the mistaken belief that a group of fine Christians dominated Congress, supported the President, who received a blessing with a laying on of hands by many fine Christian leaders. I'll confess that I'm not up to date on the latest Christian dogma, but I definitely remember being taught something in Sunday school about "Do unto others..." and "Love thy neighbor...". You know the rest. Our President and fine Christian leaders in Congress have obviously had a memory lapse regarding what they learned in Sunday school. Thank you Mr. Kristof, and I also apologize to my fine Muslim friends for this outburst of ugly, juvenile and bullying behavior of Trump and the sniveling cowards in Congress. Shame on all of you!
Don't apologize for me, buddy. My late wife and I were attacked and beaten in Cairo in 2002.
15
Reuters poll should not be cited as a legitimate source of public opinion. The Reuters poll was conducted online, (not made clear to the reader of the results), stated on its affiliated Ipsos' website: http://www.ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=7561. The poll does not follow traditional method of statistical modeling with margin of error, but rather a 'credibility interval' method which has been criticized by the American Association for Public Opinion Research. In the first question, 14 percent of respondents were unaware of the Executive Order! Yet they were not dropped from the survey. In the 8th question, 8 percent said they were unfamiliar with the order. By citing Reuters survey work without giving it fair review, the media is legitimizing questionable results - and casting more feeling of a split nation, and support for Trump's order. I am doubtful of the poll, and others should be too - including the NYTimes. Keep in mind that Reuters was also a source that called for Hillary's overwhelming election win. Which unfortunately, did not happen.
7
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and keeping our hearts open.
6
Why are we not talking about the terrorism within the borders of the US? Fifteen thousand gun deaths a year. Why are we not extreme vetting the millions of gun owners? Many of whom are killers. Why not more money for real education? Not schooling, which keeps students in rows and tells them to keep their mouths shut. We have countless, murderous extremists in our own neighborhoods, and we have failed badly at acknowledging and addressing the terrorists at our front door. And we're worried about Somalia?
12
Shouldn't an apology also be extended to the innocent Muslims killed in air strikes ordered by the Obama administration in Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Afghanistan and Pakistan?
7
OK, I totally misunderstood the headline, "An Apology to Muslims for President Trump." I thought it meant it was an apology to a group called "Muslims for President Trump." II was really eager to see who these folks were!
4
Agreed!!! dead on!! welcome, Muslims to the UNITED states of America!
5
Of the over 100 million americans that have died in the last 46 years, a refugee has caused zero deaths. So the only reason someone could say they feel safer with a ban on refugees is because they have been lied to. Refugees dont kill americans. Heart disease, cancer, medical mistakes, accidents, . . . these kill americans. We need leaders who understand these simple facts that can be found with an easy 5 second google search from your cell phone.
um Nick, no Yazidis have been barred! Trump made explicit exemptions for religious minorities! This kind of chicanery is why no one trusts/listens to the media anymore!
12
I am a teacher. I have taught refugees. I have taught ex-convicts in halfway houses. I have taught Jews, Arabs, Muslims, Christians, and (other)s. What has been sent over the airwaves sickens me. I apologize for the un-American way of treating everybody from "away" with suspicion. I do fear that extremism - if untreated - can be lethal. You cannot love and hate your neighbor at the same time. You cannot raise your children to love certain people and to hate others. Hate is learned, mostly in the home. We apologize.
4
Don't kid yourself, Mr. Kristof. President* Trump is killing people through his refugee ban, just as sure as ISIS cutting off someone's head. He's leaving people to die in refugee camps and causing more to die seeking refugee across oceans and in other hostile countries. People will die. Newspapers like NY Times need to keep on this and publish the evidence of the deaths that result from this executive order.
* won Electoral College but lost the popular vote
* won Electoral College but lost the popular vote
3
One more thing: in my opinion, the Muslim world has not yet fully atoned, or paid for, 9/11.
9
My dream is of the day when Jews protest Islamophobia, Muslims denounce the persecution of Christians and Christians stand against anti-Semitism - This brought tears to my eyes! All of us need to denounce intolerance and bigotry whenever we witness it.
3
Mr. Kristof, here is a question for you: those who wish to harm us, say from those countries on the list or any others, do you think they want to harm us as Libyans, or Somalis, or Iranians, or Frenchmen, or as Muslims? Did the 19 hijackers think of themselves primarily as Saudi, or as Muslim?
It is not Presbyterians, Orthodox Jews, or Buddhists who want to see the US destroyed.
It is not Presbyterians, Orthodox Jews, or Buddhists who want to see the US destroyed.
26
What religion is Steve Bannon? He wants to see the US destroyed.
5
Number of fatal U.S. terrorist attacks by persons entering the U.S. from the 7 banned Muslim majority countries? ZERO.
5
In addition to our Muslim brothers and sisters, we should also apologize to the members of our armed forces who are serving in countries in which the population is majority Muslim.
Our illegitimate president has made your life much harder and, in fact, put your lives in more danger by alienating the people around you. He has made it harder to find people who are willing to work with you since they may not be able to relocate to our country once they have completed their work for you. He has made it easier to recruit new members for terrorist groups since he has made it appear that the U.S. is at war with Islam (a terrorist rallying cry).
I'm sorry that you must serve under a man who doesn't understand your situation and isn't doing all he can to help you achieve your goals. Don't forget that he avoided military service and doesn't understand the importance of local support. He has made your job harder.
Those of us who have served appreciate what you are doing and apologize for the actions of this unstable individual and those who put him in power. Be careful, be safe and God bless you.
Our illegitimate president has made your life much harder and, in fact, put your lives in more danger by alienating the people around you. He has made it harder to find people who are willing to work with you since they may not be able to relocate to our country once they have completed their work for you. He has made it easier to recruit new members for terrorist groups since he has made it appear that the U.S. is at war with Islam (a terrorist rallying cry).
I'm sorry that you must serve under a man who doesn't understand your situation and isn't doing all he can to help you achieve your goals. Don't forget that he avoided military service and doesn't understand the importance of local support. He has made your job harder.
Those of us who have served appreciate what you are doing and apologize for the actions of this unstable individual and those who put him in power. Be careful, be safe and God bless you.
18
Am an Indian citizen and I closely watch the Political developments in America. The history of America inspires me and many of us in India. America seems to have lost its moorings of democratic values, but no I am wrong it is not America but it is a man who have won an election and has not been able to come out of the mode of a campaigner. He is leading a nation and not a political campaign. He is the President of America which is of the democrats and Republican both that he somehow forgets. I find many similarities in the to days ruling Party here in India which is equally arrogant and adamant on following its Political ideology that is of RSS and our Prime Minister though talks of ethos and values of India that is the land of Gandhi and Buddha but follows a policy that discriminate minority, Dalit and others from that of Hidu. It was unfortunate to hear from Trump while campaigning and after that as well that India that is secular country as Hindu nation. For us Kristoff is bringing a correction and appreciate his writing for apologies from those who are being hurt due to hate practice of a man who is The President of America. Thanks
10
What a noble piece of writing about Humanism and standing against the dark - ideology of Trumpism. The 21st century belongs to the values of Democracy, Justice for everyone and Equality on this human globe. America must understand this concept that without great human values, it will be isolated from the humanity if it continues to produce Trumps. But as you said America is Not Trump!
Thank you again writing for Muslims and showing solidarity with the global humanity.
Thank you again writing for Muslims and showing solidarity with the global humanity.
13
Thank you for writing this, Mr. Kristof. It was a welcome respite from the headlines of the past two weeks. When I read U.S. news, it seems like the voices of inclusion are dwarfed by the voices of fear and exclusion.
8
"My dream is of the day when Jews protest Islamophobia, Muslims denounce the persecution of Christians and Christians stand against anti-Semitism."
My dream is of a time when human activity isn't based on unevidenced fantasies of unphysical gods indistinguishable in all respects from imaginary ones existing in people's heads. All the energy devoted to religion could then be devoted to doing something good for humans.
My dream is of a time when human activity isn't based on unevidenced fantasies of unphysical gods indistinguishable in all respects from imaginary ones existing in people's heads. All the energy devoted to religion could then be devoted to doing something good for humans.
10
Mr Kristoff's article is a classical example of generalizing from anecdote. He recounts several examples of heroic behavior of Muslims, and derives from this the conclusion that the vast majority of Muslims have the same empathetic mindset as he does. He cites several examples of jihadists in mosques justifying "intolerance", and assumes that they are extremists that very few people listen to. He seems not to consider the possibility that there is a spectrum of opinion in the Muslim world, not cleanly divided between "moderates" and "extremists". Much of that spectrum may very well lie in a range that is very unsympathetic to non-Muslims, if not quite advocating death and destruction to infidels. It would be instructive to see a Reuters poll of Muslims in Muslim countries, corresponding to polls of Americans. Inspiring examples do not tell the whole story.
24
You've got to be taught
To hate and fear,
You've got to be taught
From year to year,
It's got to be drummed
In your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught.
South Pacific - Youve Got To Be Carefully Taught Lyrics
To hate and fear,
You've got to be taught
From year to year,
It's got to be drummed
In your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught.
South Pacific - Youve Got To Be Carefully Taught Lyrics
2
Actually there is such a Pew poll of Muslims internationally.
Certainly there are Salafi and Wahhabi mosques, and in fact, Saudi Arabia has financed the spread of this religious extremism (Notice that Saudi Arabia was not on the list of banned nations, despite the fact that they are the epicenter of crazy Muslim ideas).
This religious brand does not inspire a majority of Muslims, who do not wish to return to the 7th century life and close themselves off from the world. Many Muslims understand that religion is being used to further more sinister goals and don't like it.
Certainly there are Salafi and Wahhabi mosques, and in fact, Saudi Arabia has financed the spread of this religious extremism (Notice that Saudi Arabia was not on the list of banned nations, despite the fact that they are the epicenter of crazy Muslim ideas).
This religious brand does not inspire a majority of Muslims, who do not wish to return to the 7th century life and close themselves off from the world. Many Muslims understand that religion is being used to further more sinister goals and don't like it.
1
ISIS is not going to be convinced not to hate the West
no matter what you say, Mr. Kristof, and, yes, there is a world
of difference between being beheaded and being vetted.
Bush/Obama both required more stringent measures in dealing with
Immigration, where was the outcry then ?
One of the last acts of Obama was to deny Cubans fleeing a
Marxist Dictatorship the ability to find freedom in America.
Where is the Outcry against that action ?
It was better that the Japanese were Interned during World War II.
Once the images and stories of the War in the Pacific came back to
America there would have been anti-Japanese riots.
The Government should have paid the Japanese twice the value of
their property when the war ended.
Until Islamic countries condemn all acts of Islamic Terrorism and
until they eliminate the Terrorists and their supporters in their countries
why should the citizens of those countries expect that America will
automatically admit then onto these shores ?
Yes, help the Refugees, but take care to make sure they do not become
enemies of America once they are here.
no matter what you say, Mr. Kristof, and, yes, there is a world
of difference between being beheaded and being vetted.
Bush/Obama both required more stringent measures in dealing with
Immigration, where was the outcry then ?
One of the last acts of Obama was to deny Cubans fleeing a
Marxist Dictatorship the ability to find freedom in America.
Where is the Outcry against that action ?
It was better that the Japanese were Interned during World War II.
Once the images and stories of the War in the Pacific came back to
America there would have been anti-Japanese riots.
The Government should have paid the Japanese twice the value of
their property when the war ended.
Until Islamic countries condemn all acts of Islamic Terrorism and
until they eliminate the Terrorists and their supporters in their countries
why should the citizens of those countries expect that America will
automatically admit then onto these shores ?
Yes, help the Refugees, but take care to make sure they do not become
enemies of America once they are here.
9
What to do about Christian terrorism?
1
Thank you so much for seeing what you see and writing what you write. We are becoming more and more dependent on journalists with courage and backbone. I have written my local mosque that I will be a Muslim if the time comes when they are harmed in any way. Thank you!
2
Mr. Kristoff, this is one of your finest columns ever! Thanks for reminding us what a humanitarian looks like. Using the excuse of fear, humans have committed atrocities against their brothers and sisters throughout history. It's so much easier to be afraid than to think, empathize, and compromise. We need to be reminded of this and you've done that today.
6
Mr Kristoff : I wish all Americans had the same attitude towards Islam and Muslims as you have. There is no doubt that there are bad Muslims among us as there are bad Jews, Christians and Hindoos amidst us. They are ignorant, ignoramuses and extremists. They are dangerous to world peace. But the most danger to this world and our country comes from those average Americans who cannot distinguish between evil, so called adherents of a faith and the teachings of their religion. They are are persuaded by the extremists, eg, Flynn, Bannon, Gaffney,Gorka,Pam Geller and above all the younger Grahm, the priest , that it is the religion of Islam, which is bad. I think it is lack of basic information, lack of critical thinking ,and above all inadequate education in schools about other countries, peoples and cultures which allows perpetuation of stereotypes and xenophobia by these truly evil people.
5
Why should Trump apologize for taking some time to ensure that the refugee screening process from a select list of countries, most with no functioning central government that can verify a person is who they say they are, is functioning correctly and is protective of the United States? There is nothing extreme about this. Based on recent polling of Americans, most of us think this is a good idea.
It's not illegal. It's not a ban on Muslims. It's not permanent.
I personally am glad that we have a President with the courage and energy to do the right thing for the country even though it is not politically correct. I'm sick and tired of political correctness...
It's not illegal. It's not a ban on Muslims. It's not permanent.
I personally am glad that we have a President with the courage and energy to do the right thing for the country even though it is not politically correct. I'm sick and tired of political correctness...
20
I love you, Nicholas Kristoff! Your words always inspire me.
5
An apology to Muslims? How Bill Maher would say about the tearful liberals, "what a farce". We Democrats, tears, tears, are apologizing all the time for everything, and very soon, we'll apologize for simply existing. In the same manner that Christianity managed eventually to completely destroy the advanced civilization of the ancient Greeks and Romans, Islam has the potential to do the same with Western civilization. The ancient Greeks and Romans never apologized to the fanatical Christians, they were simply wiped out. The same could happen to the West. Who will be left to apologize, then?.
13
Canada suffered a terrible tragedy this week when 6 Muslim men were shot at killed and many others injured while praying in a mosque in Quebec City. the alleged shooter, a white French Canadian, who supported Donald Trump and Martine LePen. Canadians responded from coast to coast to coast with prayer vigils and offered of support to Muslims in Canada. All our politicians roundly condemned the shooting and the Prime Minister and the leaders of the other federal parties stood together at a memorial. Fox News mistakenly reported that the shooter was from Morocco and only removed the mis-information when the Prime Minister complained.
10
I think you've veered off the path of reality. Maybe you're just being a good little soldier for this paper and writing such an essay. Perhaps it's from a small imagination or stunted ability to sympathize with those who have been murdered by extremist Muslims. Perhaps you can't really sympathize with Kate Steinlie and so many others, who've been killed by those that the previous presidents just let in without any vetting whatsoever.
14
Mr Kristoff - much of your dream is already true today - many Jews DO protest Islamophobia, many Christians DO stand against anti-Semitism, and many Muslims DO denounce the persecution of Muslims.
10
Mr. Kristof,
You are apologizing for Trump's actions, but have defended (more than once) the people who voted for him - specifically those people you know in Yamhill Oregon.
It is much easier to take a stand against someone you absolutely loathe than against people you know.
When will you hold Trump voters accountable for their actions?
You are apologizing for Trump's actions, but have defended (more than once) the people who voted for him - specifically those people you know in Yamhill Oregon.
It is much easier to take a stand against someone you absolutely loathe than against people you know.
When will you hold Trump voters accountable for their actions?
6
Of course we want Muslim refugees to have the same rights as those of any other religion. But I cannot get it out of my head that if Muslims had been our founding fathers we would now be in the same situation as most Middle East nations and our female population would be suppressed as well. I also wonder what will happen in Europe in a few decades when Muslims becomes the majority population of many nations there. Islam requires subservience to its religious practices -- where is the room for democracy? How does Mr. Kristof answer these questions other than to say 'well we are dealing with the here and now'?
26
If fundamentalists of any stripe were our founding fathers... after all look at what Oliver Cromwell did not long before the American Revolution. Our founding fathers were Atheists. Agnostics, Deists, and and non literal Christians.... they were not fundamentalists. Fundamentalism of any kind is undemocratic whether Muslim or christian... or secular (French revolution, communism). Don't blame Islam
Blame extremism and fundamentalism in the east west and everywhere
Blame extremism and fundamentalism in the east west and everywhere
8
Correct about fundamentalism, but that does not answer the question of whether there is room for democracy in Islam?
7
If Muslims were to foist their religious practices on everyone else it would be very similar to what would happen if Evangelicals foisted their practices on everyone. The problem is the foisting onto others, something that no religion can resist.
1
Wow, the Democrat echo chamber is loud in here.
Obama was an idiot when it came to immigration - Illegal and treasonous pen borers with Mexico, no background checks for immigrants, and making executive orders to change the rules so that he could create chaos in the U.S. Everyone knew it was stupid that we made Canadians have a passport to come here, but not Mexicans. It was done for one reason - to pollute the Census and give unwarranted weight to California in the House and Electoral College.
So, a 90-day pause from countries that either promote terrorists or have an out-of-control terrorist problem, makes complete sense. Democrats don't rail against Australia, the UK, or other western nations with similar policies. In fact, we welcome refugees in this country, as we always have. But, all entrants now are going to need ID, a background check - just as we would require for a teacher or a healthcare or childcare worker.
Thank God adults are running the government again. Democrats can continue to riot and burn cities (as long as it's not in red states), and the rest of us will be futher convinced that Democrats are domestic terrorists and next on the list for cleanup.
Obama was an idiot when it came to immigration - Illegal and treasonous pen borers with Mexico, no background checks for immigrants, and making executive orders to change the rules so that he could create chaos in the U.S. Everyone knew it was stupid that we made Canadians have a passport to come here, but not Mexicans. It was done for one reason - to pollute the Census and give unwarranted weight to California in the House and Electoral College.
So, a 90-day pause from countries that either promote terrorists or have an out-of-control terrorist problem, makes complete sense. Democrats don't rail against Australia, the UK, or other western nations with similar policies. In fact, we welcome refugees in this country, as we always have. But, all entrants now are going to need ID, a background check - just as we would require for a teacher or a healthcare or childcare worker.
Thank God adults are running the government again. Democrats can continue to riot and burn cities (as long as it's not in red states), and the rest of us will be futher convinced that Democrats are domestic terrorists and next on the list for cleanup.
19
That's okay. The administration is already ignoring who the domestic terrorists actually are (does "Dylann Roof" ring a bell?).
11
Immigrants from the banned countries already had background checks and vetting for up to two years.
4
"Thank God adults are running the government again."
Who actually is the adult you have in mind?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/donald-trump-is-the-wo...
Who actually is the adult you have in mind?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/donald-trump-is-the-wo...
Given what happened in Quebec and what is starting to happen all over the U.S, how long will we have to wait until Trump utters the words: "radical christian terrorism"?
2
Because there is no such thing, not of the scale, type, organisation, or world-scale danger Islamist terror poses.
10
If an immortal held his breath waiting for that to happen, he'd end up dying.
1
It's silly to equate the two. Look at the Middle East. Look at the governments (if they even exist), the rights of the citizens and the daily death and destruction. The problem is not Christians.
5
There is so much xenophobia in the muslim world, and muslims are suffering from that. The arab spring was about freedom, it was about muslims standing up for the same hopes, the same freedom, we are enjoying.
I apologize for not backing a modern muslim world, for not being a guiding light for tolerance and empathy anymore, for letting those down, who thought that togetherness would inspire muslims.
We have left muslims down when they were taking up a nearly impossible cause. I am sorry for being blind for their struggle.
I apologize for not backing a modern muslim world, for not being a guiding light for tolerance and empathy anymore, for letting those down, who thought that togetherness would inspire muslims.
We have left muslims down when they were taking up a nearly impossible cause. I am sorry for being blind for their struggle.
3
If I personally have done anything to offend either individual Muslims or their faith in general, i apologize. Anything further is disingenuous. My supposed apology for the actions of anyone but myself cannot be anything but insincere.
An apology is an acknowledgment that the apologizer has done something wrong, that he realizes what he did was wrong, and that he feels remorse for his actions. This is only possible for the person who commits the wrong action. I cannot apologize for Mr. Trump's actions any more than I can apologize for the actions of the Tsarnaev brothers.
An apology is an acknowledgment that the apologizer has done something wrong, that he realizes what he did was wrong, and that he feels remorse for his actions. This is only possible for the person who commits the wrong action. I cannot apologize for Mr. Trump's actions any more than I can apologize for the actions of the Tsarnaev brothers.
7
I did not vote for or am I a fan of Trump. However I do
Not see any mention by politicians or pundits that what
He is doing is absolutely constitutional. Non citizens have no
Constitutional rights to come to America.
The " progressives" make up rights.
That's why Gorsuch is so good and will be approved with or without
Ending the filibustet
Not see any mention by politicians or pundits that what
He is doing is absolutely constitutional. Non citizens have no
Constitutional rights to come to America.
The " progressives" make up rights.
That's why Gorsuch is so good and will be approved with or without
Ending the filibustet
17
Your post makes one wonder what you'd write if you were a Fan of Trump and did vote for him?
Until one realizes,..you would have written the exact same thing:):)
Until one realizes,..you would have written the exact same thing:):)
3
Dear Disingenuous,
The United States has its own laws as to who may enter the U.S., and who may be barred. The president is breaking those laws.
Yours in accuracy,
A Citizen
The United States has its own laws as to who may enter the U.S., and who may be barred. The president is breaking those laws.
Yours in accuracy,
A Citizen
6
Dear Mr. Kristof,
But this particular president resides in an "alternate universe" along with those who voted him in.
In this instance, it has been reported that, on average, 69 Americans die each year from lawn mower accidents. That's 7 times MORE than are killed by Islamic terrorists.
Bottom line, when Trump hears this number, you'd better hide your lawnmower.
But this particular president resides in an "alternate universe" along with those who voted him in.
In this instance, it has been reported that, on average, 69 Americans die each year from lawn mower accidents. That's 7 times MORE than are killed by Islamic terrorists.
Bottom line, when Trump hears this number, you'd better hide your lawnmower.
4
I don't believe Trump is an extremist but you sure come across as an extremist on the liberal fringe.
You do concede that there are RADICAL Islamists who preach hatred in mosques. The trouble is, we cannot tell by looking at a muslim male whether he is on the radical fringe or mainstream.
Trump has merely SUSPENDED for 4 months migration from 7 countries where, unarguably, terrorists are active and have haven. The senate is in the process of vetting and confirming his nominees and we should allow this new president some space and time to grok the realities on the ground. Surely, he does not want and we all do not want some crackpot doing some crazy thing on our homeland, given that the rhetoric from the left is already redlining on the 'crazy' side and it is easy for a terrorist to exploit such rhetoric.
The worry I have is, bleeding heart liberals like you may actually instigate, unwittingly, some radical lone-wolf to carry out acts that will hurt all of us.
So, pipe down. Take a Valium or vacation, and come back after 4 months.
Let us give this guy space and time. That is the only decent thing to do. After all, Trump won 31 of 50 states and that is no small achievement. He campaigned on this very issue, and deserves to have his chance to implement his campaign promises.
No apology needed and proffered.
You do concede that there are RADICAL Islamists who preach hatred in mosques. The trouble is, we cannot tell by looking at a muslim male whether he is on the radical fringe or mainstream.
Trump has merely SUSPENDED for 4 months migration from 7 countries where, unarguably, terrorists are active and have haven. The senate is in the process of vetting and confirming his nominees and we should allow this new president some space and time to grok the realities on the ground. Surely, he does not want and we all do not want some crackpot doing some crazy thing on our homeland, given that the rhetoric from the left is already redlining on the 'crazy' side and it is easy for a terrorist to exploit such rhetoric.
The worry I have is, bleeding heart liberals like you may actually instigate, unwittingly, some radical lone-wolf to carry out acts that will hurt all of us.
So, pipe down. Take a Valium or vacation, and come back after 4 months.
Let us give this guy space and time. That is the only decent thing to do. After all, Trump won 31 of 50 states and that is no small achievement. He campaigned on this very issue, and deserves to have his chance to implement his campaign promises.
No apology needed and proffered.
21
Clear thinking and clear writing.
One addition - one only: we cannot tell by looking at a Muslim female whether she is on the radical fringe or mainstream. The San Bernardino killers were husband and wife.
One addition - one only: we cannot tell by looking at a Muslim female whether she is on the radical fringe or mainstream. The San Bernardino killers were husband and wife.
5
The people who were detained for hours without food or water cannot take a Valium or a vacation. And "this guy" has had enough space and time to show what he's made of. In less than two weeks he needlessly insulted one of our staunchest allies, Australia--after, of course, he had finished his bragfest about how many votes he won. That, my friend, is a git.
9
We can say the exact same about a Christian "female."
1
Where it is suggested of the president "He’s not beheading anyone", he certainly has all-but-amputated the hand on the Statue of Liberty by blowing out the torch.
8
I expect Lady Liberty has turned towards the shores of our country, with the message to take care of our own tired and poor, our own unemployed and under-employed, our elderly and our veterans.
4
When Lady Liberty can protect our country from deadly terrorists, I'll let her determine our immigration policy.
4
Would such an apology even be welcome, or would it feel like empty words? This policy is so terrible, maybe it's beyond apology. Nonetheless, I'm very sorry.
Although it's not wrong to say that he's "otherizing," my concern is that the focus on "otherizing" may blind us to the far greater problem of Mr. Trump's essential irrationality, and fundamental inability to connect to anyone as a whole human being, of which the "otherizing" is only one reflection, in my opinion. If it were anyone else, it might make sense to assume that behavior implies motive or feeling, but I believe that in his case, it's unwise to make any assumptions, at all; rather, the focus should be on limiting the damage.
This is a man who, in response to a question about how his younger infant daughter took after her parents, commented only on her inheriting her mother's legs, and with any luck, her breasts. So, yes, he is "otherizing," but he has also viewed his own infant daughter as "other," inheriting absolutely *nothing* from him, to speak of, and only outward qualities from her mother. (His comments about his elder daughter are also disturbing.)
While his attitude is certainly hateful, my guess is that if Mr. Trump were asked about the history of the Middle East, fundamentalism, threats we may face, with any level of detail, he wouldn't have all that much to say. Why even care? It seems to me that he experiences everyone, even his own children, as "other," except in as much as they please.
Although it's not wrong to say that he's "otherizing," my concern is that the focus on "otherizing" may blind us to the far greater problem of Mr. Trump's essential irrationality, and fundamental inability to connect to anyone as a whole human being, of which the "otherizing" is only one reflection, in my opinion. If it were anyone else, it might make sense to assume that behavior implies motive or feeling, but I believe that in his case, it's unwise to make any assumptions, at all; rather, the focus should be on limiting the damage.
This is a man who, in response to a question about how his younger infant daughter took after her parents, commented only on her inheriting her mother's legs, and with any luck, her breasts. So, yes, he is "otherizing," but he has also viewed his own infant daughter as "other," inheriting absolutely *nothing* from him, to speak of, and only outward qualities from her mother. (His comments about his elder daughter are also disturbing.)
While his attitude is certainly hateful, my guess is that if Mr. Trump were asked about the history of the Middle East, fundamentalism, threats we may face, with any level of detail, he wouldn't have all that much to say. Why even care? It seems to me that he experiences everyone, even his own children, as "other," except in as much as they please.
2
I wish Christopher Hitchens was still around, for this page needs a serious reality check. We are not speaking about American muslims, we are speaking about citizens from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, and Libya. Stop acting like the people being delayed and vetted are from Baltimore, or Cedar Rapids. Muslims throw acid in the faces of girls trying to get an education. They throw homosexuals off of rooftops. They depict Jewish people as PIGS in their children's textbooks. Honor killing is acceptable. They mutilate female genitalia. Pedophilia is accepted. They marry CHILDREN to grown men. They also tell you that you will convert, or you will be killed. So, exactly who is the bully? And what does Kristof have to say about that? "We apologize for restricting your travel to this country for a few months." Kristof is a disgrace, and intellectual dishonesty is the defining characteristic of a liberal. Kristof does not speak for me.
17
Riiiight---and no atrocities have ever been committed in the name of Christianity? (For recent examples, see Charleston, SC, Quebec, etc.) So should all Christians be barred from entering the US too?
8
Would you want to be a practicing Muslim in Alabama today?
Would you feat for your safety?
Tell the truth.
Would you feat for your safety?
Tell the truth.
3
The people to whom you refer represent a tiny fraction of the world's 1.6 billion Muslims. Why do you impugn entire populations because of the actions of a small minority of religious extremists? Here in the US, more than 17,500 victims have made accusations of clergy abuse that church officials have determined to be credible, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Does that mean all priests are pedophiles? There have been ZERO domestic fatalities resulting from terror involving the six affected countries. Why? Because it is already very difficult to get a visa to enter the US from those countries. Domestic terror in the US is exceedingly rare. You have a better chance of being hit by lightning. And most of the incidents involve US citizens, not foreign extremists. The travel ban is nothing more than a cruel, counterproductive appeal to prejudice and fear.
3
Nicholas, you're sad and pathetic. You're reporting is so one dimensional, pulling the heart strings with one sob story after the other. Do you realize that any public agency must protect its citizenry above all else? The "Muslim Ban" is doing just that. No apologies needed.
10
Yes, they must protect the citizenry. And they just made me LESS safe by declining to prioritize white supremacists in the fight against terrorism. Dylann Roof killed Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel Simmons Sr., Sharonda Singleton, and Myra Thompson. Ask them how safe we are.
5
What bothers me about this ban was that it was touted as a safety precaution and it was just a political stunt to throw red meat to the far right base. If Trump really believe this ban would help keep Americans safe, he would have set it up for all countries that could pose a threat, especially those that have actually sent terrorists to the US. Instead he banned people from a group of countries that have no power, that have sent no terrorists and that have no financial ties to the US. He picked on a bunch of countries that couldn't retaliate financially. He insulted Muslims, made the country look bad, caused a diplomatic crisis, scared families, disrupted businesses, and worst of all put our troops in more danger, all to put on a show for his base. I apologize to Muslims and to everyone else!
10
I share your fears and your hopes. So here is my apology to all Muslim Americans and our Muslim friends around the world. Americans are better than this so be patient while we work at dealing with the hateful terrorists now occupying our government.
6
I agree, Mr. Kristoff. WE Americans should apologize for the man who sits in OUR White House blowing smoke and having tantrums.
The Con Don treated the Australian Prime Minister with disdain and disrespect yesterday. Without any "statistics" I KNOW this outraged rational people across America.
It is time for those who disagree with The Con Don and his LIES hate-anger-fear-war rantings to continuously speak out on social media against him and everything he stands for.
I do not tweet, or post on facebook or other social media but realize the strength they have achieved. Those who oppose The Con Don must start a Love-reason-civility-democracy-peace network to counteract the minor players that make up the hate complex.
Today please get a viral tweet going that says,#Australia We Love You - Ignore the orange one" or something similar which publicly embarrasses the great pretender around the world.
It is time for the world to hear from the Roaring Silent Majority that WE do not agree with the hostile takeover financial players who are attempting to take over OUR America.
The link below is from today's Buzzfeed and explains how the hate machine is trying to sway voters in France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of Europe. Only constant, viral shouted protests by those of us who disagree will stop them.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/heres-how-frances-national-front-...
The Con Don treated the Australian Prime Minister with disdain and disrespect yesterday. Without any "statistics" I KNOW this outraged rational people across America.
It is time for those who disagree with The Con Don and his LIES hate-anger-fear-war rantings to continuously speak out on social media against him and everything he stands for.
I do not tweet, or post on facebook or other social media but realize the strength they have achieved. Those who oppose The Con Don must start a Love-reason-civility-democracy-peace network to counteract the minor players that make up the hate complex.
Today please get a viral tweet going that says,#Australia We Love You - Ignore the orange one" or something similar which publicly embarrasses the great pretender around the world.
It is time for the world to hear from the Roaring Silent Majority that WE do not agree with the hostile takeover financial players who are attempting to take over OUR America.
The link below is from today's Buzzfeed and explains how the hate machine is trying to sway voters in France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of Europe. Only constant, viral shouted protests by those of us who disagree will stop them.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/heres-how-frances-national-front-...
9
History will place this Muslim Exclusion Action on the list where it belongs. The list includes such American shames as slavery; denying the franchise to women; Jim Crow; the Chinese Exclusion Act; The slaughter of Native Americans, The Japanese Internment, turning away boatloads of Jews seeking refuge from the Holocaust; and the persecution of LGBT people. With my apologies to the victims of other disgusting American Shames, I say, This Shall Not Stand.
13
I agree, Mr. Blum, but WE cannot wait for HIStory to be recorded. WE must all act now to stop this hostile takeover of OUR democracy and social/economic justice in America. The Robber Baron Party and their republican operatives are suspending rules every day to try to ram through their hostile agenda.
Only WE the people - The Great Roaring Silent Majority - can stop them by every single one of us taking action for the thing we value most in OUR America and OUR democracy.
Only WE the people - The Great Roaring Silent Majority - can stop them by every single one of us taking action for the thing we value most in OUR America and OUR democracy.
9
I agree completely. See you at the next march in Seattle.
1
The "best" defense coming out of the Trump supporters is that this is what Trump promised to do. It doesn't matter if the path Trump and Bannon have chosen is unamerican or illegal or illogical. All that is important is that "promises" have been fulfilled. The real promise they made to their base was 4 years of fear mongering and executive actions based on impulse instead of intelligence. Their sound bite of "draining the swamp" will be their shield for every irrational decision they make. Meanwhile, those politicians and leaders of our country who know better do and say nothing for their own political gain. Let's hope the conscience of the country outruns the infantile posturing of the Donald and his puppet master in time to avoid lasting damage to our institutions.
12
Obama and the inflammatory left-wing media should be the apologists here. If not for them, we don't get The Donald.
5
Bernie would have handled this differently.Still waiting for an apology from the NYT
3
Oh, don't omit FBI Director James Comey. He deserves a LOT of credit.
2
Obama decided to accelerate our refugee program in 2017, increasing it 30% of 2016, over the objections of half the governors in the country. He barely enforced immigration laws.
Anyone coming into office would have been forced to put some restraints on his lax enforcement.
Anyone coming into office would have been forced to put some restraints on his lax enforcement.
1
Comparing 9/11 to a 90-day travel ban is disingenuous. Do not equate ISIS genocide with nationalism or protectionism.
Asking the Muslim community to condemn Jihadist extremism resulting in the death of thousands of civilians and destruction of millennium old historical sites is in a different league than the US securing our boarders, and implementing a travel ban while we re-evaluate our immigration policy.
I did not vote for Trump, and I don't think protectionism in an increasingly connected global environment is a wise long-term strategy, but do not apologize for me. Do not apologize for the millions of voters that choose a wall and a US with closed borders - their voice had been ignored for decades, and Trump is the result of marginalizing those that favor a US nationalist policy.
Asking the Muslim community to condemn Jihadist extremism resulting in the death of thousands of civilians and destruction of millennium old historical sites is in a different league than the US securing our boarders, and implementing a travel ban while we re-evaluate our immigration policy.
I did not vote for Trump, and I don't think protectionism in an increasingly connected global environment is a wise long-term strategy, but do not apologize for me. Do not apologize for the millions of voters that choose a wall and a US with closed borders - their voice had been ignored for decades, and Trump is the result of marginalizing those that favor a US nationalist policy.
12
I agree, the travel ban is outrageous. So, why do so many Americans approve of it? You stated yourself in the article, "Trump took a real problem",
"the security challenge is real", "Bush and Obama oversaw improvements in vetting"
Trump obviously spoke to the fears of many people and actually in their minds, he did something about it. And he didn't do it quietly , he shouted, screamed and, tweeted about how unsafe our country is and how the solution is to build a wall. Over and over and over again he shouted these things.
This is exactly what we need the media to do. To shout, scream and tweet over and over and over again the FACTS. No bias, no jokes, no more just complaining about Trump! We want the facts to be shouted to the rooftops just how Trump shouts his "facts." We want SOLUTIONS shouted from the rooftops, just how Trump shouts his "solutions."
I know personally I'm a busy person and don't have time to decipher who is telling the truth and what the solutions to these problems should be. Most Americans fit into this category. We need our facts and solutions quick, clear and to the point. I think this is why so many Americans like Trump. Our press should be more like this, but give us the real facts and real solutions in a quick, clear, and to the point manner.
You don't have to take my word for it, I am just a real American with a lot of Trump supporting friends and family, who cried on election night.
"the security challenge is real", "Bush and Obama oversaw improvements in vetting"
Trump obviously spoke to the fears of many people and actually in their minds, he did something about it. And he didn't do it quietly , he shouted, screamed and, tweeted about how unsafe our country is and how the solution is to build a wall. Over and over and over again he shouted these things.
This is exactly what we need the media to do. To shout, scream and tweet over and over and over again the FACTS. No bias, no jokes, no more just complaining about Trump! We want the facts to be shouted to the rooftops just how Trump shouts his "facts." We want SOLUTIONS shouted from the rooftops, just how Trump shouts his "solutions."
I know personally I'm a busy person and don't have time to decipher who is telling the truth and what the solutions to these problems should be. Most Americans fit into this category. We need our facts and solutions quick, clear and to the point. I think this is why so many Americans like Trump. Our press should be more like this, but give us the real facts and real solutions in a quick, clear, and to the point manner.
You don't have to take my word for it, I am just a real American with a lot of Trump supporting friends and family, who cried on election night.
3
Add me to the list of people who apologize.
Globalists vs. nationalists. Moderates vs. extremists. These are the duels that are being openly fought throughout the world with particular conspicuousness at this moment in history. To the nationalists and extremists I would like to re-iterate what Nick said about symmetry and mirror images. In a way, these people hate themselves when they hate their nemeses, because if they were born in that other country or into that other religion, they would be nationalists or extremists on that other side. If they can understand that point, that it's in their nature to be nationalistic or extremist, perhaps they can realize the folly of otherizing and demonizing the other side.
Globalists vs. nationalists. Moderates vs. extremists. These are the duels that are being openly fought throughout the world with particular conspicuousness at this moment in history. To the nationalists and extremists I would like to re-iterate what Nick said about symmetry and mirror images. In a way, these people hate themselves when they hate their nemeses, because if they were born in that other country or into that other religion, they would be nationalists or extremists on that other side. If they can understand that point, that it's in their nature to be nationalistic or extremist, perhaps they can realize the folly of otherizing and demonizing the other side.
The day after Trump was elected, I apologized to my waiter at the Mexican restaurant where we were eating. We had a long discussion about his son and wife and how he just wants to provide for them. As always, I am struck by how normal all these immigrants are, and how they deserve a chance. I do not personally know any Muslims, but if I did, I would also apologize to them. And if Trump starts a Muslim registry, I am signing up!
2
Re. the last paragraph of your excellent column, Mr. Kristof - many, many Jews have been actively protesting this ban targeting Muslims, as well as Islamophobia in general. Jews are only about two percent of the population but they've been turning out in huge numbers. Many, many Jews were also protesting Trumps's Islamophobia during the election season as well. So you don't have to "dream of the day" when Jews protest Islamophobia - it is and has been happening all over the country - individuals, congregations, organizations, etc.
12
If you allow a politician, in this case, the President of the United State, to use your fear to get into power, that means you gave him a permission to be abused by him. This time it is about ISIS, next time it will be fear of inner city people, next time it will be fear of Asian CEO's in big companies, next time it will be fear of unemployment because of immigrants, etc. When there are problems, we need to come up with solutions, not afraid of problems. I just smile when I see someone who does not look like me. A civility is a good thing and makes my day brighter.
7
Hate takes too much energy. We're all human.
2
Trump is a national disgrace and an imbecile along with all the fools lining up behind him. I'm so sorry that a minority of Americans elected this ridiculous and evil man to such a high office. His behavior would get him fired from most if not all normal jobs.
6
Not sure that an apology is necessary Nick, and I am Muslim. Perhaps just a realization that there are extremists everywhere and we individually are not responsible for the atrocities they perpetrate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/10/opinion/l-sorrow-and-shame-at-joseph-s...
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/10/opinion/l-sorrow-and-shame-at-joseph-s...
6
I don't see President Trump's blaming Muslims here or holding them in any way responsible for terrorist atrocities. If anything, President Trump is actually taking responsibility by being proactive -- recognizing where they might come from and taking action to prevent their entry. That's a far cry from placing the blame on anyone else.
3
Regarding today’s Nicholas Kristof’s article, it should be pointed out that President Hindenburg of Germany, in the early 1930’s long resisted the candidacy of Adolf Hitler to become Chancellor. Only when Hitler promised to appoint,mainly a moderate cabinet, did Hindenburg give in. After assuming power, within a month, Hitler fired his moderate cabinet members.
From the very beginning of his candidacy, President Donald Trump has opposed every progressive program, whether its gun control, raising of the minimum wage, pro-choice, limiting corporate contributions to candidates for election, regulations, opposing voting registrations, etc. His latest move is his support of abolishing the Senate filibuster for nominees to the Supreme Court. With his restrictions on immigration, he has virtually united with disapproval most of the world which had been looking towards the United States as a land of inclusiveness.
From the very beginning of his candidacy, President Donald Trump has opposed every progressive program, whether its gun control, raising of the minimum wage, pro-choice, limiting corporate contributions to candidates for election, regulations, opposing voting registrations, etc. His latest move is his support of abolishing the Senate filibuster for nominees to the Supreme Court. With his restrictions on immigration, he has virtually united with disapproval most of the world which had been looking towards the United States as a land of inclusiveness.
5
Thank you Nicholas,
Thank you. Your blanket apology to the world for us having hired Trump as our President is so necessary and needed.
Please develop an outline associated with the format for your apology letter, since we will need you to release apologies on a regular basis to the world or select groups on various topics until Trump is out of office.
Thanks again.
Thank you. Your blanket apology to the world for us having hired Trump as our President is so necessary and needed.
Please develop an outline associated with the format for your apology letter, since we will need you to release apologies on a regular basis to the world or select groups on various topics until Trump is out of office.
Thanks again.
5
What about Agnostics and Atheists born in these 7 Countries? How do they prove they aren't Muslim. How does anyone- for that matter, prove or disprove their "religion"?
7
Asking Muslim moderates to apologize for extremists was already a racist practice, built on the idea that what one self-proclaimed Muslim does reflects on all Muslims. Didn't Trump tweet once, "Sadly because President Obama did such a poor job you won't see another black president for generations." I dare anyone to find a similar statement about a white politician. Asking one member of a race to defend or speak for the whole is racist, period. And lets be real, Islam is racialized in this country regardless of the fact that Islam is a diverse religion worldwide.
This piece does not critique that racist practice, but condones it by suggesting that Americans do the same. The only thing we should apologize for is sitting around talking instead of acting when a fascist government is repressing it's own people and bolstering terrorist forces with idiot policies, making us and the world unsafe.
This piece does not critique that racist practice, but condones it by suggesting that Americans do the same. The only thing we should apologize for is sitting around talking instead of acting when a fascist government is repressing it's own people and bolstering terrorist forces with idiot policies, making us and the world unsafe.
51
How this last commentator came to the conclusion that Kristof "condones" what his piece condemns is very troubling to me. Kristof's taking a public stand Is not just "sitting around talking." Apparently "acting" means...what, exactly, to this commentator, whose first name is all she/he shares?
1
One of the problems is that Islam has no central authority. The Pope can apologize for some crime committed by extremist Catholics in the name of Catholicism (and would). Here are some exemplary apologies:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_apologies_made_by_Pope_John_Paul_II
Muslims as a whole have no comparable spokesperson for their religion to apologize for a crime committed by extremist Muslims in the name of Islam.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_apologies_made_by_Pope_John_Paul_II
Muslims as a whole have no comparable spokesperson for their religion to apologize for a crime committed by extremist Muslims in the name of Islam.
Oh, this little piece of self-serving propaganda, surrogate mea culpa from the NYT "Opinion Kingdom" will win their hearts and minds.
Liking Muslims and welcoming their concomitant religious-political system into the polis are not one and the same. Just ask Israel.
Liking Muslims and welcoming their concomitant religious-political system into the polis are not one and the same. Just ask Israel.
13
With apologies to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” including Muslims.
I have a dream that one day on the green hills of the Golan Heights; the sons of Israelis and the sons of Syrians will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Palestine, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice under self-rule.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” including Muslims.
I have a dream that one day on the green hills of the Golan Heights; the sons of Israelis and the sons of Syrians will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Palestine, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice under self-rule.
4
A beautiful column to combat an ugly development.
5
I was shocked when my 90 year old, Japanese neighbor who was in an interment camp, told me he thought Trump did the right thing with the ban.
The ban has made us less save. ISIS must love this. I think Trump wants to start a war. And sadly Americans scare very easily. He has many scared so they will follow him. Whatever happen to Critical Thinking?
The ban has made us less save. ISIS must love this. I think Trump wants to start a war. And sadly Americans scare very easily. He has many scared so they will follow him. Whatever happen to Critical Thinking?
8
Critical thinking still exists, as evidenced by your 90 year old neighbor.
4
ISIS must love this? Whether ISIS loves or hates it is immaterial. ISIS wants to create a Caliphate. You'd be better off asking, "Will this help or hinder ISIS's dream?"
1
Why apologize when thousands are already vehemently protesting and opposing some of Trump's ridiculous decrees? It's actually more proactive to protest than apologize. And where else in the world do we see such mass protests in support of the minorities and immigrants? Middle East? North Africa? Pakistan?
1
If Kristof's career as a journalist is ever banned (crosses fingers), he should take comfort that he has a bright future as a cherry picker.
7
There was a time when it was Christians who struck terror in the human heart, with crusades, the Inquisition, and witch burnings. Personally, I'm more afraid of fundamentalist Christians today than Muslims in our country. They have an agenda that includes enslaving and exterminating behind the facade of caring. It is a kind of slavery that denies a woman the right to determine how she wishes to use her own body, or to earn a living. To hold to a vision of an "end time" and thus deny and defeat efforts to save the planet and all its life is extermination at its core.
The suffering from this ban goes beyond good, accomplished people being kept outside our borders. It includes the death of a grandmother in need of medical care coming home to the US from a visit to her relatives in Iraq. It includes endangering an infant who was on the way to the US for heart surgery. This ban is causing needless deaths and fears, not just inconveniences as Kellyanne asserts. We need to do more than apologize and we need to do it now. Bannon and Trump will only feel emboldened by what they've caused so far; indeed, they are calling it a success. If this is just the start of something, what horrors await? It wasn't that long ago that the Inquisition office closed and the witch burnings stopped. The fears that supported those earlier atrocities evidently are alive in our culture still.
The suffering from this ban goes beyond good, accomplished people being kept outside our borders. It includes the death of a grandmother in need of medical care coming home to the US from a visit to her relatives in Iraq. It includes endangering an infant who was on the way to the US for heart surgery. This ban is causing needless deaths and fears, not just inconveniences as Kellyanne asserts. We need to do more than apologize and we need to do it now. Bannon and Trump will only feel emboldened by what they've caused so far; indeed, they are calling it a success. If this is just the start of something, what horrors await? It wasn't that long ago that the Inquisition office closed and the witch burnings stopped. The fears that supported those earlier atrocities evidently are alive in our culture still.
10
An offense against the dignity of any person or group is an offense against the dignity of all human beings. That is why those who oppose the taking of unborn life (and I am one of them) must be vocal against any attack on human dignity.
To the poster who wants rational discourse instead an emotional one, here you go: it is an exercise in futility to attempt to convince people that all life is precious, if we contradict ourselves by pretending that it's okay to accept some lives being treated as less than precious. The alternative to the debacle at the airports last weekend isn't letting everyone in; it's enforcing a comprehensive screening strategy - like the one we already have - and bolstering it in a rational way, if necessary.
There is nothing rational about the idea that the world is actually going to be taken over by Muslims. For a Christian, this idea is even less rational if we consider th
To the poster who wants rational discourse instead an emotional one, here you go: it is an exercise in futility to attempt to convince people that all life is precious, if we contradict ourselves by pretending that it's okay to accept some lives being treated as less than precious. The alternative to the debacle at the airports last weekend isn't letting everyone in; it's enforcing a comprehensive screening strategy - like the one we already have - and bolstering it in a rational way, if necessary.
There is nothing rational about the idea that the world is actually going to be taken over by Muslims. For a Christian, this idea is even less rational if we consider th
2
If only I could get my Trump supporting cousins to read this. But even if they did, they would deny that you are writing the truth.We are all advised to talk with others who disagree with us, to bridge these awful gaps, what do we do when those we seek to engage say "everything you are saying is a lie. All the so called facts you claim about the progress we made under Obama, are lies..." When they won't even read or engage in talk, what can we do? I am heartened by the compassion and love shown in that little Texas town where the mosque was burned to the ground. Those are surely the better angels of ourselves.
3
Maybe the real extremists are the "purists" on the left who dreamed up all kinds of stupid reasons to vilify a perfectly normal, intelligent, caring woman named Hillary Clinton and felt compelled to protest with a vote for Jill Stein.
There was a rapist at the door and you made a decision to ignore the cop who could stop him.
Because the cop wasn't "pure" enough.
Now deal with the criminal in your house.
100 years from now, bored kids in history class, who struggle with the lingering effects of an American fascist and a world up ended by climate calamity, will wonder why their fore parents could not see danger and act appropriately.
Don't ever do such a stupid thing again.
OK?
There was a rapist at the door and you made a decision to ignore the cop who could stop him.
Because the cop wasn't "pure" enough.
Now deal with the criminal in your house.
100 years from now, bored kids in history class, who struggle with the lingering effects of an American fascist and a world up ended by climate calamity, will wonder why their fore parents could not see danger and act appropriately.
Don't ever do such a stupid thing again.
OK?
3
HRC was a terrible choice.Can't think of anyone else who would loose to Trump.
5
Fear is an effective weapon to mobilize the masses. Thank you Kristof for speaking up. Of course , you will be called the crazy liberal. The motto of this administration is to divide and conquer. And with this one it is also threats. He threatens anyone who dares to dissent and tweets about free speech.
Countries all over the world MARVELLED at how we function together.. but not anymore. Very sad indeed.
What upsets me is : why so many Americans with a conscience are watching and being silent. Are they getting alternative facts?
Countries all over the world MARVELLED at how we function together.. but not anymore. Very sad indeed.
What upsets me is : why so many Americans with a conscience are watching and being silent. Are they getting alternative facts?
5
Apparently they were waiting for someone macho like Trump (on Finasteride), to come along. They were being politically "correct" by not speaking out when Obama was in power.
1
We need to see the difference between the political Islam, where the religion is used to bolster political stands and the Islam for people who find their spirituality in the religion. Christianity and Judaism are also used for political purposes and once you sell your religion to politics you sell away the very purpose of the religion which is to help create a spiritual connection with the individual and what he percieves as his/her higher power or God.
1
I see millions of Americans wearing arm bands - " I AM MUSLIM" (as a Jew) this holds very special meaning)
3
Mr. Kristof speaks only for himself. I, as an American, apologize for nothing and Mr. Kristof does not speak for me, or for the majority of Americans who support Mr. Trump's travel restrictions.
11
No, Paul. Not just for himself. He speaks for me.
9
I think you should actually read some polls and see if a majority of Americans approve of Trump's silly travel ban. If that were true his approval ratings wouldn't be swirling down the toilet that they started in. Never mind. People like you are never wrong and avoid facts because they might show you're wrong. You probably have never had anything to apologize for in your whole life. Lucky you.
5
Could not agree more! ALL of us should stand up against extremism in our midst.
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/10/opinion/l-sorrow-and-shame-at-joseph-s...
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/10/opinion/l-sorrow-and-shame-at-joseph-s...
2
Do we really want refugees in America who are so inept they can't accomplish what at least 13 million Mexicans and Central Americans have?
Just apply for refugee status to Mexico or Guatemala, and then walk on in. In the unlikely event you are troubled by law enforcement, claim political asylum, and get on an endless wait list for a hearing. Move to a sanctuary city. You are good to go for decades.
Just apply for refugee status to Mexico or Guatemala, and then walk on in. In the unlikely event you are troubled by law enforcement, claim political asylum, and get on an endless wait list for a hearing. Move to a sanctuary city. You are good to go for decades.
9
I lived in Sweden where there were many refugees from around the world. Many of them were highly educated but fleeing awful regimes. All that I met worked and were not living on welfare. Don't have the arrogance to assume refugees are inept. After all, look at the pretend democracy us inept Americans are apparently content to live with.
6
In fact the people coming from some of these countries, Iran and Libya in particular, are better educated than the average American.
4
Sweden: Muslims brutally beat TV chef because he “looked like Mr. Trump”,November 12, 2016.Mar 8, 2016 - On Tuesday, a gang of Arabic-speaking men brutally assaulted a young Swedish woman walking home from the bus stop.Sweden: Police Worried About Rising Gang-Rape Epidemic. Le Figaro December 7, 2013. Seems like a wonderful place to raise a family?
3
I'm happy that people are speaking out against the ban of people from seven Muslim countries.
People should tell Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Yemen, Bangladesh, Brunei, Malaysia and Pakistan to end their ban against people from Israel, the world's only Jewish country.
People should tell Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Yemen, Bangladesh, Brunei, Malaysia and Pakistan to end their ban against people from Israel, the world's only Jewish country.
6
Whenever Christians, putative or sincere, do something destructively crazy (and here, I am talking about you, Mr. President), then it is up to all Christians to step up and disavow the madness. Moreover, it is right and proper to condemn all Christians for the depravity of any sole figure like, say, the Koran-burning Terry Jones, pastor of some self-named denomination of derangement (the "Dove World Outreach Center," if you can believe it.)
Momentarily breaking news has it that President Trump has just vowed to "totally destroy" tax limitations on political activity by tax-exempt churches. This, from a President who promotes a "textualist" and an "originalist" to the US Supreme Court. Can he be serious? Fine, churches and pastors should be free to politic and say whatever they wish. Just don't ask me and my fellow tax-payers to foot the bill. That is what the First Amendment requires.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Momentarily breaking news has it that President Trump has just vowed to "totally destroy" tax limitations on political activity by tax-exempt churches. This, from a President who promotes a "textualist" and an "originalist" to the US Supreme Court. Can he be serious? Fine, churches and pastors should be free to politic and say whatever they wish. Just don't ask me and my fellow tax-payers to foot the bill. That is what the First Amendment requires.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
6
Begin with John Perkins (Confessions of an Economic Hit Man) who wrote that, at the behest of his shadowy employers, he convinced Indonesia to accept a predatory loan that resulted in the deaths of many Indonesian Muslims.
Next, I was at a Ramadan midnight meal with a Saudi about 10 years ago. He said he had heard many khutbahs in Saudi Arabia that those shadowy employers of Perkins were all the people working in the World Trade Center, all were guilty of murdering one billion innocent Muslims, and all deserved death.
He also said that the Saudi khutbahs also shouted that, since Americans voted for people like Bush, jr, every American was an accessories before the fact to murder, all were guilty, and he would be justified in killing me (but the others at the Ramadan meal were not Saudis, and would not allow him to kill me).
Bush, jr proved that Saudi Arabians had nothing to do with 9/11, it was Afghans and Iraqis. Obama proved that Libyans were also responsible. And Obama and Trump agree that it is proven that Syrians, Iranians, Yemenis, Sudanis, and Somalians were also guilty.
So when my Saudi dinner companion said the attack on the World Trade Center was a justified, legal execution, as would be the execution of any and all Americans, that was the message from the peaceful, non-violent Wahhabi sect of Islam, the only sect of Islam strongly approved by every US president!
Next, I was at a Ramadan midnight meal with a Saudi about 10 years ago. He said he had heard many khutbahs in Saudi Arabia that those shadowy employers of Perkins were all the people working in the World Trade Center, all were guilty of murdering one billion innocent Muslims, and all deserved death.
He also said that the Saudi khutbahs also shouted that, since Americans voted for people like Bush, jr, every American was an accessories before the fact to murder, all were guilty, and he would be justified in killing me (but the others at the Ramadan meal were not Saudis, and would not allow him to kill me).
Bush, jr proved that Saudi Arabians had nothing to do with 9/11, it was Afghans and Iraqis. Obama proved that Libyans were also responsible. And Obama and Trump agree that it is proven that Syrians, Iranians, Yemenis, Sudanis, and Somalians were also guilty.
So when my Saudi dinner companion said the attack on the World Trade Center was a justified, legal execution, as would be the execution of any and all Americans, that was the message from the peaceful, non-violent Wahhabi sect of Islam, the only sect of Islam strongly approved by every US president!
4
please don't apologize on my behalf. it's easy to cherry pick examples of individuals who might not be a threat to us. But please look at any country or region where Muslims make up the majority and see whether non-Muslim rights are being protected. Short answer: no. Please show me the churches, forget synagogues, in these areas. Why are Jews fleeing France? Wale up, Kristof.
10
Mr. Krugman, you're going to need an apology-a-day column, and you still won't keep up.
Mexico, I apologize.
Australia, I apologize.
Muslims, I apologize.
Refugees everywhere, I apologize.
Public education, I apologize.
People without health care, I apologize.
and on and on and on
Mexico, I apologize.
Australia, I apologize.
Muslims, I apologize.
Refugees everywhere, I apologize.
Public education, I apologize.
People without health care, I apologize.
and on and on and on
1
Yes -- apologies to the world, Muslim and non-Muslim, for our extremist-in-chief. And while Kristof points out several heroic Muslims in his article, let's remember that it isn't about needing to be a "Model Muslim!" We need to welcome not only the Nadia Murads and the Ahmed Ahmeds, the brilliant engineers and the international human rights spokesmen, but the garden-variety men and women and children who just wanna go to the grocery store, play a little soccer in the park, get so-so grades, squabble with their siblings and live their lives in peace.
4
I don't disagree with this.
I wish we had seen the same broad-minded tolerance of conservative Christians back when the bakers and florists and photographers were prosecuted for not participating in the celebration of same-sex weddings, when Kim Davis was prosecuted because the requirements of her job changed unexpectedly to something her conscience couldn't accept, when Hobby Lobby, which was happy to provide 16 out of 20 kinds of contraception had to go to the Supreme Court not to have to provide the four kinds it thought caused abortions.
I'm fine with same-sex marriage. I don't think those kinds of contraception cause abortion. I assume that, just as non-Muslims should have tolerance for Islam though we don't share its beliefs, those of us who don't share these specific beliefs of conservative Christians ought not to view these folks as enemies alien to the real America. Had there not been all of this non-tolerance of our own fellow Americans with whom we disagree, maybe we wouldn't have seen 80% of the conservative Christian vote go to this deplorable trainwreck of a president.
I wish we had seen the same broad-minded tolerance of conservative Christians back when the bakers and florists and photographers were prosecuted for not participating in the celebration of same-sex weddings, when Kim Davis was prosecuted because the requirements of her job changed unexpectedly to something her conscience couldn't accept, when Hobby Lobby, which was happy to provide 16 out of 20 kinds of contraception had to go to the Supreme Court not to have to provide the four kinds it thought caused abortions.
I'm fine with same-sex marriage. I don't think those kinds of contraception cause abortion. I assume that, just as non-Muslims should have tolerance for Islam though we don't share its beliefs, those of us who don't share these specific beliefs of conservative Christians ought not to view these folks as enemies alien to the real America. Had there not been all of this non-tolerance of our own fellow Americans with whom we disagree, maybe we wouldn't have seen 80% of the conservative Christian vote go to this deplorable trainwreck of a president.
2
I am dismayed by the number of writers of comments to this column who see the actions of the current government as necessary. Their arguments are couched in terms of deceptive reason. Slogans abound.
History is repetitive. Any who are perceived to be unlike "us" are shunned, rejected and sometimes brutalized. How many times do we need to repeat this vicious cycle before we learn it is wrong. Are we such slow learners?
History is repetitive. Any who are perceived to be unlike "us" are shunned, rejected and sometimes brutalized. How many times do we need to repeat this vicious cycle before we learn it is wrong. Are we such slow learners?
2
An observation of Muslims in Muslim minority countries should give Americans reasons to be concerned about Muslim migrants and refugees. Philippines, civil war, Thailand near civil war, India terrorism, Russia terrorism, China terrorism, sub Saharan Africa civil war terrorism, Germany, Belgium, France, Sweden, UK, Spain terror attacks, Israel constant terror. These countries represent very different cultures and religions from Jew, Christian, Hindu,, Buddhist, non believers, etc. Americans are wise to be cautious about Muslim migrants.
7
I wholeheartedly subscribe!
Yet it´s worse.
The image for 45 is "If you're a star, they'll let you do it. You can do everything."
With a silver spoon that shoves some yuge real estate down your privileged spoilt landlord brat throat, and gifts you with some vile tax advisers, you can: bankrupt 4 times and capitalize big on outsourcing the larger than life losses, earning fame for superb business skills in the rigged process, a wholly fabled and faked fame; stiff tenants, contractors, workers, students; sue those who can't pay for defense; settle valid claims against you with a flimsy share of what you stole; bribe an AG; have a ruthless dictator thug that has blackmail collateral against you win the election for you, aided by voter suppression and roll purges and your fake news and disinformation disseminating media buddies; troll all with impunity all the time.
Now 10 days into his presidency we got another superb image in "Who wore it better?".
But it's the strong-armed military-style officer wear worn by a suspicious and contemptively judgmental and thick guy wanting to know your social media history that they really gleefully see worn well.
We're up for witnessing a fascist coup that is all set and ready to go after the outspoken liberals joined (in strong internal and big money trolled division) here a.s.a.p. first.
If it gets traction will largely depend on the backbone of the higher ranks of the army.
My bet is he'll get the decisive part of that army support.
Yet it´s worse.
The image for 45 is "If you're a star, they'll let you do it. You can do everything."
With a silver spoon that shoves some yuge real estate down your privileged spoilt landlord brat throat, and gifts you with some vile tax advisers, you can: bankrupt 4 times and capitalize big on outsourcing the larger than life losses, earning fame for superb business skills in the rigged process, a wholly fabled and faked fame; stiff tenants, contractors, workers, students; sue those who can't pay for defense; settle valid claims against you with a flimsy share of what you stole; bribe an AG; have a ruthless dictator thug that has blackmail collateral against you win the election for you, aided by voter suppression and roll purges and your fake news and disinformation disseminating media buddies; troll all with impunity all the time.
Now 10 days into his presidency we got another superb image in "Who wore it better?".
But it's the strong-armed military-style officer wear worn by a suspicious and contemptively judgmental and thick guy wanting to know your social media history that they really gleefully see worn well.
We're up for witnessing a fascist coup that is all set and ready to go after the outspoken liberals joined (in strong internal and big money trolled division) here a.s.a.p. first.
If it gets traction will largely depend on the backbone of the higher ranks of the army.
My bet is he'll get the decisive part of that army support.
1
Two days after Khizr Khan´s terrific speech on the Democratic convention, with Hillary well under way to a double digit lead in the polls, I was among the very few to predict, in this paper of record, completely running counter the trend of the day, that her candidacy would make the Democrats loose the White House:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/31/opinion/sunday/thanks-obama.html?comme...
I am grateful to have been allowed to contribute an early predictive voice once again, this time of the Trump/Miller/Bannon/Sessions/Pruitt/etc. administration eyeing martial law, most probably to be installed over an alleged foreign threat, but with the real purpose of suppressing and strangulating the internal opposition gathering in American streets and in American social media or online comment sections.
I know not many reading my comment will find its prediction to carry much credibility.
I also know I will have a bad reason to refer to it in our shared and co-shaped near future.
Ermahgerd, we´re erring with cooked books, news and speed and crooked ways to an Erdogan America.
Count me in the resistance.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/31/opinion/sunday/thanks-obama.html?comme...
I am grateful to have been allowed to contribute an early predictive voice once again, this time of the Trump/Miller/Bannon/Sessions/Pruitt/etc. administration eyeing martial law, most probably to be installed over an alleged foreign threat, but with the real purpose of suppressing and strangulating the internal opposition gathering in American streets and in American social media or online comment sections.
I know not many reading my comment will find its prediction to carry much credibility.
I also know I will have a bad reason to refer to it in our shared and co-shaped near future.
Ermahgerd, we´re erring with cooked books, news and speed and crooked ways to an Erdogan America.
Count me in the resistance.
Mr. Kristof - I enjoy reading your columns.
I go back to the question why there is this animosity between those certain countries in the Arab world and the US? Did we not create it?
The US went to war in the Middle East for the wrong reasons. The people in those countries believe the US was attacking their religion and their way of life. This has given birth to extremism and nationalism, and those with grievance are retaliating. You can call them 'Islamic Terrorists', 'Terrorists' or whatever. It is now us versus them. We are not doing the damage control. Should our apology not start here?
No matter whether we are Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus or Atheists, there is one thing common to all of us. We all want to do the good, love each other and be in harmony. We are all human beings. It is just the identity that differentiates us. We all believe in the oneness of God. When we all stand in prayer in our places of worship, whether it is in our own homes, or at the designated place of worship, we all seek the same thing - to bless us all with good health and happiness.
I go back to the question why there is this animosity between those certain countries in the Arab world and the US? Did we not create it?
The US went to war in the Middle East for the wrong reasons. The people in those countries believe the US was attacking their religion and their way of life. This has given birth to extremism and nationalism, and those with grievance are retaliating. You can call them 'Islamic Terrorists', 'Terrorists' or whatever. It is now us versus them. We are not doing the damage control. Should our apology not start here?
No matter whether we are Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus or Atheists, there is one thing common to all of us. We all want to do the good, love each other and be in harmony. We are all human beings. It is just the identity that differentiates us. We all believe in the oneness of God. When we all stand in prayer in our places of worship, whether it is in our own homes, or at the designated place of worship, we all seek the same thing - to bless us all with good health and happiness.
1
While I agree with your basic tenants here's where I disagree. For years we watched many Muslim Communities become far more outraged over cartoon drawings of thier savior then the murdering of thier children. When hundreds of thousands March over a perceived slight from a Dutch cartoonist, but none rise up when innocent children playing soccer on a field are murdered that is a big problem. The lack of will from the Muslim community to take back thier religion has led to people like Trump , Pence and Bannon. It's your fight Muslim community. Rise up and take back one of the world's great religions.
7
You mean a Danish not a Dutch cartoonist, even as the nationality is not essential to your argument.
Big Money supporting disinformation campaigns, suppressing sound, wise, correct, balanced and relevant information from being televised, has led to Trump, Pence and Bannon.
These marches you refer to were similarly orchestrated and led by hateful, judgmental and condemning religious well-monied leadership as the anti-choice "March for Strife" with women´s sovereignty over their own reproductive rights in Washington a couple of days ago.
We have had to wait decades and decades for the Sanders rallies to voice the civil right to have politicians and an administration and governmental oversight agencies free of Big Money strangulation in a, for now failed, effort to take our democracy back over here, so give them over there. who have been so strongly trolled over centuries by our colonialism and post-colonialist neo-liberal trolling by our callous multinational corporation interests or in our disastrous Iraq invasion, some space and time for wisdom to emerge on a mass level.
So have patience. We will see more presence and voicing of insight, wisdom and good will, both from Muslims and Christians.
Big Money supporting disinformation campaigns, suppressing sound, wise, correct, balanced and relevant information from being televised, has led to Trump, Pence and Bannon.
These marches you refer to were similarly orchestrated and led by hateful, judgmental and condemning religious well-monied leadership as the anti-choice "March for Strife" with women´s sovereignty over their own reproductive rights in Washington a couple of days ago.
We have had to wait decades and decades for the Sanders rallies to voice the civil right to have politicians and an administration and governmental oversight agencies free of Big Money strangulation in a, for now failed, effort to take our democracy back over here, so give them over there. who have been so strongly trolled over centuries by our colonialism and post-colonialist neo-liberal trolling by our callous multinational corporation interests or in our disastrous Iraq invasion, some space and time for wisdom to emerge on a mass level.
So have patience. We will see more presence and voicing of insight, wisdom and good will, both from Muslims and Christians.
1
While your sentiments are largely well-intentioned, Mr. Kristof, you seem to presume that all Muslims are foreigners, and moreover, refugees. Though it is certainly not your responsibility to apologize on behalf of all Americans, you should remember when deciding to issue such a statement that there are 3.3 million Muslims who live in this country already. Most are citizens. Many, many of them were born citizens and didn't even need to be naturalized. Though the ban on entry from Muslim countries is unconscionable, we should understand that American Muslims are now under threat from our current administration and its supporters. You make a very harmful mistake in your apology, Mr. Kristof, by presuming that Muslim and American are mutually exclusive categories. I am an American and was born so, but I cannot join you in this apology. Because I am simply not in a position to apologize. Instead I feel that my family and community are suddenly besieged, under threat, and in danger of being treated like foreigners in our own nation. By separating the categories of Muslim and American, and then apologizing on behalf of all Americans, you, Mr. Kristof, are unfortunately contributing to that very same mentality.
2
Donald Trump is a stain on America. He is destroying relationships with every friendly country in the world that does trillions of dollars in business with us and helps protect the world against terror. He, instead draws closer to his best friend Putin who run's a country that produces nothing of use for Americans except hacking and espionage. When Trump is finally gone, it will take years if not decades to repair the damage.
3
Paula, did you consider Putin to be Barack Obama's best friend? Remember the open mic incident? President Obama said to outgoing Russian President Medved to give this message to incoming Russian President Putin:
"On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved, but it’s important for him to give me space,” Obama can be heard telling Medvedev, apparently referring to incoming Russian president — and outgoing prime minister — Vladimir Putin. “Yeah, I understand,” Medvedev replies, according to an account relayed by an ABC News producer, who said she viewed a recording of the discussion made by a Russian camera crew. “I understand your message about space. Space for you . . .”
“This is my last election,” Obama interjects. “After my election, I have more flexibility.”
Medvedev, who last week demanded written proof that Russia is not the intended target of U.S. missile defense efforts, responded agreeably.
“I understand,” he told the U.S. president. “I will transmit this information to Vladimir.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-tells-medvedev-solution-on...
"On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved, but it’s important for him to give me space,” Obama can be heard telling Medvedev, apparently referring to incoming Russian president — and outgoing prime minister — Vladimir Putin. “Yeah, I understand,” Medvedev replies, according to an account relayed by an ABC News producer, who said she viewed a recording of the discussion made by a Russian camera crew. “I understand your message about space. Space for you . . .”
“This is my last election,” Obama interjects. “After my election, I have more flexibility.”
Medvedev, who last week demanded written proof that Russia is not the intended target of U.S. missile defense efforts, responded agreeably.
“I understand,” he told the U.S. president. “I will transmit this information to Vladimir.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-tells-medvedev-solution-on...
3
"In effect, Trump took a real problem, inflated it with hysteria, handled it with incompetence and created an unjust policy that targets seven mostly impoverished Muslim countries that haven’t produced a single person involved in a lethal terrorist attack in America since before 9/11. "
Much of Mr. Trump's rhetoric is 'inflated with hysteria' as represented in your quotation above. Because Mr. Trump tends to repeat incessantly, many of his distorted "facts," he seems to believe his own lies with that repetition. Yes, we then call them "delusions." THIS is what I fear...that is, he believes the alternative universe that he has created in his own mind vis-a-vis Muslims.
Thanks for high-lighting the individuals in your article. I guess that Mr. Trump never heard the stories of the "Lost Boys of the Sudan" who are now adults. Perhaps you could do a follow-up with some of these men who came to this and other nations after their 1000 mile journey from southern Sudan, to Ethiopia, back through the Sudan for settlement in refugee camps in Kenya. We all need to be reminded of the strength of the former refugees who have made our nation great and will continue to make it great.
Much of Mr. Trump's rhetoric is 'inflated with hysteria' as represented in your quotation above. Because Mr. Trump tends to repeat incessantly, many of his distorted "facts," he seems to believe his own lies with that repetition. Yes, we then call them "delusions." THIS is what I fear...that is, he believes the alternative universe that he has created in his own mind vis-a-vis Muslims.
Thanks for high-lighting the individuals in your article. I guess that Mr. Trump never heard the stories of the "Lost Boys of the Sudan" who are now adults. Perhaps you could do a follow-up with some of these men who came to this and other nations after their 1000 mile journey from southern Sudan, to Ethiopia, back through the Sudan for settlement in refugee camps in Kenya. We all need to be reminded of the strength of the former refugees who have made our nation great and will continue to make it great.
1
I add my name to the apology to Muslims. This is not the country I was raised in. This is only the most recent hate filled president we have had, Nixon was the last before him. More people voted against this buffoon than voted for him so he is not really our president. Love.
4
You only need to see the language being used by the pro-Trump reactors to see were the real problem lies.
3
Yale historian and Holocaust expert Timothy Snyder shares this:
**When listening to politicians, distinguish certain words. Look out for the expansive use of "terrorism" and "extremism." Be alive to the fatal notions of "exception" and "emergency." Be angry about the treacherous use of patriotic vocabulary.
**Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. When the terrorist attack comes, remember that all authoritarians at all times either await or plan such events in order to consolidate power. Think of the Reichstag fire. The sudden disaster that requires the end of the balance of power, the end of opposition parties, and so on, is the oldest trick in the Hitlerian book. Don't fall for it.
TRUMP VOTERS DID FALL FOR IT, and now we may all have to take the fall. With his MUSLIM BAN which masquerades as an executive order, Trump and his White House have given terrorists around the world the recruiting tool they've been waiting for.
**When listening to politicians, distinguish certain words. Look out for the expansive use of "terrorism" and "extremism." Be alive to the fatal notions of "exception" and "emergency." Be angry about the treacherous use of patriotic vocabulary.
**Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. When the terrorist attack comes, remember that all authoritarians at all times either await or plan such events in order to consolidate power. Think of the Reichstag fire. The sudden disaster that requires the end of the balance of power, the end of opposition parties, and so on, is the oldest trick in the Hitlerian book. Don't fall for it.
TRUMP VOTERS DID FALL FOR IT, and now we may all have to take the fall. With his MUSLIM BAN which masquerades as an executive order, Trump and his White House have given terrorists around the world the recruiting tool they've been waiting for.
4
Trump's ban is an embarrassment, I agree with the author that we should apologize. What the Muslim world should do, all 57 countries, is stand up and say; 'we will take in Muslim refugees fleeing war zones. The wars are a Muslim family fight, and we will take care of our own.' Of course this will never happen, Muslim countries are given a free ride in the western press; nothing is ever asked of them.
The Muslim world has let the refugees from the Arabs' genocidal wars against the Jews in 1948 and 67 remain stateless in refugee camps for decades. The Muslim world didn't lift a finger for the Rohingas fleeing Myamar over the last 2 years. There is more that we in the west can do and banning Muslims is against everything we believe in. But it is also way past time for the Muslim world, all 1.5 billion people, to pitch in too.
The Muslim world has let the refugees from the Arabs' genocidal wars against the Jews in 1948 and 67 remain stateless in refugee camps for decades. The Muslim world didn't lift a finger for the Rohingas fleeing Myamar over the last 2 years. There is more that we in the west can do and banning Muslims is against everything we believe in. But it is also way past time for the Muslim world, all 1.5 billion people, to pitch in too.
4
Jews DO protest Islamophobia all over the place. My email is full of pleas from every Jewish organization from Reconstructionist to Orthodox protesting the ban. Christians DO stand against anti-Semitism. But still waiting for Muslims to protest the persecution (not just banning but expelling or killing) of religious and ethnic minorities in every Muslim country.
6
Dear Mr. Kristof,
usually I quite like your columns, but this one is an epic failure.
Yes, the ban is a total failure and will result in a number of hardships and a great marketing idea for terrorists.
Indiscriminately calling for a ban of holders of certain passports to stay out of a country is a very bad idea, even though the US has done it before.
But so is indiscriminately apologizing for this stupid decree.
People fear Islamic terror and have a right to a solution that will at least improve their sense of security.
This ban will not do that but a number of other measures might.
As would Muslims who would take their pledges serious and check on their brethren who might plan or prepare a terrorist attack.
As long as Muslims are not willing to help secure the safety of the country they live in by handing over terrorist plotters to the police, they have no reason to call for abandoning other measures such as this ban.
Just to paint yourself as the everlasting victim of those bad infidels and to show understanding for the fight of Muslims against infidels will only help idiots such as Trump to play their equally stupid games.
Your apology only plays into the hands of Trump but does nothing else.
usually I quite like your columns, but this one is an epic failure.
Yes, the ban is a total failure and will result in a number of hardships and a great marketing idea for terrorists.
Indiscriminately calling for a ban of holders of certain passports to stay out of a country is a very bad idea, even though the US has done it before.
But so is indiscriminately apologizing for this stupid decree.
People fear Islamic terror and have a right to a solution that will at least improve their sense of security.
This ban will not do that but a number of other measures might.
As would Muslims who would take their pledges serious and check on their brethren who might plan or prepare a terrorist attack.
As long as Muslims are not willing to help secure the safety of the country they live in by handing over terrorist plotters to the police, they have no reason to call for abandoning other measures such as this ban.
Just to paint yourself as the everlasting victim of those bad infidels and to show understanding for the fight of Muslims against infidels will only help idiots such as Trump to play their equally stupid games.
Your apology only plays into the hands of Trump but does nothing else.
6
Please instead apologize to America for your own weak-minded soft bigotry for Muslims, and your unwillingness to do what is necessary to protect American lives (including Muslim American lives.) You don't speak for most of us, who support the President's actions.
6
Trump is deliberately trying to provoke Muslim extremists:he knows that if he starts a war with Islam (replete with the expected occasional suicide attacks in the US) he will easily win a reelection because any Democratic candidate will be perceived as too 'soft' for such violent circumstances. Trump's contemplated relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem serves the same purpose to provoke (though he might be forced to back off on this one due to Israeli reluctance to perpetrate such a provocation).
I believe the next 8 years of the Trump Presidency will be characterized by lots of terrorist attacks both in the US and Europe (the latter seeming ready to follow Trump's Islamophobic path of provocations, or at least that's how i interpret the rise of the European populists). The supporters of the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem (an occupation that has been fueling extremism and has also sparked enormous grievances in the Muslim world against any western country seen as supporting it ) are rejoicing that, finally, the West is now going to start sympathizing with Israel.
The war with Islam has started. And it is us,westerners, who started it -- not just with our voting for populists like Trump and Lepen, but also by offering tacit support for the occupation of what has come to represent in global Muslim consciousness the epitome of western imperialism against Islam --the occupation of east Jerusalem.
I believe the next 8 years of the Trump Presidency will be characterized by lots of terrorist attacks both in the US and Europe (the latter seeming ready to follow Trump's Islamophobic path of provocations, or at least that's how i interpret the rise of the European populists). The supporters of the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem (an occupation that has been fueling extremism and has also sparked enormous grievances in the Muslim world against any western country seen as supporting it ) are rejoicing that, finally, the West is now going to start sympathizing with Israel.
The war with Islam has started. And it is us,westerners, who started it -- not just with our voting for populists like Trump and Lepen, but also by offering tacit support for the occupation of what has come to represent in global Muslim consciousness the epitome of western imperialism against Islam --the occupation of east Jerusalem.
1
Remember the Turks ?
But the Republican Party is the 2008-57%, 2012- 59% and 2016-58% of white American voters and they hate Muslims, Islam and Arabs.
Since 54% of Americans including me did not vote for Trump, I feel no need to apologize to Muslims. Only 20% of the planets 1.6 billion Muslims are Arabs. America is allied with theocratic, secular, royal, fossil fuel and military dictator Sunni Muslim Arabs who deny their citizens their divine natural equal certain unalienable rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
America is also allied with and pays for the Zionist Jewish colonial apartheid Jim Crow state sponsor of terrorism with nuclear weapons Israel's oppression of 6 million Christian Muslim Arab Palestinian Israeli's under the dominion of 6.1 million Israeli Jews.
Since 9/11/01 a mere 0.75% of Americans have volunteered to put on the military uniform of any American armed force. No member of the cowardly dishonorable unpatriotic Trump family clan has ever been among them. Parasites and scavengers to the end worshipping the dollar.
Since 54% of Americans including me did not vote for Trump, I feel no need to apologize to Muslims. Only 20% of the planets 1.6 billion Muslims are Arabs. America is allied with theocratic, secular, royal, fossil fuel and military dictator Sunni Muslim Arabs who deny their citizens their divine natural equal certain unalienable rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
America is also allied with and pays for the Zionist Jewish colonial apartheid Jim Crow state sponsor of terrorism with nuclear weapons Israel's oppression of 6 million Christian Muslim Arab Palestinian Israeli's under the dominion of 6.1 million Israeli Jews.
Since 9/11/01 a mere 0.75% of Americans have volunteered to put on the military uniform of any American armed force. No member of the cowardly dishonorable unpatriotic Trump family clan has ever been among them. Parasites and scavengers to the end worshipping the dollar.
2
I feel we are on the road to Christian extremism in this country. It is ironic and sad that the President of the USA is expressing favoritism toward one religion over another. A country founded because of religious persecution, a country founded on the concept of freedom of religion, now uses a religious test for entry into this country - as Trump would Tweet- SAD!
3
I don't recall any sharia-practicing muslims "apologizing" for the innumerable acts of violence perpetrated in the name of allah.
6
Perhaps if the press had better educated our citizens about the the human misery that is unfolding in the middle east and the role we played in its destabilization may be the Agent Orange would not have reached this far. How many of the small countries with no role in this destabilization have accepted disproportionate number of refugees compared to the minuscule numbers US has taken so far then may be more people would be able to understand the reality. Its too late now for all of that because if you start now all of it will be discarded as fake news.
2
This couldn't have been a more precise essay about how GREAT AMERICA
should feel....I like it...a lot !!!!
should feel....I like it...a lot !!!!
As a religion, Islam is fine, as religions go.
As a political practice and philosophy, Islam and Islamism are extremist, terrorist, despotic, and discriminatory, as well as evil. As a political movement, Islam wants to dominate the world. It is the only religion that has two facets: the religious and the political. Islam is not just a religion: it is a way of life for an Islamic "community" (not just an individual), and a way of life is a political concept.
Islam, as a political movement, must be destroyed, because it aims to destroy the rest of the world. That's what the fight is all about.
No need to apologize for that.
As a political practice and philosophy, Islam and Islamism are extremist, terrorist, despotic, and discriminatory, as well as evil. As a political movement, Islam wants to dominate the world. It is the only religion that has two facets: the religious and the political. Islam is not just a religion: it is a way of life for an Islamic "community" (not just an individual), and a way of life is a political concept.
Islam, as a political movement, must be destroyed, because it aims to destroy the rest of the world. That's what the fight is all about.
No need to apologize for that.
6
mr kristof seems to be saying that americans are generally kind of thick and never learn from the mistakes they've committed for generations.
1
Bravo! A voice of reason in a sea of incomprehension and hate, deeply tribal and highly emotional, driving group-think individuals into an amorphous 'mob' of intolerance, potentially violent, and incited by bigotry (of which Trump is so richly endowed with). We are living in heroic times, as a troglodyte administration returns to obscure caverns of despair.
No need to apologize, Nick Kristof--you did not vote for Donald Trump. So what if you share some of his identity markers? I am a Muslim, but I never apologize for what Muslim terrorists do--I did not vote for them and they do not represent me. You should not feel compelled to either.
3
What is truly puzzling is that some people were brainwashed by Trump - why not ban the guns that kill 30,000 Americans every year? Why not ban people on the terrorist watch list from buying guns? If you don't like immigrants - just say it! Don't fabricate stories of terrorists. The much touted Boston Bombers were from a former Russian country - not Iran, not Iraq, not the other five countries. The immigrants are highly educated - unfortunately Americans are not.
2
More Trump Derangement System from Liberal media.
When millions of Muslims protest in the streets against Radical Islamic Terrorism the way they do for cartoons, or to yell "death to America", than I'll believe that Muslim migration from the Middle East (and especially those nations with known terror ties) should be treated the same way that Christians, Jews or the Amish are.
The fact is, Radical Islamists are waging a jihad against western civilization - and it is up to moderate Muslims, if they truly do far outnumber the radicals, need to be the ones to fight against the Sharia fascists that have co-opted Islam for themselves.
When millions of Muslims protest in the streets against Radical Islamic Terrorism the way they do for cartoons, or to yell "death to America", than I'll believe that Muslim migration from the Middle East (and especially those nations with known terror ties) should be treated the same way that Christians, Jews or the Amish are.
The fact is, Radical Islamists are waging a jihad against western civilization - and it is up to moderate Muslims, if they truly do far outnumber the radicals, need to be the ones to fight against the Sharia fascists that have co-opted Islam for themselves.
8
I refuse to apologize for Trump. If there's any apologizing to be done, it should be done by him and those who enabled him.
I didn't vote for Trump and he doesn't represent my views. Let him and his cohorts hoist by their own petards when the inevitable outcomes of his bigotry take place.
I didn't vote for Trump and he doesn't represent my views. Let him and his cohorts hoist by their own petards when the inevitable outcomes of his bigotry take place.
1
Thank you, Mr. Kristof. To quote a line from My Antonia by Willa Cather: The prayers of all good men are good.
2
Nick, are you just upset that Trump did not, as a first order of business, embark on a global apology tour like his predecessor?
5
Dearest Ken,
Mr. Kristof -- as well as the rest of us who are not raging bulldogs -- are upset with Trumpty that he doesn't apologize for anything.
There's a "p" in apologize, Ken. But Trumpty doesn't realize (as he doesn't realize many other things) that there's also a "p" in Pomposity.
Mr. Kristof -- as well as the rest of us who are not raging bulldogs -- are upset with Trumpty that he doesn't apologize for anything.
There's a "p" in apologize, Ken. But Trumpty doesn't realize (as he doesn't realize many other things) that there's also a "p" in Pomposity.
2
Thank you Mr. Kristof, for putting my thoughts into words. Throughout the article, I found myself nodding and thinking "that's what I've been saying!". As a post-WWII immigrant, I feel some empathy with the people going through this insanity. (OK, it was 1951 and I was four at the time, but I watched my parents live through adapting and adjusting to a strange new world.) This is not the America I learned about in school.
1
Dear Mr. Kristof,
Don’t apologize to the Muslims for Trump’s actions! Correct your own failures and mistakes!
When I was growing up the situation in the world was completely different!
My ex-country (former Yugoslavia) was prosperous, united and fully functional. Why? Our leader, Josip Broz Tito, didn’t teach us to obsess how we differ from our neighbors but to focus on what we have in common and love each other!
Democracy without the unifying faith is completely counterproductive!
Democracy without the unifying faith leads into the rampant nationalism, hatred, animosity and bloody wars!
Tito’s social model was VOLUNTERILY imitated by the Arabs although Tito himself had a Christian background. Iraq, Syria and Libya with their local Baath Parties in power were the secular semi-socialist societies leading the region if the equal treatment of the women and minorities, with the good public education and significant infrastructural projects! The radical Wahhabism was completely marginalized and there was no terrorism!
Why would the US government intentionally whip up the dormant Arab nationalism and religious Wahhabi fundamentalism to defeat the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan? That let a genie out of bottle!
Why would the US government militarily defeat and destabilize the secular regimes in Iraq, Syria and Libya, thus creating the fertile ground for the rise of the ISIS and the terrorism?
Those catastrophic mistakes cost America about $10 trillion!
Don’t apologize to the Muslims for Trump’s actions! Correct your own failures and mistakes!
When I was growing up the situation in the world was completely different!
My ex-country (former Yugoslavia) was prosperous, united and fully functional. Why? Our leader, Josip Broz Tito, didn’t teach us to obsess how we differ from our neighbors but to focus on what we have in common and love each other!
Democracy without the unifying faith is completely counterproductive!
Democracy without the unifying faith leads into the rampant nationalism, hatred, animosity and bloody wars!
Tito’s social model was VOLUNTERILY imitated by the Arabs although Tito himself had a Christian background. Iraq, Syria and Libya with their local Baath Parties in power were the secular semi-socialist societies leading the region if the equal treatment of the women and minorities, with the good public education and significant infrastructural projects! The radical Wahhabism was completely marginalized and there was no terrorism!
Why would the US government intentionally whip up the dormant Arab nationalism and religious Wahhabi fundamentalism to defeat the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan? That let a genie out of bottle!
Why would the US government militarily defeat and destabilize the secular regimes in Iraq, Syria and Libya, thus creating the fertile ground for the rise of the ISIS and the terrorism?
Those catastrophic mistakes cost America about $10 trillion!
3
I hope people will read carefully what you said and understende why HRC lost.
2
Let’s see. In less than 3 weeks Donald Trump has attempted to suppress Scientific information coming from the EPA. He has instituted a travel ban which has angered many people in Muslim Countries who previous did or may have supported this country. People in countries who have risked their lives as interpreters, and soldiers are now feeling abandoned by the country they had pledged to support. Thousands of State Department Employees have resigned in protest because such policies frighten our Allies and embolden our enemies. Many in the state department have warned that ISIS recruitment is up. These State Department workers have first hand knowledge about these countries and have been told to just, “Shut Up, and get with the program.” The Press has been attacked repeatedly in violation of our First Amendment and we have been told to believe Orwellian “Alternative Facts.” There have been millions of citizens in Great Britain who have signed a petition requesting that our President be denied from visiting England that his visit would be an embarrassment to the Queen and beneath her dignity. The Doomsday clock has been set thirty seconds closer to midnight. Many Allied Countries such England, France, and Australia are now angry with us. All seven continents were represented by millions in the Woman’s Protest March against Trump’s Policies. President Trump is chummy with a country which hacked into the Democratic Party’s email system. HOW IS TRUMP MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.?!!!
4
I am an American. That means also 'Je suis Moslem'... Moslem lives matter...because all lives matter. Democracy is a project whereby all people are treated equally regardless of origin or beliefs. To find a compelling threat in providing refuge for Islam's downtrodden and oppressed men, women and children because they are Moslems can never be acceptable. 'We the people are'...therefor justice must exist for everyone.
1
The US government owes some of the people who it barred from entering the country more than an apology: it owes them financial compensation (not that I'm holding my breath, though). Take one report that I've heard of a family that sold their house, gave up their jobs, and pulled their kids out of school. Getting the kids back into school shouldn't be too heard, at least so I want to believe, and with a little luck the adults may even get their jobs back, although that certainly is not a guarantee. But they will never be able to get their house back, and God knows how long they had to scrimp and save to buy it. All the demonstrations, while well-intentioned and more than justified, won't get these people into a home. They may now have to live off the kindness of relatives, friends, and even strangers, a situation which, over time, may possibly lead to tension and is only likely to intensify the psychological blow these people have already suffered. This is just one report and I'm sure not the only case. If a foreign government would have done this to US citizens, the entire American nation, the government included, would be up in arms--rightfully so--and US lawyers would have a field day suing the pants out of that government. But since those affected are perceived by many in this country as potential suicide bombers and mass murderers, who cares!
2
When two Muslim ladies, fellow teachers in our preschool, were in the classroom with me the other day before the the children came in, I seized a moment to look up at them from my work and say, "I want to apologize for my country." I didn't feel the words were perfect, but at least they got my support out there. They both looked at me and smiled, and said, "America is a wonderful country! So many Americans have come out to show their support!" I know this is going on everywhere, and I'm happy to read the examples here. All we can do, I think, is model compassion and, well, to my mind, normality. And continue the struggle in the political sphere.
1
We should all observe the example of making empty, illogical apologies in matters in which we are neither the instigator of the act, nor the injured party. It'll make us all feel important and superior.
I'll start. I apologize for Nicholas Kristof, who has embarrassed himself with this simpleminded, self-important, treacly, trite, cliche of a column. Please forgive him; it'll make me feel like a swell fellow.
I'll start. I apologize for Nicholas Kristof, who has embarrassed himself with this simpleminded, self-important, treacly, trite, cliche of a column. Please forgive him; it'll make me feel like a swell fellow.
4
I agree wholeheartedly with your apology to the Muslim community. Thanks to our ability to communicate around the world, I had envisioned the building of a world community where diplomacy and conflict resolution would pave the way to intelligent solutions for economic and political problems. Unfortunately we will have to wait another 4 years. I hope a younger generation will step up to leadership--especially more women. As a mature grandmother, I know the "old men" in the cabinet are not up to the task. So sad!
2
Dear Nicholas,
It looks like we will have to apologize to the rest of the world for the actions of this incompetent sicko who somehow made it to the White House, elected by the misguided deplorables, racists and white supremacists. States should pass an edict that Presidential Executive Orders issued by the current mentally impaired office holder will not be deemed effective, and we can try to carry on with our lives. How long is Congress willing to put up with his travesties where there is no end in sight?
It looks like we will have to apologize to the rest of the world for the actions of this incompetent sicko who somehow made it to the White House, elected by the misguided deplorables, racists and white supremacists. States should pass an edict that Presidential Executive Orders issued by the current mentally impaired office holder will not be deemed effective, and we can try to carry on with our lives. How long is Congress willing to put up with his travesties where there is no end in sight?
1
Sorry Mr. Kristof but your sanctimonious hate mongering isn't helping. Lying about the ban being against Muslims when Muslims come in from Indonesia, AbuDahbi, Canada and other countries everyday is just rank hypocrisy. I realize it sets well and stirs hate within your bubble but it's not helping.
4
A boozy cowboy once gave me a card that said he would like to apologize in advance for his behavior later in the evening,
I would like to apologize for the things my president has done and may do. I would like to apologize to my friends overseas and to my friends north and south.
I would like to apologize especially to those who will now, because of my president, never be my friend.
Thank you Nicholas Kristof for standing tall.
I would like to apologize for the things my president has done and may do. I would like to apologize to my friends overseas and to my friends north and south.
I would like to apologize especially to those who will now, because of my president, never be my friend.
Thank you Nicholas Kristof for standing tall.
2
Nice apology. Now when do they apologize to us for trying to massacre my grandparents and millions others, or for attacking us repeatedly?
By the way, I know math doesn't run strong at the NYT, but how does 12% of Muslims worldwide being affected equate to a Muslim ban. What do the other 1.5B Muslims that are unaffected by this temporary measure need an apology for?
By the way, I know math doesn't run strong at the NYT, but how does 12% of Muslims worldwide being affected equate to a Muslim ban. What do the other 1.5B Muslims that are unaffected by this temporary measure need an apology for?
4
Maybe you want to direct your vituperation towards extremist elements - present in all religions, including Judaism - instead of painting islam with one broad brush as murderous heathens. Just a suggestion.
Nick, the only reason Trump hasn't beheaded anyone is that the act ends the pain much too quickly to really qualify as torture, his preferred approach to conflict resolution. Torture, to be really enjoyed, is best when prolonged, the longer the better. And, you know, as Trump keeps telling us, he accept nothing less than the the best of everything. All president Trump needs to know to determine if water-boarding is required is: Is this refugee, i.e. terrorist, a Muslim?
Choose a Trump supporter at random and press him or her on when was the last time you, personally, were terrorized, in fear for your life, let alone inconvenienced by someone with a swarthy beard or wearing a chador while standing in line at the 7/11? As antisocial as Trump's core supporters are, it's a good bet the only place they've ever encountered a Muslim is at the nearest convenience store.
I'm an atheist, with no problem joining Nick in apologizing to the Muslims of the world. I have worked alongside a goodly number in the healthcare field. Never has one ever threatened to separate me from my head, as opposed to a not small number of Christians who have threatened me with Hell. For that, I will add: Thank You.
Choose a Trump supporter at random and press him or her on when was the last time you, personally, were terrorized, in fear for your life, let alone inconvenienced by someone with a swarthy beard or wearing a chador while standing in line at the 7/11? As antisocial as Trump's core supporters are, it's a good bet the only place they've ever encountered a Muslim is at the nearest convenience store.
I'm an atheist, with no problem joining Nick in apologizing to the Muslims of the world. I have worked alongside a goodly number in the healthcare field. Never has one ever threatened to separate me from my head, as opposed to a not small number of Christians who have threatened me with Hell. For that, I will add: Thank You.
2
Kristof, please, just name one, just one of the 50 Muslim-majority countries that allow women, gays, Jews and Christians to have the same rights, freedom and protection they enjoy in this country? Just one. One.
5
As a Catholic women who served for three years in the United States Peace Corp in Afghanistan (running a small hospital and educational program for Afghan nurses), I also apologize to Muslims.
Trump in his 6th grade speaking rants spews fear not reasonable policy and he brings out the worst in Americans. He labels others with a broad brush that has no relationship to reality.
Our work is to call him out. To march, to expose his constant lies, to resist his off the cuff horrific policies.
We need to continually call for his taxes and to focus on upcoming elections. Resist and never give up.
Trump in his 6th grade speaking rants spews fear not reasonable policy and he brings out the worst in Americans. He labels others with a broad brush that has no relationship to reality.
Our work is to call him out. To march, to expose his constant lies, to resist his off the cuff horrific policies.
We need to continually call for his taxes and to focus on upcoming elections. Resist and never give up.
144
Gee....
Still searching for the apologies the U.S. received from all the Muslim country's whose citizens, former citizens, children of former citizens, etc. have murdered U.S. citizens over the past 20 years.
Won't hold my breath.
Still searching for the apologies the U.S. received from all the Muslim country's whose citizens, former citizens, children of former citizens, etc. have murdered U.S. citizens over the past 20 years.
Won't hold my breath.
6
What part of " it's not a Muslim ban " do you not understand ? Another in a long line of op-eds distorting the truth. Left leaning editorials like this do nothing to make any of these type editorials worth the paper they're written on .
5
I do not think it is premature to apologize to the world for Trump, not only for insulting numerous populations worldwide, but for the likelihood he will continue to do so; the problem might be genetic. He's already managed persona non grata status from China, to Mexico, and to the UK, to list three quickies. And that took only a couple of weeks.
Unlike in many previous years, my wife and I contemplate no immediate travel abroad, so for the time being at least, we are spared the impossibility of personally trying to explain Trump to those in other countries.
Nonetheless, I apologize to the world.
Unlike in many previous years, my wife and I contemplate no immediate travel abroad, so for the time being at least, we are spared the impossibility of personally trying to explain Trump to those in other countries.
Nonetheless, I apologize to the world.
103
As a Christ follower who does not support Trump, I thank you for this article.
2
Much has been said on both sides as to the rigor, or lack thereof, of the vetting process for immigrants and refugees. If the resisting process takes up to two years, is it because it is that rigorous or just sloth-like slow work? I've yet to see a single news outlet investigate and describe the current process in detail so the citizenry can better understand. Perhaps the NYT would undertake this. If it has already done this, perhaps point me to the writing.
2
NYT has published a couple of excellent articles on this subject recently:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/29/us/refugee-vetting-proces...
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/30/us/politics/trump-executive-order-imm...
I'm sure there is room for improvement, but this appears quite rigorous to me.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/29/us/refugee-vetting-proces...
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/30/us/politics/trump-executive-order-imm...
I'm sure there is room for improvement, but this appears quite rigorous to me.
This is such a disappointing column. The point should be that our nation was founded on the "self-evident truth that all men are created equal." It was founded with religious freedom in mind. Four score and seven years after the Declaration of Independence we removed the cognitive dissonance of slavery. So this wishy-washy apologia actually underscores bigotry rather than denounces it. People should be judged by what they do and not by their race or religion.
This creeping authoritarianism is nothing new.
After the Banksters rolled us in 1929, the GOP brought the pain by declining to offer any help until desperate people began to entertain desperate ideas. FDR had to deal with global industrial financiers importing bottled fascism from France. Hitler's horse cart style was too declasse for the supporters of "Corporatism."
See the American Liberty League pushing that coy anti-Semitism preferred west of the Rhine. "Asiatic Menaces." The Croix de Feu Veteran's Militia coined some of Trump's best words. These self-anointted uniformed wing nuts were mobilizing around France in Sacre Blue uniforms, shiny new trucks and gunning for Jews and socialists escaping the pograms in the East.
Tarantino made an upside down, backward roast of the Croix de Feu in Inglorious Basterds. 400 CFs planning their next sweep came out of a Limoges theatre in 1935 shooting into the spontaneous crowd of angry French citizens and police killing several before proceeding to scour the countryside for their prey.
Flipping it the other way, Tarantino makes certain the Vichy find a 400 seater in Marseille for their German fascists to view a snuff film in their honor, but instead, everyone gets roasted.
Of course, Q had to make his Hunter an Austrian, or no Palm for Q!
See Soucy. Like Q, I thought it was a book on French film when I picked it up, too. "French Fascism: The Second Wave." See Zola for their first.
Who's an Apache?
After the Banksters rolled us in 1929, the GOP brought the pain by declining to offer any help until desperate people began to entertain desperate ideas. FDR had to deal with global industrial financiers importing bottled fascism from France. Hitler's horse cart style was too declasse for the supporters of "Corporatism."
See the American Liberty League pushing that coy anti-Semitism preferred west of the Rhine. "Asiatic Menaces." The Croix de Feu Veteran's Militia coined some of Trump's best words. These self-anointted uniformed wing nuts were mobilizing around France in Sacre Blue uniforms, shiny new trucks and gunning for Jews and socialists escaping the pograms in the East.
Tarantino made an upside down, backward roast of the Croix de Feu in Inglorious Basterds. 400 CFs planning their next sweep came out of a Limoges theatre in 1935 shooting into the spontaneous crowd of angry French citizens and police killing several before proceeding to scour the countryside for their prey.
Flipping it the other way, Tarantino makes certain the Vichy find a 400 seater in Marseille for their German fascists to view a snuff film in their honor, but instead, everyone gets roasted.
Of course, Q had to make his Hunter an Austrian, or no Palm for Q!
See Soucy. Like Q, I thought it was a book on French film when I picked it up, too. "French Fascism: The Second Wave." See Zola for their first.
Who's an Apache?
1
When will you apologize to Sam Harris, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Raheel Raza, Sarah Haider et al for your vicious attacks and smears? This paper should change its name. It's become unreadable.
2
Muslims need not _apologize_ for their extremists, whom they did not elect. The apology analogy perpetuates the notion of collective guilt.
1
The American security dilemma is homebuilt. All “terrorists” who have killed Americans have been home-grown, like bad tomatoes. Add up all the victims over the years and you get far fewer than one year’s carnage on American highways. Trump wins by hyping the risk. The United States wins by calm resolve to make itself a better home for all.
Non-Trumpists can win this war. All they have to do is stand up and reject Trump’s building of a fascist state. Make sure your senator votes against Gorsuch for the Supreme Court. His vote on the court guarantees that many unborn will face coat hangers and their mothers, death from botched backroom abortions. Pain-suffering elders will lose the option of death with dignity. High falluting concepts are his bailiwick, not people, certainly not minorities.
Trump’s policies mean that foreigners will have to go to Canada to gain civil rights. Students here from the Middle East and the world who want to remain and practice their STEM skills will have to go home (dangerous) or to Canada. The Canadian economy will gain and the American one will lose. The Republican Congress is OK with this. Are you?
3
Except Iran, in all other 6 countries US troops or Air Force men are engaged in fighting terrorists including ISIS. And this is first of all to protect American interest. Now, If, for example Government of Iraq bans all US citizens to enter its territory what US will do ? Unilaterally start bombing their friends in Baghdad ? American interest is circling around Saudi Arabia, which has been the grooming place for terrorists as all of the so called Muslim terrorists subscribe to Wahhabism/Salafism which is official and recognized interpretation of Islam. All of the ISIS and other terrorists are brainwashed or indoctrinated by Wahhabi/Salafi interpretation of Islam which finds infidels every where to be killed even Muslims of moderate thinking. And USA and Saudi Arabia was behind creating Al Qaeda, the fore fathers of Talibans, ISIS, Boko Haram & so on. Bin Laden did not come from any of the country Mr. Trump has blocked their citizens to enter America. Why America will cry for Saudi naval ship bombed by Houthis. Saudis are killing Houthis in thousands by entering a war not approved by UNO. Therefore, Houthis have every right to bomb a Saudi Naval ship which was sent to bomb Houthis. I think Mr. Trump must understand world is not his paternal property nor the United States. He is about to destroy a great country which is a symbol of freedom, friendship and democracy.
1
Right after we get an apology for 9/11 and concerted effort by the Islamic religious and national leadership to correct the rot that comes from within.
Shame on you.
Shame on you.
4
That would mean apologies from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and the UAE, none of which are on Trump's pumped up terror list. But he has properties there, so spare us the cost of protecting them, why don't you?
1
We ask, if not demand, that moderate Muslims call out extremist Muslims (Moderate Muslims indeed do call out extremist Muslims, but it's hardly reported in Western news media.).
If this is an obligation, then moderate Christians should be calling out Christian extremists. Moderate Jews should be calling out Jewish extremists.
And moderate Americans should be calling out American extremists.
If this is an obligation, then moderate Christians should be calling out Christian extremists. Moderate Jews should be calling out Jewish extremists.
And moderate Americans should be calling out American extremists.
1
We have come a long way, for sure. Our millennials are no longer silent, they are activists who first answered Obama's call and then Bernie's. (Sorry Hillary didn't inspire them much but their hard core Hillary fan moms waved their rolling pins at the youth, vote Hillary or else, so they reluctantly, did).
My neighbor joined the women's march; my daughter marched to the WH and the Capitol Hill, for her Sudanese Muslim friend, her Mexican friends, her half Iranian friend; my brother in law stood at the airport protesting immigration ban. My son spend his college years tutoring Somali refugee kids. As a high school teacher in NYC poorest schools, his students come from all kinds of refugee countries, fleeing wars, genocides, religious persecution, economic or social persecution. These are times that have touched us personally.
Every history student ought to read the origins of Trump-Bannon's immigration ban. It began 100 years ago, in Boston, conceived by "superior" pre bred blue blooded Boston Brahmins who considered the new waves of immigrants to be lowly, of low quality and inferior (sounds familiar?). https://apps.bostonglobe.com/magazine/graphics/2017/01/immigration/?p1=B...
My neighbor joined the women's march; my daughter marched to the WH and the Capitol Hill, for her Sudanese Muslim friend, her Mexican friends, her half Iranian friend; my brother in law stood at the airport protesting immigration ban. My son spend his college years tutoring Somali refugee kids. As a high school teacher in NYC poorest schools, his students come from all kinds of refugee countries, fleeing wars, genocides, religious persecution, economic or social persecution. These are times that have touched us personally.
Every history student ought to read the origins of Trump-Bannon's immigration ban. It began 100 years ago, in Boston, conceived by "superior" pre bred blue blooded Boston Brahmins who considered the new waves of immigrants to be lowly, of low quality and inferior (sounds familiar?). https://apps.bostonglobe.com/magazine/graphics/2017/01/immigration/?p1=B...
3
Trump speaking at the Prayer breakfast.
He says we haven't seen cruelty in countries for centuries? Where has this man been?
Asking God to serve the public with his will? Ah, for Christians.......only?
Trump speaking of God and that's what people want, and want only?
He does not know the people of this country - at all.
He says we haven't seen cruelty in countries for centuries? Where has this man been?
Asking God to serve the public with his will? Ah, for Christians.......only?
Trump speaking of God and that's what people want, and want only?
He does not know the people of this country - at all.
2
Nick Kristof may speak for himself, but he is not speaking for America.
6
Well he speaks for a lot of us!
"We Americans should now condemn our own extremist."
I'm sorry, but did I miss the part where Donald Trump got in a cargo truck and intentionally ran over 86 innocent men, women and children? Did that happen? Did he gun down 49 people in a nightclub, or massacre 130 people in a theater? Because, otherwise, I have to tell you, his version of "extremism" and their version of "extremism" aren't really the same thing.
I'm sorry, but did I miss the part where Donald Trump got in a cargo truck and intentionally ran over 86 innocent men, women and children? Did that happen? Did he gun down 49 people in a nightclub, or massacre 130 people in a theater? Because, otherwise, I have to tell you, his version of "extremism" and their version of "extremism" aren't really the same thing.
5
A Muslim can be a good American, but a good Muslim , that is a fundamentalist , fully observant Muslim can never be a good American. The tenants of their great religion are absolutely incompatible with the fundamental values of our democracy. Assimilation is not possible for a good Muslim.
2
No, but he did approve a poorly vetted attack on Al Qaeda in Yemen that's bound to blow back in his face because it killed civilians including the child of another martyr to their cause. Does he think intelligence hasn't changes since Obama left office? He's a hot nuke waiting to happen.
Mark, are you kidding?
Oh, so I take it:
* American Amish don't make good Amish, because they're not modern
* American Quakers don't make good Quakers, because they're not stern enough
* All religions that don't call the Bible the Good Book are "unassimilable"
You might try opening your door, Mark. The light is refreshing.
Oh, so I take it:
* American Amish don't make good Amish, because they're not modern
* American Quakers don't make good Quakers, because they're not stern enough
* All religions that don't call the Bible the Good Book are "unassimilable"
You might try opening your door, Mark. The light is refreshing.
1
But facts are enlightening.
When you are in school, teachers tell you that you should be careful when the choice "All of the above" or "None of the above."
Trump apparently wasn't paying attention to his teachers. His executive order essentially bars anyone from the affected countries to come to the U.S.
Of course, he had to backtrack and allow US permanent residents and some others who had appropriate visa to enter or re-enter the US.
Vetting or even extreme vetting is one thing, but a blanket "no" is quite another.
As for apologies, the Trump's chief of staff said of the implementation of the travel ban that they “apologize for nothing.”
Ostensibly for "security" reasons, bar people from countries whose nationals haven't committed terrorist acts in the US while overlooking countries such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have and then "apologize for nothing." That's the spirit.
Someone remarked that Trump's is "extemporaneous" presidency. That may work in comedy routines or speech making, but not when you are running a country. We are witnessing it every day.
Trump apparently wasn't paying attention to his teachers. His executive order essentially bars anyone from the affected countries to come to the U.S.
Of course, he had to backtrack and allow US permanent residents and some others who had appropriate visa to enter or re-enter the US.
Vetting or even extreme vetting is one thing, but a blanket "no" is quite another.
As for apologies, the Trump's chief of staff said of the implementation of the travel ban that they “apologize for nothing.”
Ostensibly for "security" reasons, bar people from countries whose nationals haven't committed terrorist acts in the US while overlooking countries such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have and then "apologize for nothing." That's the spirit.
Someone remarked that Trump's is "extemporaneous" presidency. That may work in comedy routines or speech making, but not when you are running a country. We are witnessing it every day.
2
The extremes of any group- Trumpists or Muslims, Israelis or Palestinians, Republicans or Democrats- are always dangerous to societies at large.They all ultimately produce nothing but friction, hatred, & gridlock and, fortunately, they ultimately self-destruct. The middle ground is always the hardest ground to occupy, the most difficult to maintain, and the most productive to work.
1
I'll sign off on that one.
Except, they rarely "Self-Destruct" in a timely manner:)
Except, they rarely "Self-Destruct" in a timely manner:)
1
As a woman, please don't apologize on my behalf to Muslims or any religionist of any kind (including Christians and Jews) who adheres to a belief system that subordinates women. When my female students from Muslim families aren't pressured to wear hijab and miss classes to serve their families in ways the boys are not, I'll believe that Islam, as it is practiced on the ground, is a helpful, valid belief system. Until then, I have to judge by stated doctrine and behavior of its adherents. I have pretty much zero fear of Islamic terrorism and 99 percent conviction that this religion as currently practiced here in the U.S. is not one I as a believer in gender equality should be accepting, let alone apologizing to.
3
120 whole days, dearie dearie me. A tornado of worry, angst, fear mongering, hatred.... for what, a whole 120 days. Inconvenient, painful, wretched, but impossible? Nope. Just a pain, for awhile..... to ensure what? To ensure that we know "who" is coming into our country. Homegrown or international, this country has to be vigilant and aware of who or what is going to initiate the next atrocity. The least we can do is try to stem the flow of obvious haters - i.e. radical islamists.........
3
I think uninterested Americans take our national security for granted.
Trump played to a simplistic mentality - 2 D - for an issue with global implications that he nor his followers forsaw nor cared about.
We are in chaos nationally and at risk with our enemies with Trump having little or no regard for our allies.
WHEN there are repurcussions, he and his supporters will have only themselves to blame, but will find someone else to scapegoat.
Trump played to a simplistic mentality - 2 D - for an issue with global implications that he nor his followers forsaw nor cared about.
We are in chaos nationally and at risk with our enemies with Trump having little or no regard for our allies.
WHEN there are repurcussions, he and his supporters will have only themselves to blame, but will find someone else to scapegoat.
1
Trump would never apologize to Muslims (or to anybody else for his mistakes). The reasons:
A. In his pea brain, there is no need to apologize; he's right, they're wrong.
C. Apology is irrelevant, since in his warped view Muslims are lower than he.
D. Trumpty Dumpty is a tyrant, not a statesman; tyrants don't apologize.
A. In his pea brain, there is no need to apologize; he's right, they're wrong.
C. Apology is irrelevant, since in his warped view Muslims are lower than he.
D. Trumpty Dumpty is a tyrant, not a statesman; tyrants don't apologize.
1
Thank you, Mr. Kristof. You are speaking for me and countless others when you express your dismay at the refugee ban imposed by President Trump. What has happened to the stranded refugees is inhumane and needs to be acknowledged in the strongest possible terms. I am all for improved vetting, but not for destroying the lives of people who have already been fully investigated and approved for immigration. What Trump did was for showmanship, and to appeal to the worst element in his base, not for our safety. He is out of control and, I believe, emotionally and intellectually unsuited for the presidency.
3
I'll apologize to Muslims when they apologize for 9/11, Boston, San Bernadino, and the numerous attacks on European soil. Until that time I say, before we let you in, you are going to jump through many hoops, and we are really going to know who you are. Whatever procedures have been in place thus far have not been good enough. Trump isn't the first president to do this sort of thing, nor should he be the last.
2
1) "whatever procedures" have in fact been "good enough" since no one from any of the banned countries has committed an attack, as in zero. 9/11 was by Saudis, who aren't on the list probably because Trump has business deals/loans dependent upon their good will.
2) the ban blocks people who have served with US troops and who have risked their lives and put their family's lives at risk to serve the US, something Trump never did.
2) Since you require Muslims to apologize for these attacks, will you apologize for the Oklahoma City bombing, the recent attack in Ottawa, the murder of people at the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Colorado, the Sikh Temple killings?
You and Trump serve as effective allies of ISIS, as you provide ammunition for their [false] argument that there is a war between Muslims and the West
The majority of Americans, who rejected Trump 54% to 46%, understand that peaceful people of all religions are united against hate-filled people who demonize others. Muslim-Americans (consider Khan) did for our country. Trump has only exploited us.
2) the ban blocks people who have served with US troops and who have risked their lives and put their family's lives at risk to serve the US, something Trump never did.
2) Since you require Muslims to apologize for these attacks, will you apologize for the Oklahoma City bombing, the recent attack in Ottawa, the murder of people at the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Colorado, the Sikh Temple killings?
You and Trump serve as effective allies of ISIS, as you provide ammunition for their [false] argument that there is a war between Muslims and the West
The majority of Americans, who rejected Trump 54% to 46%, understand that peaceful people of all religions are united against hate-filled people who demonize others. Muslim-Americans (consider Khan) did for our country. Trump has only exploited us.
1
Saudis aren't on this list is because OBAMA didn't put them on this list. Obama and his administration, using their intelligence, communicated to the current administration that these are the hot spots now. If you have a problem with the list, see Obama. We don't have to apologize to anyone for doing what is necessary to secure our country. We are not the only country on the planet. There are lots of Muslim countries who can take these folks. The problem is, they don't want them.
2
First They Came . . .
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)
1
would you folks stop with the idiotic quotations. This is about the zillionth time I've read some version of this. No one is coming for anyone. OK? This isn't Nazi Germany despite the false analogies thrown about by columnists and commenters alike. I'm sure it makes you feel like a revolutionary or a member of the resistance, so good for your psyche and sense of self worth,I suppose, but enough already.
With limited money to donate I chose to join fellow citizens to overcome the arson hate crime of an Islamic Center: https://www.gofundme.com/victoria-islamic-center-rebuilding/donate.
Let's show our revulsion to Trump's bigotry with tangible action not just words. Donate to the ACLU. Planned Parenthood. Volunteer and donate to causes vulnerable to Trumpism (Def - Actions founded on bigotry, misogyny, incivility, amoral behavior)
Let's show our revulsion to Trump's bigotry with tangible action not just words. Donate to the ACLU. Planned Parenthood. Volunteer and donate to causes vulnerable to Trumpism (Def - Actions founded on bigotry, misogyny, incivility, amoral behavior)
1
Nick, while we can agree that, individually the majority of Muslims are great people. However, it's hard to ignore the fact that there is not one successful Muslim democracy in the world. We see and read about an "Islamic State" on television where gays are thrown off buildings, be-headings are commonplace, Christian adults are murdered and children are kidnapped into sex slavery. Of course we're concerned about this moving into the Western society. Why shouldn't we be?
1
Most discussions on Islam are just regurgitated ideas from either the right or left.
Next time you get in a discussion ask the person to define the 5 pillars of Islam.
Before reading the Quran , learn how abrogation works in interpreting the text and how it applies. Then spend a few hours or more and read the text.
Now before you glibly say the Old Testament has violent sayings, which it does, remember that they were against specific people. Second, the old covenant in the OT was replaced by the New Covenant in the NT and Jesus's teachings are very pacifist.
Look how Islam spread. When it ventured into India ~1000 AD and in the ensuing 400 years 60,000,000 Hindus were eliminated by the so called "Religion of Peace."
Read about Sharia law.
Then think.
Next time you get in a discussion ask the person to define the 5 pillars of Islam.
Before reading the Quran , learn how abrogation works in interpreting the text and how it applies. Then spend a few hours or more and read the text.
Now before you glibly say the Old Testament has violent sayings, which it does, remember that they were against specific people. Second, the old covenant in the OT was replaced by the New Covenant in the NT and Jesus's teachings are very pacifist.
Look how Islam spread. When it ventured into India ~1000 AD and in the ensuing 400 years 60,000,000 Hindus were eliminated by the so called "Religion of Peace."
Read about Sharia law.
Then think.
1
I have been reading a book about the history of Spain where the Moors (Muslims) ruled for hundreds of years. Having discovered and developed much of the scientific learning (that most Americans would assume Americans discovered), they were a tolerant society with a healthy mixture of Muslims, Jews and Christians. It was peaceful, and learning and culture flourished. The Muslims from North Africa were not so great, and there were periods when they either took over or were invited in to help fend off Christian invaders and then wouldn't leave. But it was only when the Christians crusaders invaded that things got really bad. Both Jews and Muslims were exterminated. The point is that the history of Islam is not intolerant, and that societies flourish most when there is a diversity of viewpoints and ideas, including religious ones. True strength, whether in a society, a species or even the human body, is achieved through diversity and variety, not homogeneity. That's what president Bannon does not seem to understand.
2
Kristof doesn't speak for America; he speaks only for himself. After all, he's not Napoleon or some other great historical person. He's merely a columnist.
2
We're still waiting for the Muslim apology for 9/11.
Oh, they'll say that Islam is about love, that this was an anomaly, yada, yada.
But an apology? Not so much.
Oh, they'll say that Islam is about love, that this was an anomaly, yada, yada.
But an apology? Not so much.
You want an entire religion to apologize for the actions of a very small number of crazies? I think we'll hear that when we get an apology from Christianity for The Inquisition.
I always thought the person who committed an offense is the one to apologize. Your article is interesting and cogent but you have taken on a responsibility that is not yours. Better that your article stressed that Trump is the one to apologize.
1
Thank you for sharing this wonderful observation about how Mr. Trump has insulted Muslims and made America less safe.
Trump's school of thought is characterized by immaturity and a gross inability to process complex issues.
Please keep up your critical thinking and writing as this is the only thing that may save us from more chaos.
Trump's school of thought is characterized by immaturity and a gross inability to process complex issues.
Please keep up your critical thinking and writing as this is the only thing that may save us from more chaos.
The Christian Bible says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
I ask all so-called "Christians" - Do you believe this verse? Who are you to judge folks who God loves? God loves "the world" including Muslims, Jews, whatever - all people. Why give in to fear? Why scapegoat people for perceived problems that don't exist? Please, study more, judge less.
John 3:16
I ask all so-called "Christians" - Do you believe this verse? Who are you to judge folks who God loves? God loves "the world" including Muslims, Jews, whatever - all people. Why give in to fear? Why scapegoat people for perceived problems that don't exist? Please, study more, judge less.
1
Don't apologize for Trump. It's like suggesting we who did not vote for Trump need to apologize for those who did. I refuse to do so. If anything, I will hold them all accountable when the time comes.
Honestly, though, when you have a self-proclaimed racist not only in your cabinet, but given a level of clearance that borders treason, what do you, what does the world expect? Open arms for non-whites?
No. This country will become less tolerant due to a bona fide racist whispering into a megalomaniac's narcissist ear (if that's not a tad redundant). There is absolutely no good that can come out of Bannon's mouth, and the sooner he is removed from that position, the better.
This would be a time to somewhat mirror Trump and say that if anyone, foreign or domestic, wanted to "punch him in the face," or whatever, please, feel free.
Honestly, though, when you have a self-proclaimed racist not only in your cabinet, but given a level of clearance that borders treason, what do you, what does the world expect? Open arms for non-whites?
No. This country will become less tolerant due to a bona fide racist whispering into a megalomaniac's narcissist ear (if that's not a tad redundant). There is absolutely no good that can come out of Bannon's mouth, and the sooner he is removed from that position, the better.
This would be a time to somewhat mirror Trump and say that if anyone, foreign or domestic, wanted to "punch him in the face," or whatever, please, feel free.
3
The best thing, perhaps really the only good thing, to come out of Trump's election is that his subsequent behavior has aroused millions of Americans to resist him. These Americans know something about and appreciate history, their ideals are from the Enlightenment, and they have said loudly and clearly, "Never again, not here, not now", when faced with discriminatory behavior.
The photo of the Jewish man and the Muslim man protesting at O'Hare, each with a child on his shoulders, could, and perhaps should, become America's version of the famous French painting "Liberty Leading the People."
I wasn't sure "it" could happen here. I hoped "it" couldn't. Well, now "it" has, and it must be stopped dead. It must be stopped and put back under the historical rock from which it crawled.
The photo of the Jewish man and the Muslim man protesting at O'Hare, each with a child on his shoulders, could, and perhaps should, become America's version of the famous French painting "Liberty Leading the People."
I wasn't sure "it" could happen here. I hoped "it" couldn't. Well, now "it" has, and it must be stopped dead. It must be stopped and put back under the historical rock from which it crawled.
4
And I apologize for the 49 percent of Americans who support a Muslim ban. For shame!
3
My House Rep emailed me to ask ONLY if I approve of strong vetting for refugees, or not. Nothing about this horrific roll out or it's questionable constitutionality. As a Air Force pilot, she was not pleased those how helped the military where rejected, but does she ask ME?
I emailed her back that she's GOT to be kidding me. If I want to make some fake news for a government official to abuse, I'll manufacture my own consent, thank you.
I emailed her back that she's GOT to be kidding me. If I want to make some fake news for a government official to abuse, I'll manufacture my own consent, thank you.
You don't speak for the majority of Americans Mr. Kristof and you do them a dis-service dismissing their valid concerns (and by extension labeling them as bigots). No matter how badly handled this travel ban has been, it is based on valid concerns - no country has open borders nor would long survive with open borders. Your argument is the worst type of moral preening - all feeling and no rational discourse.
3
Do you even see the hypocrisy in what you are saying? As soon as Trump has a rational discourse in anything let me know.
You need to read before you write. That demagogs with low information voters, the kind oif voters Trump loves and loves, can sell their racist cant is not a secret. We have seen the unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable at other times and in other places.
Mr TRUMP,since I can't get myself to say President,is a prepubescent boy who will stop at nothing to get his laundry list of promises accomplished only to appease his angry white blue collar worker's oh and I forgot his female disciples.
I blame not only our inexperienced Mr TRUMP but all the member's of his team including Pence,Bannon as well as other Republican's who have gone along with and will continue to take the ultra-conservative ,extreme right approach ,if you will,to try and re-set world order. Mon Dieu! How innocent...
As the president of Iran stated just the other day Mr Trump your ''NAIVE'' and you just don't get it.
Let's hope for an early spring Impeachment and stop these maniacs.
Everyone is my brother and sister regardless of race, creed, and religion.
I blame not only our inexperienced Mr TRUMP but all the member's of his team including Pence,Bannon as well as other Republican's who have gone along with and will continue to take the ultra-conservative ,extreme right approach ,if you will,to try and re-set world order. Mon Dieu! How innocent...
As the president of Iran stated just the other day Mr Trump your ''NAIVE'' and you just don't get it.
Let's hope for an early spring Impeachment and stop these maniacs.
Everyone is my brother and sister regardless of race, creed, and religion.
14
Thank you, Mr. Kristof. May I please add my apology onto yours? All Americans who truly believe in the ideals of our country need to send the message that Prezident* Trump does not represent us.
(* - not a real president, what with the Russian meddling and all ...)
(* - not a real president, what with the Russian meddling and all ...)
11
My family moved to Colorado from the DC area in 1972, and I lived there most of my life until emigrating to the UK in 2001. A Republican governor (YES, Republican!) Gov. Ralph Carr was the only governor in the US who stepped up and opposed the internment of the Japanese in America. 'If you harm them, you harm me,' he stated. There is a lovely memorial dedicated to him In Sakura Square in downtown Denver.
Take note, Republicans, one of yours actually had a spine and wasn't afraid to stand up for what was, and still is, right. It no doubt cost him his political career, but he retained his dignity and is still viewed with respect and honour.
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/12/06/ralph-carr-colorado-japanese-intern...
Take note, Republicans, one of yours actually had a spine and wasn't afraid to stand up for what was, and still is, right. It no doubt cost him his political career, but he retained his dignity and is still viewed with respect and honour.
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/12/06/ralph-carr-colorado-japanese-intern...
13
While vetting can always be improved, you may recall Republican governors filing lawsuits demanding that the heads of DHS, FBI and the NSA personally guarantee that each refugee arriving will not commit a terrorist act. An impossible standard that no bureaucrat would accept. AKA--exclusion.
Trump's move is not about improving the system--it is about fundamentally changing it with an eye toward discriminating against Muslims. As un-American as this is, the greater threat is what is coming next: a battle plan against ISIS that will draw us into a religious war with Islam. The key to defeating ISIS is through cooperating with moderates--many of whom have been fighting against ISIS for years.
We should not expect Trump to deviate from the insanity he has already spewed: kill the terrorist's families, torture works, take "their" oil. His dystopian view of the world is about to become a reality and all of the world will suffer from this man's ignorance.
Trump's move is not about improving the system--it is about fundamentally changing it with an eye toward discriminating against Muslims. As un-American as this is, the greater threat is what is coming next: a battle plan against ISIS that will draw us into a religious war with Islam. The key to defeating ISIS is through cooperating with moderates--many of whom have been fighting against ISIS for years.
We should not expect Trump to deviate from the insanity he has already spewed: kill the terrorist's families, torture works, take "their" oil. His dystopian view of the world is about to become a reality and all of the world will suffer from this man's ignorance.
9
RB, supportive comment: I grew up in Saudi Arabia. I read, write and speak Arabic. Few will appreciate the import of your comment, " . . . the greater threat is what is coming next: a battle plan against ISIS that will draw us into a religious war with Islam. "
THE IMPORT: In all history no other nation has subdued Islam. You cannot win a battle against a people whose home is the dessert, and thereby, bone deep in deception, circumspect guerrilla warfare and infinite patience, never forgetting the enemy (us).
There have always been powerful. sane and experienced Americans who know this. But will anyone listen?
THE IMPORT: In all history no other nation has subdued Islam. You cannot win a battle against a people whose home is the dessert, and thereby, bone deep in deception, circumspect guerrilla warfare and infinite patience, never forgetting the enemy (us).
There have always been powerful. sane and experienced Americans who know this. But will anyone listen?
1
So sorry, I forgot to serve dinner!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Charter#/media/File:Atlantic_Char...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Charter#/media/File:Atlantic_Char...
Fantastic idea.
Mr. Kristof, "President Trump is not America!"
Me, President Trump is not American!
To be American is to be welcoming, inclusive, tolerant of diverse views even when we disagree. Trump is the antithesis of American. An embarrassment to real Americans.
To Muslims everywhere: Trump does NOT speak for America. He was put in office by Putin and he speaks for Putin.
Mr. Kristof, "President Trump is not America!"
Me, President Trump is not American!
To be American is to be welcoming, inclusive, tolerant of diverse views even when we disagree. Trump is the antithesis of American. An embarrassment to real Americans.
To Muslims everywhere: Trump does NOT speak for America. He was put in office by Putin and he speaks for Putin.
10
I join the apology. We will fix this.
But why is no one covering what Congress did yesterday? A national " right to work" law that will BREAK UNIONS? Please cover what is happening at home. Selling off millions of acres of federal BLM land that belong to all of us, our birthright???
But why is no one covering what Congress did yesterday? A national " right to work" law that will BREAK UNIONS? Please cover what is happening at home. Selling off millions of acres of federal BLM land that belong to all of us, our birthright???
8
The time has come for the American people to put President Trump on notice.
11
And to the 1.4 billion Muslim folks from over 200 countries not affected by the temporary travel restrictions, the administration says "Welcome".
4
This is how we get that bum on the Emoluments Clause. He's avoiding Muslim nations with money in his establishments there or in his future.
Now, a "good" lawyer would suggest Trump's hot targets attest to his willingness to sacrifice his residents for us. Will we have to pay more for Trump international property security teams? Because I'd stay out of his establishments if I was serious about security. There have to be a lot of crazies out their fantasizing about taking down his towers. Trump's fault.
Now, a "good" lawyer would suggest Trump's hot targets attest to his willingness to sacrifice his residents for us. Will we have to pay more for Trump international property security teams? Because I'd stay out of his establishments if I was serious about security. There have to be a lot of crazies out their fantasizing about taking down his towers. Trump's fault.
Trump has a serious and frightening flaw: he lacks empathy.
5
Add to that: common sense, tolerance, intelligence, vision.
Narcissists are like that. Now, they will take up the pain of others and parade it around while the victims are denied any comfort. He needs them to demonstrate their distress because he's incapable of feeling it. It's just a prop for this compeller.
Abrahamic religions are extremist by nature.
Three thousand years of Abrahamic religion and we are still fighting for who controls Mesopotamia.
Three thousand years of Abrahamic religion and we are still fighting for who controls Mesopotamia.
3
Correction: Religion is extremist by nature. Or, at least, each religion - including CHRISTIANITY and JUDAISM - has it's extreme zealots. And no one religion has a monopoly on those. Just think how much better this world would be without ANY religion.
We created ISIL with the insane shock and awe lies and war of aggression. That was what we got with the last thuggish far right Republicans in charge. I have no doubt we are headed for the same misery with our Orange Pharaoh and his gilded family running things.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
5
Actually, Trump does take people's heads off, metaphorically, nearly every day on Twitter. Earlier this week he "beheaded" the Justice Department by firing its head after she rightly refused to defend his illegal travel ban. So you are right, Nicholas, that the POTUS is a mirror image of the Islamic extremists he condemns; he just uses rhetorical violence instead of a machete.
4
Nicholas: "Those men (always men!) 'otherize' infidels..."
Nick, you forgot to apologize for being male. Naughty you. And you should smotherize "otherize" (Americans have long owed an apology to the rest of the English-speaking world for your acts of wanton violence on our language)
Nick, you forgot to apologize for being male. Naughty you. And you should smotherize "otherize" (Americans have long owed an apology to the rest of the English-speaking world for your acts of wanton violence on our language)
6
For Trump and the GOP, I apologize to the Muslim doctor who saved my life.
143
I'm a US citizen who's been in this country since 1974. I volunteer at the Department of Veterans Affairs and I'm also a Refugee mentor. What gives me hope is the millions of fellow Americans of different faiths and ethnicity who are active in denouncing this racist travel ban on Muslims.
Thank you Nick Kristof for the work you do. You're an American hero!
Thank you Nick Kristof for the work you do. You're an American hero!
5
Apparently, that is called the art of the deal. And by the way, thank you for your editorial on Canada’s reaction to the shooting in Quebec City. Well said.
4
I'm always proud to be a Canadian - but increasingly more thankful every day. I add my thanks for the article on my country's reaction to the shooting in Quebec City. We do have our demons, but we have far more angels. And I think the same thing is true in the USA too. More people voted against trump than for.
2
Mr. Kristof: your column needs a fact check. Flynn did not refer to "Islam" as a cancer; he said "Islamism" is a cancer. Do you not the know the difference? Islam is a major religion with 1.7 million adherents. "Islamism" is the ideology that seeks to combine the state with religion and establish Sharia law. The Muslim Brotherhood is an example of a Islamist movement (so is ISIS). And if you're going to apologize to people, how about apologizing to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the brave feminist critic of Islam who, because she dared to speak out against Islam's treatment of women, was branded an "extremist" by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Ali's treatment by the regressive left is despicable; how about a column about Ms. Ali, Mr. Kristof?
6
Well now, that doesn't fit the narrative does it?
2
R.P.: And I'm sure you are aware that Flynn believes Islam is NOT a religion, but a political movement. Do you agree with him?
Christoff: "We should condemn... In that spirit I apologize".
I'm sorry, Nicholas, but a condemnation and an apology are not at all in the same spirit. On the contrary, they are opposites. If you want to condemn Trump, that's fine. You and whose army. But you cannot apologize on anyone else's behalf. You can only apologize for your own wrongdoing. Your "apology" is really condemnation disguised as something nobler. It might be a just and welcome condemnation, but it is a condemnation nevertheless, not an apology. You rob the word "apology" of all meaning when you misuse it in this way. And it doesn't wash to reply "I'm apologizing for my country." No you're not. You're condemning your political opponents. Besides, who are you to apologize for a whole nation? Condemn by all means, but don't pretend to be doing something you're not.
I'm sorry, Nicholas, but a condemnation and an apology are not at all in the same spirit. On the contrary, they are opposites. If you want to condemn Trump, that's fine. You and whose army. But you cannot apologize on anyone else's behalf. You can only apologize for your own wrongdoing. Your "apology" is really condemnation disguised as something nobler. It might be a just and welcome condemnation, but it is a condemnation nevertheless, not an apology. You rob the word "apology" of all meaning when you misuse it in this way. And it doesn't wash to reply "I'm apologizing for my country." No you're not. You're condemning your political opponents. Besides, who are you to apologize for a whole nation? Condemn by all means, but don't pretend to be doing something you're not.
4
Of course can you apologize for the behavior of someone who (allegedly) represents you. Who are you wanting to deny this?
You have to understand that leftists believe they are always right and always know what is best for other people. That is what enables Kristof to speak on behalf of all Americans. If he believes it, it must be right and any reasonable person would agree with him.
1
You don't have to dream Nick. The overwhelming majority of American Jews condem Islamaphobia. The overwhelming majority of American Muslims condem the persecution of Christians. The overwhelming majority of American Christians condem anti-semiticism. They stand shoulder to shoulder with their Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Agnostic, Atheist sisters and brothers - millions of them at the Women's March. That's not just a dream, it's the American Dream that I believe in and we will have to fight for and take on the extremists in our country. Those extremists are jihadists who kill in the name of Islam, or right-wing terrorists who kill in the name of Christianity or white supremacy or Neo-Nazism, or minority right-wing Evangelicals who actively want Apocalypse so Jesus can return, or minority right-wing Jews who ally themselves with nut job Evangelicals (who have a vision of 2/3 Jews dying and 1/3 Jews finally accepting Jesus) to support Israeli extremists who yearn for a Jewish theocracy apartheid state. And Trump/Pence/Bannon/Flynn/Sessions/Gaffney/Geller/Spencer that want a full war with all Islam and want White nationalism/supremacy and who captured power with lies, demagoguery, propaganda, Putin, Comey, bigotry, hatred by exaggerating and exploiting fears of some legitimate and other totally contrived issues. Let's call out and take on these extremists.
3
This article might have some actual meaning IF the moratorium was on "Muslims". Just another example of a fake news source that is irrelevant and out of touch with reality
6
A Muslim doing something "crazy" (euphemism for mindless, often sadistic killing) in the name of Islam is not to be compared to "our own extremist", Trump. You denature the meaning of extremist when you do that. Same thing for the concluding part that every religion should apologize to every every other, when no part of Christianity or Judaism today officially sanctions wanton murder and conquest, as radical Islam does.
I think it is common sense that people adhering to a religion in the name of which enormities are committed have a responsibility to restrain extreme elements. I have read a number of articles by Muslim observers in which they state the same thing.
To paint a whole belief-system as evil on account of the sins of a few is wrong and to make that argument in a responsible way is unobjectionable, even salutary, but this article ludicrously overreaches in its frantic attempt at solidarity.
I think it is common sense that people adhering to a religion in the name of which enormities are committed have a responsibility to restrain extreme elements. I have read a number of articles by Muslim observers in which they state the same thing.
To paint a whole belief-system as evil on account of the sins of a few is wrong and to make that argument in a responsible way is unobjectionable, even salutary, but this article ludicrously overreaches in its frantic attempt at solidarity.
2
"An apology to Muslims" fails the test of parallelism. A white, male, liberal American columnist apologizing for Donald Trump's behavior has no moral force, because none of those categories (white, male, liberal, American) is incompatible with Islam, and the columnist (Kristof) never cared for Mr. Trump in the first place.
To fulfill the mission, you would need a bigoted nationalist driven by hubris to apologize for Trump's anti-Muslim behavior. An "ugly American" like the Grand Wizard or Newt or Rudi. The feeling has to be that "he used to be one of us, but has stooped so low that we no longer wish to be associated with him."
To fulfill the mission, you would need a bigoted nationalist driven by hubris to apologize for Trump's anti-Muslim behavior. An "ugly American" like the Grand Wizard or Newt or Rudi. The feeling has to be that "he used to be one of us, but has stooped so low that we no longer wish to be associated with him."
1
Doesn’t make sense: just as Trump identifies all Muslims as potential Terrorists the world identifies all Americans as potential Muslim-haters, personified by their (alleged) democratically elected prime representative.
Ask what a mob boss or gang leader would do and you can reliably predict Trump's behavior. Religious extremism is the enemy of peace everywhere – the religion matters not
3
Sickness knows no boundaries based on religious affiliation. One can find Christians around who essentially blaspheme with a pretty sick view of other traditions in God's name. On the other hand one can know Muslims who are the epitome of love for neighbor.
4
Hopefully by the mid terms in 2018 buyers remorse will have settled in... Democracies, as stated by JFK some time ago are not perfect! Besides apologizing we need to shame this huge minority into buyers remorse...working toward the goal of a more perfect union, hence a working democracy!
3
I respectfully disagree with Kristof. Thank you.
7
Yes his voters are at their core racist. They can deny it till the cows come home but there is no appeal to him beyond this.
2
You mean the folks who elected Obama twice before electing Trump? Those racists?
New York Times as pro-Muslim has become un-American. Every Group favors their own, except you.
5
You really are clueless. Let me start by asking what country you live in. Then I might ask where your ancestors came from. And then I might ask what makes your ancestors different from the current crop of immigrants/regugees? A small reminder: You live in America. Meaning you live in a country that was taken from its prior inhabitants by force and deception, but after that became a beacon for those seeking a better life from all over the world, whether they need to (i.e. refugees) or they don't (i.e. immigrants). This country is not yours, or mine. Get over yourself.
1
I'm not apologizing. I pledge to get more progressive people registered to vote and then to do what I can to help them get to the polls on election days. I have nothing to apologize for. And the people who need to apologize--the misguided ones who voted for Trump--will never apologize. They're really pleased with what Trump is doing. They love his sabre-rattling with Iran. They love his toughness. They've never heard of Frederick Douglass either. They refuse to read an in-depth story that might explain that what they heard on Fox is a distortion. They think anybody who would apologize to a Muslim is putting them in danger. And they don't understand that the opposite is true. There's no getting through to these people. Especially when reporters for papers like this one and the Washington Post regularly visit them to interview them, but fail each time to ask a single challenging question. Instead we just get the parroting back of how they still support Trump and he's doing everything he promised. Let's stop interviewing them. Let's start arguing with them and OUTVOTING THEM.
I don't love Muslims. I don't know very many. I don't love whole groups of people indiscriminately. But Muslims are no worse than we are, that's for sure.
I don't love Muslims. I don't know very many. I don't love whole groups of people indiscriminately. But Muslims are no worse than we are, that's for sure.
1
I apologize to the American people. I apologize that I voted for Obama in 2008 before voting for Trump. Lesson learned.
I see your point and agree, but you may only apologize for yourself, not for others. You disagree with Mr. Trump, but you may not apologize on his behalf. It is not your right. His position, right or wrong, is his alone. Clearly he believes his own view. State your opinion and make your own apology.
3
Actually the first, and only apology should go to the good people of Syria. We botched that effort six years ago which created this mess. If we really cared about the Muslims, we would have helped save their country instead of bailing out on millions of people.
All of the sudden everyone cares about the Muslims...where were those people 6 years ago?
All of the sudden everyone cares about the Muslims...where were those people 6 years ago?
4
Well, let's total the apologies:
New York liberals: 1
Muslims: 0
Would it be bad form to also note Trump hasn't killed anyone?
New York liberals: 1
Muslims: 0
Would it be bad form to also note Trump hasn't killed anyone?
3
Apparently he ordered a strike in Yemen that others thought ill-advised. Many people died, including a young American girl and one American Navy Seal died in the ill-fated operation. So these days it seems, it's not considered bad form to tell an uninformed untruth, but you would be wrong. Trump is off to a quick start killing people, and we'll probably never know the numbers who have had their visas canceled and died in countries they were trying to escape.
While condemning Islamophobia, Mr Kristof seems to fall in the same trap of mistaking religion with those who practise it. He says: "I have seen the worst of Islam, but also the best." No, Mr Kristof, you have seen the worst of Muslims and the best of Muslims. There are good and bad people in every religion. We are people first, then practitioners of our religion, or of no particular religion.
Kristof would replace an eye for an eye with turn the other cheek. Too bad Muslims do not believe as he does. What then are we supposed to do? Not protect our borders?
3
You only seem familiar with the perversions of Islam proffered by terrorists. You gotta get off their social sites before you get listed.
Hey, since Trump's jumping all over Australia like a kangaroo on crank, perhaps they and New Zealand will close their Fifth Eyes and not share what the Chinese are up to, like offering them better deals.
Hey, since Trump's jumping all over Australia like a kangaroo on crank, perhaps they and New Zealand will close their Fifth Eyes and not share what the Chinese are up to, like offering them better deals.
There is very simple formula. "Damascus will never be like Paris. However, Paris quite soon will be like Damascus", That's it.
4
Using words many sanctimonious liberals here are fond of saying, Mr. Kristoff, your examples are "false equivalencies." Has Mr. Trump and other lone or groups of Americans gone to other countries to slaughter innocent people. Have material segments of Christian Americans declared a global jihad resulting in ghastly murders? Mr. Kristoff, keep living in your bubble and pandering to your superiorly arrogant sanctimonious left wing base.
2
A beautiful, much needed column. I cried last night when the news reported that people had banded together in record time to contribute to the building of a new mosque.
Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, Milo, and the foot soldiers of their army of hate mongering are having one positive effect. Their revolting behavior makes the rest of us dust off our inertia and inaction, get into the streets and make it clear that we and our country, are so much better than this.
We have met the enemy, and he is us, as Pogo once said. Or we can meet our neighbor, and see that we is him. As Pogo would say. Namaste, Nick.
Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, Milo, and the foot soldiers of their army of hate mongering are having one positive effect. Their revolting behavior makes the rest of us dust off our inertia and inaction, get into the streets and make it clear that we and our country, are so much better than this.
We have met the enemy, and he is us, as Pogo once said. Or we can meet our neighbor, and see that we is him. As Pogo would say. Namaste, Nick.
4
Mr. Kristoff, please stop the polemics. This is a temporary restriction based on political realities, not a permanent ban based on intolerance. ISIS is a genuine threat that needs containment and understanding or an entire religion is hijacked and irreparably damaged. To ignore this is to continue a politically correct charade that is merely interested in shaming, not comprehending and solving.
Join the solution and end the echo chamber of this guilt-laden division.
Join the solution and end the echo chamber of this guilt-laden division.
5
Nick, in your email, roll over for Gorsuch?!?! No, so many reasons, level of constitutional support to how we live as a nation. His seat being vacant is an affront to the constitution. He's got no respect for separation of church and state, "Originalists" ignore the wisdom of Jefferson, “I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and Constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.”
2
I almost speyed my moring coffee all over the train whne I read this: “It would be wise for the Trump administration to develop a strong outreach to the Muslim world. We need their support to defeat the jihad. We don’t want to tarnish the message the Statue of Liberty sends. Also, the administration must be willing to grant exceptions. And, above all, should help refugees survive in the terror zones abroad. We should do that. Protecting Americans is obviously priority number one, but the nobility of our nation demands we help suffering, helpless people if we can.” Bill O Reilly
Even that pontificating windbag O Reilly gets it. Trump? Not as long as Bannon is pulling the strings.
Even that pontificating windbag O Reilly gets it. Trump? Not as long as Bannon is pulling the strings.
2
Prove even one incident of celebrated Muslim offenses against Americans or Europeans with physical evidence and corroborated and analyzed. Such evidence does not exist and which places said offenses squarely in the realm of mythology along with the existence of the said Jesus the god-man who never existed.
mr. Kristof,
Timely article. I agree with all what you said. There is another dimension of this extremism by our new administration - political alienation from world's leaders as well. In just less than two weeks we have almost alienated three leaders - Australia, Iran, Mexico. UK may be next. our popularity and respect has gone down in the GOP administration of Bush era. Obama administration has restored some but it is going down again. Majority of world's population hate us for different reasons (prosperity, freedom, power, and resources). Power and extreme policies with alienation of leaders alone will not keep us safe. how do we prepare to apologize to those world leaders who still have some respects for us?
Timely article. I agree with all what you said. There is another dimension of this extremism by our new administration - political alienation from world's leaders as well. In just less than two weeks we have almost alienated three leaders - Australia, Iran, Mexico. UK may be next. our popularity and respect has gone down in the GOP administration of Bush era. Obama administration has restored some but it is going down again. Majority of world's population hate us for different reasons (prosperity, freedom, power, and resources). Power and extreme policies with alienation of leaders alone will not keep us safe. how do we prepare to apologize to those world leaders who still have some respects for us?
3
Every President has the right to determine for themselves the requirements need to allow immigration. Congress and the Constitution allow a wide latitude in this area to the executive. A three to four month period is not unreasonable, and people, not citizens, have no right to entry. They are allowed entry. It is the countries that are banned, not Muslims. The countries are basically failed states with a lack of effective government. The populace of these countries are mostly Muslim, but it is the failed state status which makes the moratorium entirely reasonable. Claiming it to be an action against Muslims, instead of areas with radicals and no effective government does our country a disservice, and hurts the status of the US.
4
You are sending people who have been carefully screened back to starve, freeze and/or die for no reason.
Remember the SS St. Louis
Remember the SS St. Louis
5
It is also a President's minimum duty to learn all he can, first, about the world he is acting upon. That would mean NOT turning away intelligence briefings, for starters, and not demoting Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or the CIA from the NSC, for follow-up. It horrifies me that he can imagine a functioning National Security Council without these security experts on it! This poor excuse for a President doesn't match the understanding of a 5th grader about the world and the people in it. When he's done anything remotely approaching due diligence about the world, then let him muck around with an immigration policy that is not broken.
1
He has the right to do that, and if he believes US citizens are in danger if he doesn't the President has a duty to choose the US citizens. I do not favor the program. I think the ill will will cause more problems than the program solves, but the President has every right to do it if he thinks it is necessary. I am sure there are those freezing and dying, but I doubt seriously the ones that have been screen and were on their way are among them.
Why are you apologizing to Muslims, Nick? It's the duty of our Republican administration under a demented President to apologize for his immigration schemes, for his xenophobia and psychological shortcomings. Muslims and other people despised and loathed by alt-right extremists like our President are the people who should but won't apologize for inflicting psychic wounds on their enemies. We hope the bullying elementary school behaviour of our Leader of Promises and Lies, and his Presidency will be over sooner rather than later. Your apologies notwithstanding, Nick, it is sad to see executive orders re immigration issuing from our Oval Office and cabal of malign government advisers.
2
I want to share my emotion on reading Mr. Kristof's column, not my thoughts. I was overcome by such a clear drawing of the line between Good and Evil. Mr is not evil, but he is sociopathically full of himself, a victim of thinking he has to carry out his ill-conceived and "ill-advised" promises.
4
Amazing how people can look at the same thing and come up with two completely different explanations.
The people that believed the sun revolved the earth and those that believed the opposite both pointed to the same phenomena: In the morning the sun appears in the East and at night it's in the west. How else can you explain its path except to understand that the sun is traveling across the sky. And then there were those who stated correctly: that's because the earth is the object that is moving.
Mr Kristoff how do we convince those who believe that the earth does revolve that it does?
The people that believed the sun revolved the earth and those that believed the opposite both pointed to the same phenomena: In the morning the sun appears in the East and at night it's in the west. How else can you explain its path except to understand that the sun is traveling across the sky. And then there were those who stated correctly: that's because the earth is the object that is moving.
Mr Kristoff how do we convince those who believe that the earth does revolve that it does?
2
As I invariably do, I join my voice to that of Mr Kristof. This man's model of intelligence, gravitas, sophistication, scholarship and experience -- and did I mention human decency? -- is as typical of Kristof as it is alien to the monstrosities now inhabiting the West Wing.
My country (for which my immigrant Ph.D father built three atomic bombs) is rapidly falling into the abyss. Each morning's news displays this. The velocity increases. I think that we are past the point of return. But the only hope --underscore only -- of survival as a republic, much less a respected one, is to cleanse ourselves of this preposterous gasbag as quickly as possible and by any means necessary, and to resign ourselves for 3 years to having to circumvent the medieval evangelical who would replace him. Then our apology to the face of the world may mean something.
My country (for which my immigrant Ph.D father built three atomic bombs) is rapidly falling into the abyss. Each morning's news displays this. The velocity increases. I think that we are past the point of return. But the only hope --underscore only -- of survival as a republic, much less a respected one, is to cleanse ourselves of this preposterous gasbag as quickly as possible and by any means necessary, and to resign ourselves for 3 years to having to circumvent the medieval evangelical who would replace him. Then our apology to the face of the world may mean something.
4
what exactly are you advocating?
1
It's a refugee pause from 7 war-torn countries four of which are stateless and none of which can be vetted. Muslims aren't banned.
And it is quite refreshing to see the only Democrats left on the playing field - the press - losing the propaganda war at every turn.
The Republican Establishment scoffed and smirked then PC sloganeered in the primaries, much like the publicly-traded firms had to do for the past eight years.
How many times did the press, and the Left laugh and write him off? And the DNC believed the fake news. So did the Bernies and Hillary. Witness the shock of loss.
But the press was hooked. Fixated on each "outlandish claims and accusations", declaring at each stage he was dead. Busted by the PC police. Nuking him time after time but he found the key. They couldn't STOP covering him - for free.
His polls jumped every time the press declared him room temperature. The Silent Majority may be cowed but not their admiration, then their vote because they saw it.
That the country was being horse-whipped over the cliff by a voodoo majority who is now relegated to wearing pink fauxphallic receiving units and singing 'we shall overcome' like drunken sailors.
God Bless President Trump for decloaking the press.
And it is quite refreshing to see the only Democrats left on the playing field - the press - losing the propaganda war at every turn.
The Republican Establishment scoffed and smirked then PC sloganeered in the primaries, much like the publicly-traded firms had to do for the past eight years.
How many times did the press, and the Left laugh and write him off? And the DNC believed the fake news. So did the Bernies and Hillary. Witness the shock of loss.
But the press was hooked. Fixated on each "outlandish claims and accusations", declaring at each stage he was dead. Busted by the PC police. Nuking him time after time but he found the key. They couldn't STOP covering him - for free.
His polls jumped every time the press declared him room temperature. The Silent Majority may be cowed but not their admiration, then their vote because they saw it.
That the country was being horse-whipped over the cliff by a voodoo majority who is now relegated to wearing pink fauxphallic receiving units and singing 'we shall overcome' like drunken sailors.
God Bless President Trump for decloaking the press.
5
"none of which can. be vetted"
A comment that is a perfect example of just how uninformed no-mandate Trump and his anti-refugee supporters are.
Here is a description of the vetting process
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/29/us/refugee-vetting-proces...
A comment that is a perfect example of just how uninformed no-mandate Trump and his anti-refugee supporters are.
Here is a description of the vetting process
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/29/us/refugee-vetting-proces...
4
On January 7, 2016, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, Aws Mohammed Younis Al-Jayab was indicted on March 17, 2016 for attempting to provide material support to acts of violence overseas. Al-Jayab – a Palestinian born in Iraq – was admitted to the United States as a refugee in 2012.
On January 7, 2016, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Omar Faraj Saeed Al Hardan was charged in an indictment with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, making false statements, and attempting to procure citizenship or naturalization unlawfully. Al Hardan – a Palestinian born in Iraq – was admitted to the United States as a refugee in 2009. According to media accounts, Al Hardan told his wife “I will go to Syria. I want to blow myself up. . . . I am against America.”
On August 12, 2015, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, Fazliddin Kurbanov was found guilty of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and possessing an unregistered destructive device. Kurbanov is a native of Uzbekistan who came to the United States as a refugee in 2009. U.S. Assistant Attorney General John Carlin stated that he “conspired to provide material support to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and procured bomb-making materials in the interest of perpetrating a terrorist attack on American soil.”
Shall I go on?
On January 7, 2016, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Omar Faraj Saeed Al Hardan was charged in an indictment with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, making false statements, and attempting to procure citizenship or naturalization unlawfully. Al Hardan – a Palestinian born in Iraq – was admitted to the United States as a refugee in 2009. According to media accounts, Al Hardan told his wife “I will go to Syria. I want to blow myself up. . . . I am against America.”
On August 12, 2015, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, Fazliddin Kurbanov was found guilty of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and possessing an unregistered destructive device. Kurbanov is a native of Uzbekistan who came to the United States as a refugee in 2009. U.S. Assistant Attorney General John Carlin stated that he “conspired to provide material support to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and procured bomb-making materials in the interest of perpetrating a terrorist attack on American soil.”
Shall I go on?
1
I don't know where you get your alt-facts, but Obama civilly shut down immigration from those nations to close the gaps left between the EU and those traveling fpr six months. Because it addressed an actual flaw that was corrected, there was no outrage. They also had the decency to advise people not to show up at the airport. Even tipped off our own staff!!
We already know this is Trump's Alt-Muslim Ban because Rudy told us so.
We already know this is Trump's Alt-Muslim Ban because Rudy told us so.
Having read many of the critical comments to this column, I begin to see the American problem. You have a president who loudly underscores your fears of Islam, which justifies and sets free much of the dislike bordering on hatred expressed in these letters. To be afraid clouds judgment, especially when inspired by an unstable demagogue. Thankfully, most Americans are against such cowardly rhetoric and good sense will prevail in the long run, even if it takes four years.
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"Fear" is only being used as an Excuse.
There's entirely TOO many other tragedies that have been executed by Non-Muslims with even more destruction and casualties,..yet no "Fear" Campaign.
The #s are there, if you're a female with a Male (husband or boyfriend) and there's a gun in the home,..you should be sleeping wearing a Kevlar Helmet and Bullet Proof Pajamas.
There's entirely TOO many other tragedies that have been executed by Non-Muslims with even more destruction and casualties,..yet no "Fear" Campaign.
The #s are there, if you're a female with a Male (husband or boyfriend) and there's a gun in the home,..you should be sleeping wearing a Kevlar Helmet and Bullet Proof Pajamas.
Never again. That's what the world seems to say after each outburst of intolerance kills innocent people. And then we go on to do it again. By we, I mean the world. We know about the Armenian Massacre, the Holocaust, the Killing Fields, the starvation in China that was created by the Communist Party, how Stalin allowed thousands to die and killed others. Each time we're sorry. Then, as the memories fade and the survivors die we start it up again.
Even worse, we let in Nazis like Werner von Braun because he had useful skills. We penalize the people who help us. Then we wonder why our country is vilified or used as a call to arms by extremists. Refugees goes through extreme vetting already. People who want to emigrate here and settle down go through a process that is cumbersome. What Trump did was unnecessary, cruel and inhumane. Then again, he's simply mirroring the views of a population that has been trained to react to the words Muslim or Islam with extreme fear.
Most of us want the same things in life no matter what our religion, country of origin, or economic status. We want to be able to live in peace, safety, leave the world a better place than it was, have a decent retirement, be able to support ourselves and our families, to have some small happinesses. To ruin the lives of thousands because ten or twenty may be radicals or to imply that all Muslims are radicals is unjust. Are all Christians radicals? Do we keep them out if one blows up a mosque?
Even worse, we let in Nazis like Werner von Braun because he had useful skills. We penalize the people who help us. Then we wonder why our country is vilified or used as a call to arms by extremists. Refugees goes through extreme vetting already. People who want to emigrate here and settle down go through a process that is cumbersome. What Trump did was unnecessary, cruel and inhumane. Then again, he's simply mirroring the views of a population that has been trained to react to the words Muslim or Islam with extreme fear.
Most of us want the same things in life no matter what our religion, country of origin, or economic status. We want to be able to live in peace, safety, leave the world a better place than it was, have a decent retirement, be able to support ourselves and our families, to have some small happinesses. To ruin the lives of thousands because ten or twenty may be radicals or to imply that all Muslims are radicals is unjust. Are all Christians radicals? Do we keep them out if one blows up a mosque?
3
Part of the refrain against Islam is that 'they don't share our values' or 'they hate our freedoms.' I have even read posts here saying they have no art. When I saw Asghar Farhadi's A Separation a few years ago, I thought it was one of the most moving and accomplished films I had ever watched. It told the story of an Iranian couple. The wife wants to leave the country with her young teenage daughter. The father feels he has to stay behind as his own father slips into dementia .The moral and human equations are complex and involving. It was the foreign-language Oscar that year and now Fahadi has been nominated for The Salesman, which has had wonderful reviews. He won't be coming, of course, and has decided against the indignity of pleading to attend. So the fear mongers are in charge and we are all at the mercy of the dark forces of ignorance, And Trump, of course, will find the film over-rated.
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For those who say Islam has no art, I would recommend Hagia Sophia in Istanbul or the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, both stunning examples of seminal architecture. To appreciate them, however, travel would be necessary to a foreign country, anathema to most Trump supporters. The internet could help bridge the gap but only in those with an open mind.
Other Arabic contributions are legion in mathematics (algebra, geometry) and astronomy (nadir, azimuth, the stars Deneb, Altair are all Arabic terms).
We also have them to thank for the concept of zero, something Mr. Trump has or soon will learn much more about.
Other Arabic contributions are legion in mathematics (algebra, geometry) and astronomy (nadir, azimuth, the stars Deneb, Altair are all Arabic terms).
We also have them to thank for the concept of zero, something Mr. Trump has or soon will learn much more about.
3
"A Separation" was a profoundly "human" film, executed such that one might think it a documentary, but it was all scripted and acted - brilliantly. Moreover, the main characters are often surrounded by nondescript others, so that we see them as not different, not a special case; that bureaucracy, misunderstandings, accidents can lead us into a downward spiral. Like all great films, it goes well beyond the specifics of its provenance and circumstances.
1
Geoffrey--trump is so inadequate, in so many ways. Some ways, we can only surmise.
"seven mostly impoverished Muslim countries"
That is the incorrect view.
Six of those countries do not have a functioning government, or it is woefully incomplete (Iraq). Iran is in violation of UN resolutions against nuclear proliferation. Notice the ballistic missiles they were testing with a re-entry vehicle? Apparently, Mr. Kristof doesn't know what a re-entry vehicle is designed to carry.
The US may not have had people from those countries commit terrorism lately, but Europe has.
It is rational and proper that a hold on all people from those defunct countries be put in place until the vetting system be reviewed and modified if necessary. We know for a fact that the US State Department has given visas to terrorists, including those seeking asylum, being refugees from where they came from.
So hold on. Be patient. See what the review turns up.
That is the incorrect view.
Six of those countries do not have a functioning government, or it is woefully incomplete (Iraq). Iran is in violation of UN resolutions against nuclear proliferation. Notice the ballistic missiles they were testing with a re-entry vehicle? Apparently, Mr. Kristof doesn't know what a re-entry vehicle is designed to carry.
The US may not have had people from those countries commit terrorism lately, but Europe has.
It is rational and proper that a hold on all people from those defunct countries be put in place until the vetting system be reviewed and modified if necessary. We know for a fact that the US State Department has given visas to terrorists, including those seeking asylum, being refugees from where they came from.
So hold on. Be patient. See what the review turns up.
35
If we were to apply your logic universally, we would ban all people from driving cars until we understood why there are accidents. We would order people to stay home until we understood why they trip and fall. We would ban the use of all guns until we understood why people shoot other people. The logic you provide is that of marshal law. It is NOT liberty.
Dear Son, etc.
1. Are you familiar with the vetting process or refugees? I thought not. I you were, you would realize that ant adjustments it needs are so minor that the process could remain in situ without interruption.
2. Are aware that 75% of refugees are women and children?
3. You need a new handle. Not only is yours inappropriate given your views, it is obnoxious. Perhaps you should call yourself "Son of the Russian Revolution."
1. Are you familiar with the vetting process or refugees? I thought not. I you were, you would realize that ant adjustments it needs are so minor that the process could remain in situ without interruption.
2. Are aware that 75% of refugees are women and children?
3. You need a new handle. Not only is yours inappropriate given your views, it is obnoxious. Perhaps you should call yourself "Son of the Russian Revolution."
I guess if legal means setting Giuliani groupees to find a 'work around' to ban Muslims...similar to the dirty tricks of Trump's hero and mentor...Joe McCarthy's henchman . Cohn.
You bought it and now you broke it. Powell's warning put on its head. Deja vu Orwellian feelings abound. As Republican actions led to the Great Recession, Democrats - small and large D, will be tasked with sweeping up after Trump's mess.
Lemmings with short memories seem a large voting block these days. Sigh. Any wonder dystopian books are on the most read list today?
You bought it and now you broke it. Powell's warning put on its head. Deja vu Orwellian feelings abound. As Republican actions led to the Great Recession, Democrats - small and large D, will be tasked with sweeping up after Trump's mess.
Lemmings with short memories seem a large voting block these days. Sigh. Any wonder dystopian books are on the most read list today?
1
Never forget the original genocide in which white European settlers uprooted the Indians, seized their land and farms (!), introduced scalping as a parallel to animal-bounty-hunting, and broke every single North American colonial, state, provincial, and national treaty. We owe the remaining tribal members recognition, apologies, and a step up the ladder to recognition as "First Nations" and as Americans, not "Redskins". We have much to make up for if others are to feel proud of being American.
Racism is as American (and Canadian) as apple pie. After all, who built our railroads but Chinese disallowed wives? Who built cotton exports but Africans enslaved by whites.
And whose boats were turned back in the Holocaust to die because we refused Jews life and sanctuary? Who watched behind barbed wires when their citizen sons of the wrong descent went off to fight in Italy and win more medals than any others? Who dressed as "Indians" in the "Gangs of New York" to kill Irish Catholic refugees? "The land of the free"has had to learn terrible lessons.
We owe. We owe.
Now it's time to start over yet again and support the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Say it aloud, sing it, America: I am Muslim. I am Catholic. I am Jew. I am Blood Indian. I am Serb. I am Croat. I am Frederick Douglass. And, yes, I am the uninsured, the homeless, the weak, the confused, the
pregnant woman, the closeted LGBT. Hold my hand.
Racism is as American (and Canadian) as apple pie. After all, who built our railroads but Chinese disallowed wives? Who built cotton exports but Africans enslaved by whites.
And whose boats were turned back in the Holocaust to die because we refused Jews life and sanctuary? Who watched behind barbed wires when their citizen sons of the wrong descent went off to fight in Italy and win more medals than any others? Who dressed as "Indians" in the "Gangs of New York" to kill Irish Catholic refugees? "The land of the free"has had to learn terrible lessons.
We owe. We owe.
Now it's time to start over yet again and support the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Say it aloud, sing it, America: I am Muslim. I am Catholic. I am Jew. I am Blood Indian. I am Serb. I am Croat. I am Frederick Douglass. And, yes, I am the uninsured, the homeless, the weak, the confused, the
pregnant woman, the closeted LGBT. Hold my hand.
230
Thank you for this lovely comment. It should be shared far and wide!
1
The cheerleading for religion in this comment is just too much to stomach. I agree that no one should be mistreated or abused simply because of their declared affiliation with some religion or other. But I will not treat a religious affiliation as an "identity." The claim by some religious types that it is an identity is a poorly disguised demand for respect on the basis of declared religious affiliation alone. I have zero respect for religious beliefs. I also have no respect for anyone simply on the basis of their religious affiliation. I may respect them for other reasons, but not for that.
Dr. Bob,
Ah, no, American Indians "scalped" fellow Indians before the arrival
of the "White Man", you might ask the unfortunate victims of the
Aztecs how it felt to have your heart cut out while still alive and then
offered to the "Sun god".
Ah, no, American Indians "scalped" fellow Indians before the arrival
of the "White Man", you might ask the unfortunate victims of the
Aztecs how it felt to have your heart cut out while still alive and then
offered to the "Sun god".
3
Nick,I'm pretty sure it isn't your job to apologize for the president. Moreover, his order was legal and did not target muslims, but rather, seven countries. One, Iran (despite Obama's delusional thinking) is clearly our enemy. Of the other 6, many are both considered too dangerous for American tourists to travel to and a dangerous posting for state dept officials. From all these countries, because of chaos at best and rebellion at worst, it is very difficult to know that we are going accurate documentation on people. We also know that these countries are hotbeds for radical jihad, many sworn to kill western infidels - if they can get to them.
I'm also certain that many in these countries are good people, but at this point it may be extremely difficult to tell who.
A few people were inconvenienced (Too bad we couldn't have inconvenienced Mohammed Atta and his crew a little more severely back in 2001). No one wants people with a legitimate right to travel here inconvenienced. However, the president's job is to defend the country. You may not like the way this was implemented, but no one was beheaded, sent to concentration camps, lined up and shot, etc. And all those who need further vetting will have that opportunity.
The roll out could have been better. I agree. But, Trump's promised to do what he did. And it isn't illegal.
I'm also certain that many in these countries are good people, but at this point it may be extremely difficult to tell who.
A few people were inconvenienced (Too bad we couldn't have inconvenienced Mohammed Atta and his crew a little more severely back in 2001). No one wants people with a legitimate right to travel here inconvenienced. However, the president's job is to defend the country. You may not like the way this was implemented, but no one was beheaded, sent to concentration camps, lined up and shot, etc. And all those who need further vetting will have that opportunity.
The roll out could have been better. I agree. But, Trump's promised to do what he did. And it isn't illegal.
44
To Ralphie in CT: You wish the travel ban had been in place in 2001 for Mohamed Atta.
He was from Egypt, so the ban would have had no effect on him, or on his Saudi co-conspirators.
He was from Egypt, so the ban would have had no effect on him, or on his Saudi co-conspirators.
6
Wrong - five out of five federal judges think it's illegal and unconstitutional. Thankfully, Trump cannot fire them.
3
Many make the point that these 7 travel-banned countries are "our enemies."
So where's the logic in grouping all those who fought these regimes, & are endangered as a result, "our enemies," too?
Then locking our borders against them?
So where's the logic in grouping all those who fought these regimes, & are endangered as a result, "our enemies," too?
Then locking our borders against them?
2
This is monumental overreach … even arrogance. Not in the eight years of the Obama administration, during which fully two-thirds of my related comments in this forum were critical of BOTH the president’s motivations AND his tactics, did I EVER have the unmitigated gall to presume to “apologize” to vast numbers of people for those actions, on BEHALF of the American people.
Trump took necessary action in a way that ripped off the Band-Aid, causing a squawk of momentary pain but accomplishing the necessary task of exposing to the open air a wound he was resolved to heal; and avoiding months of useless palaver that did nothing to further his objective of better protecting America and Americans. We had a policy of not ethnically profiling precisely the people from whose global communities a deadly threat had been emanating for YEARS. We now have a policy of heightened surveillance of those communities in aid of exercising our rights of self-protection.
Is it unfortunate that the legitimate threat is tightly bound to ethnicity? Yep. Wish it were otherwise, but fill one hand with Kumbaya wishes and the other with the dead and dreadfully injured bodies in Orlando, San Bernardino and the Boston Marathon, and see which hand fills up first.
I don’t offer apologies but well-meaning counsel to global Islamic communities: get your social acts together and cease tolerating the growth of cancers among you. In the end, it’s the host that cancers kill, not everyone around them.
Trump took necessary action in a way that ripped off the Band-Aid, causing a squawk of momentary pain but accomplishing the necessary task of exposing to the open air a wound he was resolved to heal; and avoiding months of useless palaver that did nothing to further his objective of better protecting America and Americans. We had a policy of not ethnically profiling precisely the people from whose global communities a deadly threat had been emanating for YEARS. We now have a policy of heightened surveillance of those communities in aid of exercising our rights of self-protection.
Is it unfortunate that the legitimate threat is tightly bound to ethnicity? Yep. Wish it were otherwise, but fill one hand with Kumbaya wishes and the other with the dead and dreadfully injured bodies in Orlando, San Bernardino and the Boston Marathon, and see which hand fills up first.
I don’t offer apologies but well-meaning counsel to global Islamic communities: get your social acts together and cease tolerating the growth of cancers among you. In the end, it’s the host that cancers kill, not everyone around them.
17
The utter blindness of this diatribe is very hard to believe. It's very hard to write a response when there is so little substance to the argument. As an immigrant son of immigrant parents (1951, Latvians who couldn't go back to their homeland because dad had fought against the Russians for a free Latvia), I take great offense at the mistreatment of green card holding people being stranded, far from home, just because they happened to be traveling when this incompetently planned, poorly executed ban went into effect. If this is the kind of action we can expect from this administration, we've got at least four years of misery coming up.
189
Wow, Richard Luettgen, I'm impressed. You sound almost Trumpian in your comment. I do hope you understand what his actions mean in terms of humane treatment for us abroad. Just remember, what goes around comes around.
33
In the US, we have 33K gun fatalities every year. The latest count of deaths by opioid overdoes (2015) is also at the 33K mark. Since 1900, over 3 million people have died on American roads in car crashes. Where's your indignation on these issues? Make no mistake, focusing on one population in an ongoing broad crisis is bigotry. Ask the people of Quebec.
32
When we type cast, we are blind to the individual. When we are blind to the individual, we become killers to ourselves and God no longer knows us.
8
When (not if) the Muslim registry begins, I pledge to be first in line despite never entering a mosque or holding a Koran in my life. We need to flood the registrars to the point their lists are as pointless as they would be heartless.
21
There are 57 Muslim-majority counties in the world desperately in need of talented Muslim immigrants. By siphoning off their talent, Western brain drain will hurt, not help the Islamic world. It is therefore our duty to ensure that their best and brightest not abandon their culture merely to pursue material gain in the secular, Islamophobic West. Let these fine people remain in their troubled homelands, where they can employ their remarkable skills saving their own people.
7
If that idea had been followed over the past 200 years. The US would be an empty country, while our families would be stuck in Germany, Russia, Ireland, England and Scotland. You can't keep the best from wanting the best for their families and children. And we only allow in the best. If we were truly honest, we would admit that many of our grandparents would not have met the very high standards that current immigrants have to meet. We only let in the best.
I keep seeing this same nonsensical comment after other articles, so can only assume that it is the the new script your handlers have written for you. How much do you get paid to get this drivel published?
This is not Trumps' war, it was started by GW and made much worst by Obama.
It will get more ugly before it gets better. Destroying the regime in Libya and funneling arms to Syria is on the last President. Removing the last 20,000 troops from Iraq as well. Obama created the refugee crisis, not Trump. The last two Presidents have a very high body count of civilians.
And now his job is to keep us safe. If a few thousand people will be held up in customs, so be it.
It will get more ugly before it gets better. Destroying the regime in Libya and funneling arms to Syria is on the last President. Removing the last 20,000 troops from Iraq as well. Obama created the refugee crisis, not Trump. The last two Presidents have a very high body count of civilians.
And now his job is to keep us safe. If a few thousand people will be held up in customs, so be it.
11
G-d help you if you think you think he will keep up safe. It's just the opposite, but his propaganda of creating paranoia is working. That's how demagogues come to power, that's how Bush got elected for the second term. "I will keep you safe", and unleashed ISIS. This one is looking to unleash nuclear weapons, just listen to him. He gets a sexual arousal out of imagining a nuclear mushroom. An "eruption" that he hasn't been able to perform for a while.
Just as the right wing has always beseeched moderate muslims to condemn the radicals within their midst, it is incumbent on all of us to squelch this madman we have elected. We must do more and pressure our elected representatives to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove this sick little man
15
Yes, Mr. Kristof, it is a nice dream what you wish for. But the reality is that Muslims do not share our values and do not believe in your dream. The current representative of our country has the wrong approach. But Western cultures are in fear that the values that we uphold in the search for freedom and equality are in danger of disappearing with the increasing number of immigrants who have a different world view and only want to take advantage of the benefits our stable structure has to offer, nothing else. Previous immigrants to this country were not a danger to those values. Current immigrants are.
14
To "Arne, New York, NY," who is comfortable stereotyping 2.2 billion human beings: how many Muslims or refugees have you met? How many do you count among your friends? My Muslim-immigrant friends feed between 300 & 600 people in need every week. Check out muslimwelfarecentre.com to learn more. (I happen to be an atheist Jew and my Muslim friends have only supported me, expressed regret and remorse that they were not taught about the Holocaust growing up, and defended me from the anti-Semitic attacks of a Christian colleague.) You seem to understand "nuance" about as well as our president, who could have focused on suspected terrorists, or the countries whose citizens have committed acts of terror in the U.S. (Trump could even have read his intelligence reports) but he does none of these; instead, he issues a blanket decree that keeps out sick children, a woman visiting a dying mother, a Muslim translator who risked his life to support U.S. troops, etc. Are these your values?
2
Benjamin Franklin said the same thing about my German and German-Swiss ancestors in the mid-18th century. I assume you don't personally know many Muslims and are making this foolish statement out of ignorance.
2
According to you?
1
If you fortunate enough to know any Muslims personally, you will know that they are a peaceful, loving and kind people. They live for their families and friends.
I am a lucky person to know many as there is a fairly large Muslim population in my neck of the woods. Trump and his minion's recent actions have these good people now frightened about the present and the future.
'Real' Americans appear to be fighting this evil nonsense. The Democratic party may even be waking up as a force against the darkness Trump represents. How long will this evil plague us? What follows if he is impeached? Pence is like a robot. Programmed by his Christian faith. Will he be any better? Will he attempt to turn the US into a theocracy?
Summing all this up. The GOP needs to be soundly resisted and then defeated in the mid-terms. I mean aggressive resistance and tooth and nail efforts to expose them for what they are, a mafia like mob - day after day after day.
I am a lucky person to know many as there is a fairly large Muslim population in my neck of the woods. Trump and his minion's recent actions have these good people now frightened about the present and the future.
'Real' Americans appear to be fighting this evil nonsense. The Democratic party may even be waking up as a force against the darkness Trump represents. How long will this evil plague us? What follows if he is impeached? Pence is like a robot. Programmed by his Christian faith. Will he be any better? Will he attempt to turn the US into a theocracy?
Summing all this up. The GOP needs to be soundly resisted and then defeated in the mid-terms. I mean aggressive resistance and tooth and nail efforts to expose them for what they are, a mafia like mob - day after day after day.
27
I truly feel sorry for people who are so frightened of something that is not a problem. They need to do some research on the facts, not what they've heard somewhere. Yes we have had some terrorist attacks on our soil, by radicalized Muslims. starting of course on 9/11. That was an event to scar anyone's soul. The other attacks were by American citizens. Most of them born here. And by the way, for your edification, the majority of terrorists attacks in this country have been committed by White men who in most cases were radicalized Christians. Again, do your research in more than one place. And especially not on black (fake) sites. Tho you may not trust the media, but hey are still the best place for good information. They are reporting facts, not opinions. They are keeping us free.
The reality is none of these attacks came from any the the 7 countries that have committed terrorist attacks on our country. On the other hand the citizens of countries that have committed attacks on this country came from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt. The reason, staring all of us in the face is that Mr. Trump has business interests there. So it appears on the face of it, that Mr. Trump has a Foreign Policy that at least in some cases, enriches him, rather than keeping us safe. I'm sorry but babies coming here for heart surgery is not a threat, and neither are his parents. Do you really think that parents whose child is saved by Americans is going to commit a terrorist attack?
The reality is none of these attacks came from any the the 7 countries that have committed terrorist attacks on our country. On the other hand the citizens of countries that have committed attacks on this country came from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt. The reason, staring all of us in the face is that Mr. Trump has business interests there. So it appears on the face of it, that Mr. Trump has a Foreign Policy that at least in some cases, enriches him, rather than keeping us safe. I'm sorry but babies coming here for heart surgery is not a threat, and neither are his parents. Do you really think that parents whose child is saved by Americans is going to commit a terrorist attack?
37
Maybe we should just stop with the religion thing altogether. It's not real, and just provides a way for people to label each other and then hate.
24
Your dream is my dream as well, Mr. Kristof: Someday humanity will collectively denounce bigotry in all its forms. The photo of the Jewish protestor and the Muslim protestor, marching side by side with children perched on their shoulders, should be displayed prominently in our White House (in place of the portrait of Andrew Jackson, perhaps? Just a thought). And I’ll go one further: The two men could replace the current occupant of our White House, since their united stance against the travesty of Trumpism shows the wisdom and compassion so sorely missing from the darkness spewing forth from our new leaders.
32
I love our land dearly. I wish to see the day when our flag "still" flies over "the home of the brave and the land of the free."
4
In the midst of so much Islamaphobia from Washington there is an understandable tendency to try and humanize people from Arab countries. But when was the last time we humanized ourselves?
There is a strain of racism, imperial hubris and chauvinism that has been driving American policy in the Middle East and it's past time that it be called out. Since 1992 we have acted as if "they" needed to be brought to heal under American domination. Does anyone remember that prior to 92 and the first Gulf War that no one was worried about terrorist bombers?
But since 92 we have invaded and occupied Iraq, virtually destroying the country, we've dismantled Libya, steadily bombed Somalia, looked the other way as the military took over in Egypt and waged proxy wars against Syria and Yemen.
At least a million people have died, probably more. Schools, hospitals and Mosques have been destroyed. Some five million refugees are fleeing the violence we unleashed and radical Islamic groups, once under control of admittedly harsh dictators have been unleashed all over the region.
We have created a human rights nightmare. While we should apologize for our discrimination here at home, the real apology should be made to the people of the region for wrecking and destroying an entire generation.
Who are we that we think that we can and should rule over others? And when they resists, they are the terrorists? Then who are we?
There is a strain of racism, imperial hubris and chauvinism that has been driving American policy in the Middle East and it's past time that it be called out. Since 1992 we have acted as if "they" needed to be brought to heal under American domination. Does anyone remember that prior to 92 and the first Gulf War that no one was worried about terrorist bombers?
But since 92 we have invaded and occupied Iraq, virtually destroying the country, we've dismantled Libya, steadily bombed Somalia, looked the other way as the military took over in Egypt and waged proxy wars against Syria and Yemen.
At least a million people have died, probably more. Schools, hospitals and Mosques have been destroyed. Some five million refugees are fleeing the violence we unleashed and radical Islamic groups, once under control of admittedly harsh dictators have been unleashed all over the region.
We have created a human rights nightmare. While we should apologize for our discrimination here at home, the real apology should be made to the people of the region for wrecking and destroying an entire generation.
Who are we that we think that we can and should rule over others? And when they resists, they are the terrorists? Then who are we?
46
The unintended consequences of the Iraq invasion. Everything has emanated from that. Plus, as long as the US is perceived to favor Israel re: The Palestine question the US has no credibility in the Mid-East
1
I think Syria should manage it own destiny. Manage your country and keep your refugees!
1
God gave us the ability to reason, to love, to forgive and to empathize. When we turn our backs on the best of ourselves, we defy God's will. We were also given hate, jealousy, selfishness and anger, but I do not believe those came from God. I think when we give into the worst of ourselves we do the work of the devil. We need to use reason and understanding to figure out this world, not strict adherence to perverted readings of ancient texts. God doesn't write with a pen...God wrote our story when he created us and through our best selves we bring God's hopes to life in this world.
12
wow....I'm not even sure what you're trying to say through all the religious blabbering. I'm Catholic myself and I'm all for strong faith, BUT you can talk and express your point like a normal human being, right? ....sorry, but it makes you sound like a religious nutjob.
God is said to be the creator of all things. Did he not also create hate, jealousy,selfishness and anger in all men? Please don't give me that "free will" excuse. What kind of god would create men who could then do whatever they please?
Wow liberals scream when the right includes religious justification for public policy. They cry SEPARATION of CHURCH and STATE and they believe it, except when it is their religion.
When is someone going to apologize for Sharia law? I can't speak for anyone else, but for me this is a violent, barbaric, sexist, homophobic code of conduct that can not be tolerated anywhere in the civilized world.
29
I agree. Pence should be ashamed of his attempt at Christian "Sharia" law. We should condemn his homophobia and literal interpretation of the Bible.
Rob;
How about we cut a deal; I will apologize for Sharia law the minute my Catholic church apologizes for canon law.
How about we cut a deal; I will apologize for Sharia law the minute my Catholic church apologizes for canon law.
and the christian right isnt sexist and homophobic? does that make all christians sexists and homophobes? why do you choose to bucket 1.7 BILLION people around the world with a few sick individuals? if it really was the religion and ideology that was the problem and not some sick mentally disturbed people distorting the world's view of the faith they claim to adhere to, don't you think there would be a lot more violence and fighting? if all 1.7 billion adherents were supposedly followers of an intolerant and violent ideology, why isnt the world a much more dangerous place than it currently is?
We see what happened in Europe and do not want to see that happen here. Why is that unreasonable?
29
This is not the same as what happened in Europe. Do you know how lengthy a process it is to get a visa from most countries especially these? It can take years. How would you feel to leave a country you lived in legally for decades, have valid residency permits (green cards) and then all of a sudden not be allowed on an airplane at an airport in the middle of your trip home. What about the people who have lived here for decades and cannot go to their former homes to visit aging relatives - mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers. Is that going to make you safe. I doubt it and even if this poorly executed ban lasted a week it would still be devastating for people. Do you know they had to pay for their travel anyway. I hope on your next trip you are not allowed to go to your intended destination; are sent "home" and then have to pay for the privilege. Then you might recognize how unreasonable all of this is.
1
So why not ban immigrants from Saudi Arabia where most of the 9/11 hijackers originated? Trump's ban is a sop to his analytically-challenged base.
3
Hank, if you don't like refugees, then would you please address the mess that motivates them? Talk about unreasonable. Bush goes into Iraq to win an election here based in fear. What's Trump going to do to keep the WH in 2020?
If you don't see the connection, you are part of the problem.
If you don't see the connection, you are part of the problem.
1
Kristof equates the temporary restriction of travel from seven terror-racked nations to the terrorist actions themselves. This includes internet videos of non-believers getting their heads chopped off. There is little wonder why journalists have the lowest approval rating of any group and their credibility is null.
29
I made the same point, look for it if published. There seems a kind of extreme liberal guilt, and/or fear factor, which produces statements of such cinematic falsity. The entire article is built on such an artifice, and produces ... bathos.
But so many buy into it, as the comments reveal...
But so many buy into it, as the comments reveal...
3
He actually explicitly does the opposite.
"I don’t want to take Trump-as-an-extremist too far: He’s not beheading anyone, and the security challenge is real."
If you do nothing but shoot the messenger, you might want to think about what you are willing to hear.
"I don’t want to take Trump-as-an-extremist too far: He’s not beheading anyone, and the security challenge is real."
If you do nothing but shoot the messenger, you might want to think about what you are willing to hear.
1
Lower than Congress?
What Terrorist "Actions" do you reference from the "terror-racked" nations?
What Terrorist "Actions" do you reference from the "terror-racked" nations?
1
Baloney.
The only thing that has happened, is that some visa applicants will now see a delayed and longer process, while new methods for vetting applicants are put in place.
This article is just propaganda.
The only thing that has happened, is that some visa applicants will now see a delayed and longer process, while new methods for vetting applicants are put in place.
This article is just propaganda.
27
No, Your comments are "baloney." The current vetting practices have never been shown to not work. It takes longer to gain entry to the US as a refugee than to get a national security clearance (Secret or Top Secret). This is totally for show. And its not a very good show.
5
The" only" thing that has happened is that Trump is refusing to recognize possesors of Green Cards and previously issued visas, all issued after a rigorous vetting process. As an aside; his implementation of the ban was more than not well thought out, it was down right stupid. Refusing entry to people already in transit?
2
Because this, like voter ID laws, is a solution without a problem. I have heard nothing about any problems with the current vetting process, which certainly seems to work - after all, we have had no terrorist acts committed by anyone from any of those countries, nor have we had any attacks from refugees. This is incompetence at best and bigoted at worst. Finally, in the context of a week where the President, a certified racist, issues an insensitive Holocaust remembrance statement, and humiliates himself with his ignorance commemorating Black History Month, we know who we're dealing with and what drives policy. Denying racism is racism.
1
While the accounts of the harm inflicted on various individuals who have been approved for entry into the US are saddening, I think we may have something more important at stake. Is the United States going to continue to have "a government of laws and not of men"? The vetting process which approved the visas of these foreign nationals, who were apparently later denied entry, or worse, detained and turned back, was to my understanding, a rigorous, lengthy procedure, carried out under the laws of the United States. Once a visa has been granted under the laws of the United States, then it should be honored, presumed valid, and not overturned because a new president is suspicious of the procedures established under previous presidents. With each passing day, we may be showing the world, by our words and actions, that we are on a path to having a government of men and not of laws.
65
If we were able to go back into history and met Hitler, we would have a moral obligation to stop him. Trump and Bannon are the modern Hitler and his Nazi strategist. We have a moral obligation to stop them before they take us into another war, this time with nukes. Their tactic of sowing fear (what American carnage is he talking about?) and provoking terrorists (with a Muslim ban) is to force the US population to move toward a strong, central, fascist government. We cannot fall for it. For the love of our country and values, we must resist this pathological deviant.
37
The usual "plan" for apologists of terror, apologists for religious extremism, apologists for infiltration - all supported by this delusional surrender bunny and many of his editorial page fellow travelers - is to sit by idly as the carnage rages and then construct a memorial for candles and flowers. Thankfully, the serious-minded are now in charge and this supine acceptance of all thing muslim is over. We have demanded forceful expectoration of this foul tasting anathema and despite these sheep in our midst, we will have it. One way or the other.
2
Dang. You are awesome! Weave in a few more adjectives and adverbs, while you're at it.
I do not apologize for Donald Trump. He is owed nothing but scorn.
He is a deranged, hypocritical psychopath with no ideological core and no commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution.
However, I do apologize for the American culture, it's political institutions, and media which allowed this ogrish man to ride a wave of discontent into the most powerful political position in the world. He has quickly proven incompetent in all diplomatic efforts and will surely be damaging to American foreign relations.
I apologize, therefore, that Trump supporters have gotten the President they wanted, and that the Trump opposition has gotten the President they let happen.
He is a deranged, hypocritical psychopath with no ideological core and no commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution.
However, I do apologize for the American culture, it's political institutions, and media which allowed this ogrish man to ride a wave of discontent into the most powerful political position in the world. He has quickly proven incompetent in all diplomatic efforts and will surely be damaging to American foreign relations.
I apologize, therefore, that Trump supporters have gotten the President they wanted, and that the Trump opposition has gotten the President they let happen.
4
During the Japanese internment, the only religious group to stand up against it with any effect were the Quakers, with actions taken by their "liberal wing", the American Friends Service Committee. This is one of many occasions that the Quakers, who were an important progressive political presence in early America, struggled on the right side of history against darker and more powerful forces.
As someone who was raised a Quaker, and marched as a child against the war in Vietnam and for civil rights, it is extremely disheartening to see my country again descend into the politics of fear and bigotry. People don't really change, but our culture and the rules of civilization must.
The United States bears most of the responsibility for disrupting the relative stability in the mid-east. GW destroyed a relative balance between the Shea and Sunni sects with truly horrific consequences to millions of civilians. Most of the Iraqi middle class that haven't been killed have lost everything and been forced to flee their country and worse is occurring in Syria.
It is appalling to see our nation turn its back on this horrific tragedy that is so much our responsibility, but a president devoid of empathy is incapable of seeing the world as it is and feeling the suffering of the innocent.
As someone who was raised a Quaker, and marched as a child against the war in Vietnam and for civil rights, it is extremely disheartening to see my country again descend into the politics of fear and bigotry. People don't really change, but our culture and the rules of civilization must.
The United States bears most of the responsibility for disrupting the relative stability in the mid-east. GW destroyed a relative balance between the Shea and Sunni sects with truly horrific consequences to millions of civilians. Most of the Iraqi middle class that haven't been killed have lost everything and been forced to flee their country and worse is occurring in Syria.
It is appalling to see our nation turn its back on this horrific tragedy that is so much our responsibility, but a president devoid of empathy is incapable of seeing the world as it is and feeling the suffering of the innocent.
5
Unfortunately, what Trump is fomenting will have to be allowed to run its course. At some point, when the train can no longer slow down, it will smash. Then some people, though certainly not all, will begin to question why they climbed on board. "Same as it ever was, same as it ever was."
3
I believe that the time for apology is later, after those of us who repudiate what Trump has done and his America has sanctioned have taken action.
Action to bring America out of its fear-tinged xenophobia, its security-obsessed indifference to suffering, and its greed-induced lack of generosity towards people in need. Action to tear down walls and welcome refugees, action to show our Muslim neighbors that we will defend their rights as Americans under the US Constitution, and that they need not fear the knock on the door.
Action to rectify the wrongs we have done to refugees and immigrants must come first, or any apologies we make are just empty words.
Action to bring America out of its fear-tinged xenophobia, its security-obsessed indifference to suffering, and its greed-induced lack of generosity towards people in need. Action to tear down walls and welcome refugees, action to show our Muslim neighbors that we will defend their rights as Americans under the US Constitution, and that they need not fear the knock on the door.
Action to rectify the wrongs we have done to refugees and immigrants must come first, or any apologies we make are just empty words.
1
Each of my Muslim friends and colleagues has been made to apologize for the behavior of murderers -- not once or twice, but regularly. Each has countless stories of being treated as the "spokesman for Islam," as if they, their religion, or their place of origin made them responsible for the actions of strangers.
I was born in Connecticut, but no one has ever asked me to apologize for the Sandy Hook Massacre. I'm American, but no one has blamed me, personally, for American gun violence.
Mr. Kristin, some commenters here are insulting to you, and mock your efforts, but I appreciate your attempt not just to show the incompetence and unintended consequences of the travel ban, but to hold up to the light the tendency to hold all Muslims responsible for the crimes of any one Muslim. The travel ban is the logical culmination of such thinking.
I was born in Connecticut, but no one has ever asked me to apologize for the Sandy Hook Massacre. I'm American, but no one has blamed me, personally, for American gun violence.
Mr. Kristin, some commenters here are insulting to you, and mock your efforts, but I appreciate your attempt not just to show the incompetence and unintended consequences of the travel ban, but to hold up to the light the tendency to hold all Muslims responsible for the crimes of any one Muslim. The travel ban is the logical culmination of such thinking.
5
Donald Trump and Stephen Bannon don't have the power (much less the subtlety and agility) to make us safer. But they do have the power to launch a global, existential religious war that will last for centuries and kill many millions of people.
For those who believe we're already in such a war: if that were true, we would already be facing mass terrorist attacks at home every single day.
For those who believe we're already in such a war: if that were true, we would already be facing mass terrorist attacks at home every single day.
3
"Trump took a real problem, inflated it with hysteria, handled it with incompetence and created an unjust policy..." This can describe just about everything coming out of DC these days, overrun with extremists. Self interest extremists. Greed saturated extremists. Republicans. As horrifying as this ban is, it's just bait and switch for them.
3
As the 75th anniversary of FDR's Executive Order 9066 approaches, let us not forget that 2/3 of the Japanese Americans who were incarcerated were American citizens. The racism then is underscoring the racism now.
5
First, I know no matter how trump sugarcoats this it was a raciest ban to single out Muslims. That said, I am in favor of improving the security of the US, however all I have heard is how they are putting in this extreme vetting process. I would love to know what was wrong with the two year long one President Obama had in place and how is trump improving it?
2
I think that America is showing again its best face with all the protests on the street, so no need to apologize. The day that the Arab and the Muslim world will become civilized, where women are not treated worse than animals (which is almost impossible...), able to drive, decide and go to school, not cover their head or face for a man's made religion, then the West in its entirety will be more sympathetic.
4
It's amazing to watch small children curious and playing without thought of color, nation, gender, or environment. We would never want our children to be bullies. It's an affront to our children to have our government rhetoric and propaganda be so toxic that they need to be protected from it. This propaganda will and is filtering down into our schools, and neighborhoods. We are not finding more inspiration to grow together, only to shut down the progress toward equality. These times are like a tidal wave, flooding our thoughts with bitterness. It's up to each of us not to let that happen.
2
I do not think Donald Trump should be our president; his election is and will forever be tarnished due to the roles played by Vladimir Putin and James Comey to influence its outcome. That opinion pales in comparison to the scorn I have for the republican party.
That said, and it must be said whenever writing an opinion to these pages otherwise to be labeled as a racist or worse, President Trump's travel ban appears legal; we'll see if any challenges to it succeed. The ban does not make him a racist. It has him wrongly conflating genuine and well vetted refugees with economic migrants or tourists. The two are different no matter how much some columnists conflate them.
Personally, I believe the Islamic theocracies need to be quarantined from the rest of the civilized world. Their cultures contribute zero value to the rest of us and at best, breeds intolerance of the non conformist or the designated inferior, especially women or other religions. At worst, in the Wahhabist view, non-believers are less than human and, in the judgement of clerics and ideologues, must either submit or be punished. Americans need not welcome people into our midst from those cultures. We neither need nor welcome what Islamic migration has done to Europe.
Americans do not owe the Muslim world an apology for President Trump.
The Muslim world owes the civilized world an apology for Wahhabist doctrine even before one factors in theocratic use of terror as a method of foreign policy.
That said, and it must be said whenever writing an opinion to these pages otherwise to be labeled as a racist or worse, President Trump's travel ban appears legal; we'll see if any challenges to it succeed. The ban does not make him a racist. It has him wrongly conflating genuine and well vetted refugees with economic migrants or tourists. The two are different no matter how much some columnists conflate them.
Personally, I believe the Islamic theocracies need to be quarantined from the rest of the civilized world. Their cultures contribute zero value to the rest of us and at best, breeds intolerance of the non conformist or the designated inferior, especially women or other religions. At worst, in the Wahhabist view, non-believers are less than human and, in the judgement of clerics and ideologues, must either submit or be punished. Americans need not welcome people into our midst from those cultures. We neither need nor welcome what Islamic migration has done to Europe.
Americans do not owe the Muslim world an apology for President Trump.
The Muslim world owes the civilized world an apology for Wahhabist doctrine even before one factors in theocratic use of terror as a method of foreign policy.
7
Humans are pre-programmed to find "otherness" and marginalize, discriminate, reduce the "other" to something lesser, something that can be eliminated.
Civilization is the process that supersedes our programming and makes us better than savages. The planet seems to be moving backwards.
I don't have a solution that increases the overall level of humanity in humanity. But I know for sure that what we are doing in this country, right now, isn't it.
Civilization is the process that supersedes our programming and makes us better than savages. The planet seems to be moving backwards.
I don't have a solution that increases the overall level of humanity in humanity. But I know for sure that what we are doing in this country, right now, isn't it.
2
I often think of those 3000 innocent people at the World Trade Center, their deaths the result of a plot so diabolical that no one was able to predict it. If Mr. Kristof can give us assurance that something like that won't happen again he might have a point.
4
Of course he can't give that assurance. Neither can Trump. A blunderbuss comic opera bit of "reality show" theater to reward his adoring fan base has in fact just made such an event much more likely.
We already vet immigrants rigorously.
The best defense is the moderate Muslim community.
Their defense of our shared values has just been made much more difficult.
We already vet immigrants rigorously.
The best defense is the moderate Muslim community.
Their defense of our shared values has just been made much more difficult.
i often think of the 300,000 killed and the 30,000,000 innocent iraqi's who's country was destroyed and are still suffering from an attack by an american criminal vice president who has gone unpunished and unrepentant! who has caused the death of 4,500 and maiming 32,000 of my fellow american citizens, who squandered $3Trillion of our hard earned tax payer dollars on an illegal war to enrich himself andd his cronies in the oil+defense business!
and by the way not one of the 1.6 Billion muslims voted for any of those hijackers or other terrorists, unlike those that elected cheney and trump!
in fact the approximately 90% of the victims of those radical jihadists are true muslims!
and those radical jihadists have blossomed because of american elected officals actions....so yeah i think you and all americans do owe muslims an apology at the very least!
and by the way not one of the 1.6 Billion muslims voted for any of those hijackers or other terrorists, unlike those that elected cheney and trump!
in fact the approximately 90% of the victims of those radical jihadists are true muslims!
and those radical jihadists have blossomed because of american elected officals actions....so yeah i think you and all americans do owe muslims an apology at the very least!
1
As I recall there were no Christian or Jewish or Buddhist terrorists among the nineteen perpetrators of the 9/11 world trade center attack, only Muslims. The first attempt to blow up the World Trade Center in 1993 killed 6 people and injured 1000 and again seems the terrorists were Muslims. Couple that with attacks on our embassies earlier and I feel it is fully justified to apply extreme vetting procedures.
1
My America has gone terribly astray with the election of Trump and the elevation of people like Stephen Bannon. But we must understand that Trump's ascendance came in a context -- one in which misinformation and outright lies designed to stir up hate and bigotry was served up to millions of working class folks by right-wing talk radio for more than two decades. Rush Limbaugh, who I believe has almost single-handedly breathed his combative and non-compromising persona into the GOP, burst on the scene in 1988 after the Fairness Doctrine (designed to regulate broadcasting) was scrapped by the Reagan Administration. The airwaves belong to the public. They should never be used to spread information harmful to the civic order that is so important for social cohesion. The next Democratic administration should seek to restore sanity by bringing back the Fairness Doctrine which, I am sure, will be strongly opposed by the "rats" who have gotten used to the anarchy.
6
Germany iis about to change it's immigration policy regarding muslims entering their country. For what good it's going to do. Call it extreme vetting but how do you investigate thousands? But for better or worse they are taking the threat seriously and as always don't think it's going to be fair. Like the German people we lacked leadership regarding Jihad. Trump and the people supporting this however is taking a hysterical approach. Typical of how everything is handled today, think global warming, Trump is at full alert when a more rational approach would help. It's called lesdership.
Can I ask what is your reaction to the Crusades? Every college educated person I've ever known was willing to condemn Europeans over it. Did they ever look at any historic maps of the spread of Islam prior to Crusades with continous incursions into Europe? No I'm saying we should get even for things that happened 1000 years ago. Just that most people lack a historical perspective on what we are and how we got here.
Can I ask what is your reaction to the Crusades? Every college educated person I've ever known was willing to condemn Europeans over it. Did they ever look at any historic maps of the spread of Islam prior to Crusades with continous incursions into Europe? No I'm saying we should get even for things that happened 1000 years ago. Just that most people lack a historical perspective on what we are and how we got here.
3
I meant shouldn't get even.
Ah, we support it out of fear? All that carnage scaring us, I suppose. Because all those country banned, taken together, have produce exactly zero terrorist attacks in the US. So sure, that must be it, we were scared into religious intolerance and a violation of the constitution by those zero attacks.
We don't just ask fellow Muslims to condemn the extremists, we ask them to do something about them. So what are we doing about our two-headed presidential threat Bannon-Trump? Racism and greed make ugly bedfellows.
We don't just ask fellow Muslims to condemn the extremists, we ask them to do something about them. So what are we doing about our two-headed presidential threat Bannon-Trump? Racism and greed make ugly bedfellows.
8
I hope President Trump succeeds. I do. Bear with me. I hope Trump increases import taxes. I hope thousands of the most talented immigrants working in Silicon Valley leave the country. I hope the economy stalls, multinational profits dwindle and politics get gridlocked. Why? Because the multinationals and their billionaire owners who created this mess (Koch Brothers, Thiel et al) or looked the other way (Silicon Valley) are the only ones who can fix it now.
They forgot one important history lesson or foolishly thought it didn't apply to them: Noblesse Oblige. People will gladly let elites rule the country, as long as they take reasonably well care of them. But it was/is never enough. Higher profits/income warranted compromising everything else: environment, climate, education, infrastructure, banking rules, you name it. And any means justified the cause: even hate speech and dividing people by religion.
To those I want to say in a few years: YOU pushed it too far, YOU fix it. Now use campaign financing to push responsible politicians instead of useful idiots or anti-government puppets. To Zuckerberg, Brin et al: You know exactly who is in the market for which products, and precisely who wants to hear/read what messages.
Now, tell people what they need to hear instead of what they want to hear. Expose people who need to hear is to inconvenient truths. Do something. Be on the right side of history.
They forgot one important history lesson or foolishly thought it didn't apply to them: Noblesse Oblige. People will gladly let elites rule the country, as long as they take reasonably well care of them. But it was/is never enough. Higher profits/income warranted compromising everything else: environment, climate, education, infrastructure, banking rules, you name it. And any means justified the cause: even hate speech and dividing people by religion.
To those I want to say in a few years: YOU pushed it too far, YOU fix it. Now use campaign financing to push responsible politicians instead of useful idiots or anti-government puppets. To Zuckerberg, Brin et al: You know exactly who is in the market for which products, and precisely who wants to hear/read what messages.
Now, tell people what they need to hear instead of what they want to hear. Expose people who need to hear is to inconvenient truths. Do something. Be on the right side of history.
14
The problem is inflexible, willfully-ignorant orthodoxy and conservatism. It does not matter if it is the Church of Greed, the Church of Misogyny, the Church of Xenophobia or the hyper-Orthodox branches one of the name brand Religions.
People unwilling to be open minded, able to listen to and consider the viewpoints of others, willing to compromise for a mutually agreeable outcome are incompatible with democracy in anything other than a monoculture. It does not matter who, whom or what they bend their knee to as they are inflexible and unwilling to process anything that disagrees with their worldview.
The problem is that our world, our nation and humanity are not monocultures. Tolerance is the price of a peaceful world and peaceful communities and where there is no tolerance there eventually will not be peace.
E pluribus unum is the traditional motto of the United States- not "in God We Trust". Remember the howl over that with President Obama a couple of years back? Yes I know of HJ Res 396 (https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/84/hjres396/text), but E Pluribus Unum dates to the earliest times of our nation.
E pluribus unum - out of many, one. We are many colors, many ethnicities, many faiths or non-beliefs, many social and economic backgrounds, different sexual preferences and gender identities- but we are one people. The only way this experiment works is if we are welcoming and tolerant of all willing to live together in peace.
People unwilling to be open minded, able to listen to and consider the viewpoints of others, willing to compromise for a mutually agreeable outcome are incompatible with democracy in anything other than a monoculture. It does not matter who, whom or what they bend their knee to as they are inflexible and unwilling to process anything that disagrees with their worldview.
The problem is that our world, our nation and humanity are not monocultures. Tolerance is the price of a peaceful world and peaceful communities and where there is no tolerance there eventually will not be peace.
E pluribus unum is the traditional motto of the United States- not "in God We Trust". Remember the howl over that with President Obama a couple of years back? Yes I know of HJ Res 396 (https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/84/hjres396/text), but E Pluribus Unum dates to the earliest times of our nation.
E pluribus unum - out of many, one. We are many colors, many ethnicities, many faiths or non-beliefs, many social and economic backgrounds, different sexual preferences and gender identities- but we are one people. The only way this experiment works is if we are welcoming and tolerant of all willing to live together in peace.
12
There have been few Muslims in my life but as a teacher, there were Muslim students that I did know. Never did any of those students represent anything but the most positive characteristics so vital to our democracy. Respect, courtesy, integrity and willingness to study and work hard were principles that all of these students displayed. And just in passing discussions, whenever negative comments about Muslims were mentioned at any time recently: My response was... How many Muslims have you known? You could predict the answer always..."NONE"
Now we have fed the very bedrock of any terrorist organization by making the "other" into the "enemy". Whenever we do this... we create more enemies. And when we use this word, we are not simply using it as our President has. "Someone who did not vote for me." We are looking at people who have lost hope and have had that hope ripped out from under them. The absolute horror of thoroughly vetted immigrants sent back to where they came from or separated from their family on a plane paid for at their own (or our) expense is a horror that no single person on this planet should ever experience.
We can only hope that some of the future Presidential orders are thought out more carefully and reflect more than campaign rhetoric. We are dealing with the world now... not just a few states that surprised us all in the electoral vote.
Now we have fed the very bedrock of any terrorist organization by making the "other" into the "enemy". Whenever we do this... we create more enemies. And when we use this word, we are not simply using it as our President has. "Someone who did not vote for me." We are looking at people who have lost hope and have had that hope ripped out from under them. The absolute horror of thoroughly vetted immigrants sent back to where they came from or separated from their family on a plane paid for at their own (or our) expense is a horror that no single person on this planet should ever experience.
We can only hope that some of the future Presidential orders are thought out more carefully and reflect more than campaign rhetoric. We are dealing with the world now... not just a few states that surprised us all in the electoral vote.
18
Great summation, NK, and good counsel. We are in a dark place, where the White House is turned into a cookie jar and every extreme faction is accommodated--from war-hawks to medieval Evangelicals to spiteful welfare cutters. Don't let's get all stupid as many did when their purity drove them to reject Hillary Clinton. Let's not expect that Chuck Schumer, much as I admire him, can solve this dilemma constructed for us by the most sophisticated propaganda machine the world has ever seen. The web of support for Trump runs through board rooms, FBI HQ, the Kremlin. and TV and radio studios all over America. To all the backbone and guts we're advised to have, let's add some canny planning and collegial unity.
239
"In effect, Trump took a real problem, inflated it with hysteria, handled it with incompetence and created an unjust policy that targets seven mostly impoverished Muslim countries that haven’t produced a single person involved in a lethal terrorist attack in America since before 9/11."
Trump needed a narrative to get elected. Jobs weren't enough--so let's scapegoat terrorists. Let's do "extreme vetting" which to me, sounds like taking an already competent multiyear vetting process and making it cruel.
In America, a potential felon is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Now an entire religion is excoriated and presumed guilty before doing anything.
When I was growing up and learning US history, I read about injustices that were stains on the democracy we're so proud of. The internment of Japanese after Pearl Harbor. Certain forms of extreme anti-Semitism, a strain of which is going strong within the Bannon-Trump Axis--when Jared Kusher is not in the room, clearly. I always thought to myself, America is good and just, we learn from prejudices, and try to do the right thing.
We fought a world war to stop, among other things, the murder of innocents for their religion.
So now our president launches a war against a major world religion? Note, he never offered condolences for the Quebec murder of Musllims simply praying.
Trump's view of terrorism is highly selective: fine against Islam, unspeakable here.
And not the only thing that's unspeakable.
Trump needed a narrative to get elected. Jobs weren't enough--so let's scapegoat terrorists. Let's do "extreme vetting" which to me, sounds like taking an already competent multiyear vetting process and making it cruel.
In America, a potential felon is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Now an entire religion is excoriated and presumed guilty before doing anything.
When I was growing up and learning US history, I read about injustices that were stains on the democracy we're so proud of. The internment of Japanese after Pearl Harbor. Certain forms of extreme anti-Semitism, a strain of which is going strong within the Bannon-Trump Axis--when Jared Kusher is not in the room, clearly. I always thought to myself, America is good and just, we learn from prejudices, and try to do the right thing.
We fought a world war to stop, among other things, the murder of innocents for their religion.
So now our president launches a war against a major world religion? Note, he never offered condolences for the Quebec murder of Musllims simply praying.
Trump's view of terrorism is highly selective: fine against Islam, unspeakable here.
And not the only thing that's unspeakable.
31
Well said!
The call for "extreme vetting" is simply a smoke screen. These people already go through many interviews, security and background checks by our various intelligence agencies, searches of their social media accounts etc., etc. It takes 18-24 months. What more does the Trump administration think it can do? My guess is that it is all tough talk geared to eventually make permanent bans.
Trump & Co have convinced their fans that this makes them "safer." Some apparently already feel safer, yet they are not protected from home-grown, but radicalized folks or from the small % of the mentally ill who lash out (Newtown, Aurora) or from radicals whose ideology is not ISIS at all (the Uni-bomber, David Koresh, Dylan Root). These groups have perpetrated most of the violence on US soil in recent decades, along with folks from non-banned countries (Saudi, Egypt for 9/11). It is all delusion. It is generated in no small part by xenophobia and a desire to keep "the other," those who are not like "us," out.
The call for "extreme vetting" is simply a smoke screen. These people already go through many interviews, security and background checks by our various intelligence agencies, searches of their social media accounts etc., etc. It takes 18-24 months. What more does the Trump administration think it can do? My guess is that it is all tough talk geared to eventually make permanent bans.
Trump & Co have convinced their fans that this makes them "safer." Some apparently already feel safer, yet they are not protected from home-grown, but radicalized folks or from the small % of the mentally ill who lash out (Newtown, Aurora) or from radicals whose ideology is not ISIS at all (the Uni-bomber, David Koresh, Dylan Root). These groups have perpetrated most of the violence on US soil in recent decades, along with folks from non-banned countries (Saudi, Egypt for 9/11). It is all delusion. It is generated in no small part by xenophobia and a desire to keep "the other," those who are not like "us," out.
28
Anne-Marie, you do realize that 1.4 billion "others" from countries not affected by these temporary travel restrictions are still welcomed with open arms in this country, don't you?
1
Simply stated, Trump is a racist.
His supporters are too.
He got selected, so racist policies will now rule the day.
His supporters are too.
He got selected, so racist policies will now rule the day.
202
Do you really believe that the 46.1% of Americans who voted for Trump are racist? Do you really believe that not a single person who voted for Hillary (48.2%) and Others (5.7%) is racist? Your analysis is no analysis. It is a nonsense.
4
Islam is NOT a race.
Taking control of borders of a country and controlling who comes into our country is NOT racist.
All countries in the world do that.
Taking control of borders of a country and controlling who comes into our country is NOT racist.
All countries in the world do that.
4
Prove it.
1
Trump solves problems which don't exist: Mexican illegals overrunning the country, terrorism from refugees. He's also promised to save the economy after Obama already did it.
419
It is confusing and irresponsible to make statements of extreme divisiness. If you read the EO, it only mentions "countires of concern" , it does not call for a Muslim ban. These countires of concern were named by the Obama Adminstrarion , not by Trump. And where is the distiction made in your opinion piece of immigrants vs. refugees? And could you check your archives for any outrage in 2011 when Obama ban Iraqi refugees for 6 months? With all due respect, a few of us actually read the EO. Perhaps someone has the courage to write accurately about what the president said. Perhaps you could quote American Muslim leaders who support such increased verting. Perhaps you could site the carnage from jihadists here in the USA who are hiding beneath the cloak of Islam to deliver horrific deaths on our soil. We all know the president's motives are to tighten the verting.....something Hillary campaigned on occasionally. No hate written here, just trying to understand the proliferation of hystrical rheotic that is not found in the EO.
Superb, Orange Nightmare.
2
Thank you again, Mr. Kristof.
I suggest the Democrats buy newspaper ads several days a week in swing states where Republican senators will come up for re-election in 2018. The ads should show photographs of various accomplished people being excluded from our country by Mr. Trump, his cheerleader, Mr. Pence and the Republicans in Congress. Perhaps the ads could each have a short bio of one person, including their struggle and time spent in the US vetting process. The NYTimes could run a compendium of the photos each month as a show of what our country has lost and the cruelty of the order. In a few months the compendium would have thousands of photos measuring our policy failure.
It is clear rational argument and facts do not sway some voters. The Dems should appeal to those voters on a visceral level.
My understanding is that half of the people targeted by the ban are children under 14. If true, I suggest "The Ban" be called the US Crusade against children to make sure we are clear who "the Bad Guys" are in this action.
I suggest the Democrats buy newspaper ads several days a week in swing states where Republican senators will come up for re-election in 2018. The ads should show photographs of various accomplished people being excluded from our country by Mr. Trump, his cheerleader, Mr. Pence and the Republicans in Congress. Perhaps the ads could each have a short bio of one person, including their struggle and time spent in the US vetting process. The NYTimes could run a compendium of the photos each month as a show of what our country has lost and the cruelty of the order. In a few months the compendium would have thousands of photos measuring our policy failure.
It is clear rational argument and facts do not sway some voters. The Dems should appeal to those voters on a visceral level.
My understanding is that half of the people targeted by the ban are children under 14. If true, I suggest "The Ban" be called the US Crusade against children to make sure we are clear who "the Bad Guys" are in this action.
154
What a novel way to make a point. A picture is worth a thousand words.
2
2018 is too late, we need to call for immediate recalls of all Republicans who support Trump.
1
An excellent idea! Taking a page from the "profiles in courage" that ran after 9/11.
1
...and let's not let Trumps next spectacle make this yesterday's news. We must be relentless, on all fronts, to challenge the idiocy of Trump's actions!
83
Unfortunately for your state, you will soon be forced to purchase your prayer rug.
1
Hold on! We need to apologize for our extremists. Millions of Americans voted and support Trump. We have millions of extremists not just one.
315
Leaders set the tone -- whether people listen to their better angels, or not. Trump creates racism. In critical moments of his administration, George W. Bush did not. That's because Bush is a paragon of mental stability compared with Trump. Leadership is everything.
3
Right now, I see more danger for Americans in Trump's policies than I would think possible in the Muslim community. He has opened the door to the bigots and racists who did not, before Trump, dare be so public with their behavior. Now they believe it is okay and are making up for lost time.
What I fear is Trump trying to make a registry for Muslims having to sign. If he does, every female in my family will learn to wear the hijab and will sign. We are not Muslims, but believe that we must stand for what America stands for, even if the man in the White House is trying to destroy that.
What I fear is Trump trying to make a registry for Muslims having to sign. If he does, every female in my family will learn to wear the hijab and will sign. We are not Muslims, but believe that we must stand for what America stands for, even if the man in the White House is trying to destroy that.
4
Exactly. People get the leaders they deserve. Democracy in decline.
As ever, Mr. Kristof has reminded us that to honor our democracy and our decency, we need to raise our voices instead of just appreciating our privileges. Lady Liberty has no voice of her own, and Justice only works when we remove OUR blindfolds to keep the scales balanced. I a mortified that so many citizens voted for a leader who is contrary to our national moral ethic. But I am also energized and hopeful because the majority seem to be coming to the frontlines in the battle to save the values our nation purports to represent. A special gratitude to the media who have, whether as a consistent awareness, as in the case of Mr. Kristof, and others who have found their courage, are speaking out for the true moral America.
47
I wonder, did Kristof write a column about Obama's bans on Muslims? No? Must be because it wasn't, and it was EXACTLY the same kind of moratorium in place right now. Oh, wait, that's right, he was your President, and this one, obviously, is not. None of you have any idea the depth of hypocrisy and ignorance you show with every post that agrees that this is a "Muslim" ban, or that this kind of thing is somehow unusual for a President to do, under full Constitutional support.
Do some research.
Do some research.
2
Resonance...This has nothing to do with "whose president" is. I did do my reserch:
http://www.businessinsider.com/big-differences-between-trumps-immigratio...
http://www.businessinsider.com/big-differences-between-trumps-immigratio...
3
There have always been people who resisted. When I lived in LA, I heard about a man whose next door neighbor, a Japanese man, had to go to one of the internment camps. He bought the Japanese man's house, kept it up while his neighbor was gone, and GAVE it back to him when he returned.
Some of us have always been better than the cruel cowards who sometimes come to power. I hope that many of us will rise to the needed decency and courage to resist this time, in the spirit of this anonymous man who knew what was right.
Some of us have always been better than the cruel cowards who sometimes come to power. I hope that many of us will rise to the needed decency and courage to resist this time, in the spirit of this anonymous man who knew what was right.
135
Wow! Where are the internment camps now? Are you ready to buy your neighbor's house and keep it up for him?
Delusional and histrionic much?
Delusional and histrionic much?
3
Thank you for reminding us that President Roosevelt used his power as President to place Japanese-Americans into internment camps. Do you feel Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a 'cruel coward'?
3
I have never met you.
You are of a different religion and from a faraway land, but you are still family. If you go back far enough we are all brothers and sisters, so let me offer an apology as well. You deserve to be treated with respect and as a human being, just like we all deserve to be.
We shall fight this racism, bigotry and hatred hand in hand, you and I.
You are of a different religion and from a faraway land, but you are still family. If you go back far enough we are all brothers and sisters, so let me offer an apology as well. You deserve to be treated with respect and as a human being, just like we all deserve to be.
We shall fight this racism, bigotry and hatred hand in hand, you and I.
193
@Resonance
Just to let you know up front that I have flagged your comment as a personal attack ( so it might disappear )
Having said that, I will deign to give you a response, even though unwarranted vitriol is exactly why my comment seems to resonate.
I am sorry to hear that you have been injured.
I am also sorry to inform you that if you indeed fought for your country in the military or otherwise, then you should know, or at least acknowledge, that you fought for the founding fathers' principles.
Those principles, of course, being that we are all to be treated equally and fairly. ( regardless )
If you have a belief that the previous administration was racist or otherwise, then you are free to offer an opinion and back it up with actual facts or anecdotes.
Please be specific. I will wait.
Just to let you know up front that I have flagged your comment as a personal attack ( so it might disappear )
Having said that, I will deign to give you a response, even though unwarranted vitriol is exactly why my comment seems to resonate.
I am sorry to hear that you have been injured.
I am also sorry to inform you that if you indeed fought for your country in the military or otherwise, then you should know, or at least acknowledge, that you fought for the founding fathers' principles.
Those principles, of course, being that we are all to be treated equally and fairly. ( regardless )
If you have a belief that the previous administration was racist or otherwise, then you are free to offer an opinion and back it up with actual facts or anecdotes.
Please be specific. I will wait.
5
You claim President Trump is not America but sadly, he is. With 49% of those polled agreeing with the order, it is clear who has placed this man in the White House. Yes, many who are going along with this turn toward scapegoating may one day snap out of their self-righteous and cruel delusion, but the fact is that today--right now--half of us are not apologetic for this Executive Order. Trump is doing exactly what he said he would. The responsibility lies with the American voter and my apology to the Muslim community is for them,
97
3 million more Americans voted for Secretary Clinton Kellyann, nothing is going to change that fact.
And that 49% is another lie.
The real percentage is like 29%.
Even some of draft dodger trump's base have hearts.
No brains but apparently some hearts.
And that 49% is another lie.
The real percentage is like 29%.
Even some of draft dodger trump's base have hearts.
No brains but apparently some hearts.
2
What gives you the right to apologize for the actions of anyone but yourself? A vicarious apology ("I apologize for that lot") is not an apology at all, but condemnation at best, sanctimonious self-promotion at worst. If you deplore Trump and his supporters, condemn them, but don't set yourself up as the conscience of the nation uttering a pseudo apology on behalf of your unrepentant political adversaries.
2
Who was it that came-up with this list of failed states for special scrutiny? Oh yeah, the last administration. Who used the exact same order twelve times during their Presidency? Oh yeah, the last guy did.
Your feigned outrage is laughably hollow and without merit. Your veiled disgust for America not so thin.
You may now send your apologies, retroactively, to all the Muslims affected by twelve temporary bans on immigration used by the last President.
Your feigned outrage is laughably hollow and without merit. Your veiled disgust for America not so thin.
You may now send your apologies, retroactively, to all the Muslims affected by twelve temporary bans on immigration used by the last President.
2
When your goal is to control the populace, the easiest
way is to create enemies and instill fear, which is the
goal of the Trump administration. Demonize a group,
whether Jews of Muslims or Mexican busboys, take your
pick. The underlying motif is your life is not good
and it's somebody else's fault. If we just get rid of all
those " others" then life will be good.
Then ask yourself how does that work out?
Meanwhile 30,000 people a year die in US due to gun violence but I don't see any movement to ban Christians.
Or the NRA which is our own homegrown
terrorist organization.
way is to create enemies and instill fear, which is the
goal of the Trump administration. Demonize a group,
whether Jews of Muslims or Mexican busboys, take your
pick. The underlying motif is your life is not good
and it's somebody else's fault. If we just get rid of all
those " others" then life will be good.
Then ask yourself how does that work out?
Meanwhile 30,000 people a year die in US due to gun violence but I don't see any movement to ban Christians.
Or the NRA which is our own homegrown
terrorist organization.
124
Seems to me liberals in this country have been controlling their followers with fear for quite a while now. Have you already forgotten? Seriously? Romney pushing a lady in a wheelchair off a cliff? The Hitler references to Trump? All of it fear mongering of the highest order.
Where was your outrage when the last President did exactly what Trump has done TWELVE TIMES over the course of his tenure?
Yeah, that's what I thought. No real excuse for your hypocrisy other than "Trump's not my President", or "All my friends are saying we're doomed".
Where was your outrage when the last President did exactly what Trump has done TWELVE TIMES over the course of his tenure?
Yeah, that's what I thought. No real excuse for your hypocrisy other than "Trump's not my President", or "All my friends are saying we're doomed".
2
@Resonance
"Where was your outrage when the last President did exactly what Trump has done TWELVE TIMES over the course of his tenure?"
You keep repeating that alternative fact but have provided no substantiation for it.
"Where was your outrage when the last President did exactly what Trump has done TWELVE TIMES over the course of his tenure?"
You keep repeating that alternative fact but have provided no substantiation for it.
5
Wonderful column. My only quibble is with your description of the executive order as "handled with incompetence". Faced with the danger of President Trump and his extremist advisors, I believe we should always assume calculation and intent, unless proven wrong. Don't allow these people (so adept as lies, as we have repeatedly seen) to cover their tracks with the excuse of incompetence. There are good arguments that Trump sows confusion intentionally and the chaotic implementation of orders augments fear and uncertainty. This is a strategy. It's a dangerous one, but I believe that is the point. Trump and his advisors are acting in ways that will provoke violence, at home and abroad, as a means to justify authoritarian measures including severe repression and war. Assuming incompetence or impulsiveness will lead us to tragically underestimate the threat this administration poses to our institutions, laws, values, and way of life.
77
Assuming incompetence or impulsiveness also plays into the hands of propagandists who exploit American anti-intellectualism by pointing fingers at liberal snobbishness.
2
I am a French citizen. I was born in Iran and therefore, I also have an Iranian passport although I never use it. I have a PhD in theoretical physics from Canada (where I lived for a decade) and now live and work in Germany. I am an atheist. Just because I was born in Iran, I am now banned from entering the US. I highly doubt the Trump administration will ever allow my entry to the US even after the temporary ban. I feel in the chaos that this new law created, and in the protests that followed, people like me are never mentioned. People like me, are pure products of globalization. We move often, carrying our life in our luggage. Not having a place to call home isn't easy, so we try to find a home in the world of ideas, in the beliefs we stand for. The founding principles of the United States and what America has always stood for, played an important role in the formation of my ideas. I may not be American, but I have often felt American at heart. This is why this law affected me so much. I view this as one small element in the war between enemies and friends of globalization, I am afraid balanced voices of those who aren't blind to globalization's shortcomings but want to keep and open world and focus their efforts on overcoming those shortcomings are not heard. I live with the fear that tomorrow, the world will not have a place for people like me.
821
F.K.
We who have been born here and call ourselves Americans are feeling displaced too about now. This president does not in any way exemplify who many of us are. It has become very sad in a matter of days.
We can't even begin to wrap our heads around it. We apologize, we really do.
We who have been born here and call ourselves Americans are feeling displaced too about now. This president does not in any way exemplify who many of us are. It has become very sad in a matter of days.
We can't even begin to wrap our heads around it. We apologize, we really do.
136
beautifully stated and a necessary voice in the conversation, thank you for sharing...
44
@FK: You are a "model citizen" of a progressive and humane world, cheers! Globalization is, however, at this stage, more aptly called "neo-liberalism". A true globalization would mean that workers, "blue" and "white" collar alike, would have both the freedom and incentive to travel and work in places like Shanghai, Santiago, Tehran, Lagos, Ho Chi Minh City, Mumbai, etc., not just the usual western capitals of money: New York, London, Paris, Toronto, Barcelona, Hamburg, etc. It would mean a standard of governance across a majority of the planet that creates a welcoming atmosphere for all. The nightmare of Trump and his followers (leaders?) aside, we need our "global elites" to begin putting people first, not profits. Until now, they have used their influence not so much to encourage progressive change but more to insure a supply of cheap labor.
3
How about - we apologize to the world for the president you see in the United States of America.
When I hear about the children of other lands who have been in the midst of medical treatment here, but now cannot continue that treatment, I see Donald Trump as a monster.
When I hear about the children of other lands who have been in the midst of medical treatment here, but now cannot continue that treatment, I see Donald Trump as a monster.
330
How about Mr Kristof apologize to everyone for his part in giving us Trump. He, and the New York Times praised Clinton as the only Democratic candidate and would not listen when we told them, over and over, that Clinton would not win over Trump. Her failure was assured when Wikkileaks published the content of some of those stolen e-mails -- the DNC was using dirty Republican tactics to bury the candidacy of Bernie Sanders. Now you are whining that having a private e-mail server was not a crime, well that wasn't the problem -- the problems were the tactics identified in those e-mails, and the sell out to Wall Street and Big Pharma. Now we are expected to blame Russia. We don't. They took advantage of the NY Times' stupidity in supporting a badly flawed candidate.
2
Who is this god the new president prays to? My God preaches love of all, no exceptions.
53
I think you have answered your own question.
Mine too.
1
So, are you ready to take an unvetted Somali refugee into your home for an indeterminate amount of time? Maybe from Syria or Iraq?
Didn't think so. Stop denouncing others under the guise of piety. It's disgusting. Borders and home protection are referred to in the Bible. Need me to direct you to the scripture?
Didn't think so. Stop denouncing others under the guise of piety. It's disgusting. Borders and home protection are referred to in the Bible. Need me to direct you to the scripture?
3
Kristof seems to already miss President Obama's routine globetrotting "apology tours." Americans have apologized enough over the years for various offenses, real and imagined. Kristof's liberal use of the word "extremism" leaves a bit to be desired, though, since not all extremisms are equal. It was the late, great Senator Barry Goldwater who said that "extremism in defense of liberty is no vice; moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue.” I am thankful that President Trump has pledged to do whatever it takes to protect the liberty of my kith and kin, the "posterity" defined in the Constitution.
20
I think your president should ban men to buy guns so freely in your country if he really wants to protect your family ...
149
Really? Whatever it takes? Would that include nuclear war? Concentration camps?
And when did apologizing for wrong-doing go out of style?
Doing "whatever it takes" to protect us from danger implies a level of amorality that I don't think you really subscribe to -at least I hope not.
And when did apologizing for wrong-doing go out of style?
Doing "whatever it takes" to protect us from danger implies a level of amorality that I don't think you really subscribe to -at least I hope not.
10
Please show me those alleged "apology tour" quotes where Obama apologized for America. You may be surprised to find how elusive they are.
As for protecting your kith and kin, you may not believe us liberals but perhaps you might believe David Petraeus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0SySbexFuk
As for protecting your kith and kin, you may not believe us liberals but perhaps you might believe David Petraeus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0SySbexFuk
5
I apologize for being silent when I should have spoken. No more. No ban; no wall.
192
So, you support what is happening in your own state? Are you a shut-in?
Thank you. We still need you. Do not be silent again. speak up against ALL tyranny. We can. we will, WE MUST.
1
Good for you! Democracy is always better when the spectators get off the bleachers and join the game.
2
"President Trump is not America"
Unfortunately for you, Mr. Kristof, he is.
"My dream is of the day when Jews protest Islamophobia, Muslims denounce the persecution of Christians and Christians stand against anti-Semitism."
You have it wrong, Mr. Kristof. Plenty of Jews denounce Islamophobia, you mention this in your article, and plenty of Christians denounce anti-Semitism. What I am waiting for is for Muslims to denounce anti-Semitism when unfortunately many are the source of anti-Semitism (does that make me Islamophobic? Call me what you want, but facts cannot be changed and a good deal of anti-Semitism in the US and world-wide has its origins in this or that corner of the Muslim world).
Unfortunately for you, Mr. Kristof, he is.
"My dream is of the day when Jews protest Islamophobia, Muslims denounce the persecution of Christians and Christians stand against anti-Semitism."
You have it wrong, Mr. Kristof. Plenty of Jews denounce Islamophobia, you mention this in your article, and plenty of Christians denounce anti-Semitism. What I am waiting for is for Muslims to denounce anti-Semitism when unfortunately many are the source of anti-Semitism (does that make me Islamophobic? Call me what you want, but facts cannot be changed and a good deal of anti-Semitism in the US and world-wide has its origins in this or that corner of the Muslim world).
24
You're evidently not well-versed in history. Anti-Semitism, far from having its origins in "this or that corner of the Muslim world" has been for 2,000 years a particularly Christian phenomenon. Jews have been safer in Islamic countries than in most Christian countries until relatively recently. Ironically, it's only since the establishment of Israel in 1948 that Jews have seen a rapid increase in anti-Semitism, a point that supporters of Zionism might want to take note of.
44
While there are certainly strains of anti-Jewish bigotry in many Muslim communities, it is ridiculous to look for the roots of American anti-Semitism in the Islamic world. Just look at the 19th and 20th century European heritage (and its Christian, medieval, and early modern roots) of anti-Semitism, and the well-documented anti-Semitism in early 20th century America where Muslims were nowhere to be found. Evangelical Christians who today embrace Israel as part of their own bizarre millenarian ideology were, not so long ago, virulently anti-Semitic, like other Christian churches in the not-so-distant past. Of course, it's fair to criticize the rabid anti-Jewish propaganda that comes from certain Muslim outlets, but don't turn it into a scapegoat for our own ignoble Christian heritage of anti-Semitism.
6
To Felipe:
As a professional historian for well over 40 years I would be the first to admit, as Socrates taught us, that we know very little, or as Sir Fergas Millar pointed out in the Journal of Roman Studies some decades ago that those of us who engage in the study of the ancient world "do not know what we are talking about". Fair enough.
That being said, your claim re the Islamic world is legend. The Jews suffered plenty in countries under Islamic rule. I do not give grades to anti-Semites. There was and is Christian anti-Semitism as well Muslim in the past and in the present. And in the present the Muslims have it hands down. And I for one am not willing to remain in dhimmi status in order to maintain your skewered version of history. Jews too are entitled to a state whether this is to the liking of the Muslim world or not.
As a professional historian for well over 40 years I would be the first to admit, as Socrates taught us, that we know very little, or as Sir Fergas Millar pointed out in the Journal of Roman Studies some decades ago that those of us who engage in the study of the ancient world "do not know what we are talking about". Fair enough.
That being said, your claim re the Islamic world is legend. The Jews suffered plenty in countries under Islamic rule. I do not give grades to anti-Semites. There was and is Christian anti-Semitism as well Muslim in the past and in the present. And in the present the Muslims have it hands down. And I for one am not willing to remain in dhimmi status in order to maintain your skewered version of history. Jews too are entitled to a state whether this is to the liking of the Muslim world or not.
2
Noble sentiment and I agree with the principle.
But although Trump is not America, he represents us. And millions of Americans either share his views or a more extreme version of them. And millions more simply don't care enough one way or the other to try to stop them.
It's not just one person. It's a sickness which runs deep and wide.
But although Trump is not America, he represents us. And millions of Americans either share his views or a more extreme version of them. And millions more simply don't care enough one way or the other to try to stop them.
It's not just one person. It's a sickness which runs deep and wide.
61
The white male mainstream media of a certain age is still clinging to the false narrative that the mostly white trump voters were expressing anger about jobs and wage decline (never mind the fact that they continually vote against their interest here). How much more glaring does the proof need to be that trump supporters love trump because they share his racist, hateful and vindictive world outlook? His supporters love this new Muslim ban. They are thrilled that Muslims (and in a recent NPR piece derogatory descriptions of Muslims were used) are being kept out - regardless of whether it's a surgeon or a sick child - so long as Muslims are being banned they are giddy. There is a streak of nasty, mean hate among millions of people in this country embodied by trump that I never knew existed. The cruelty of the trump supporter, disingenuously disguised as "safety concerns" is truly heartbreaking. What has gone so wrong in our culture that hate and spite is the new normal? And if trumpsters really want to keep America safe than they would ban guns in schools and in houses with small children while demanding grip locks on hand guns - as good old American gun owners are who is killing Americans the most.
113
Dana -- I very much agree, especially with your point about guns in our country, a far greater danger than any outside force. I must take exception, however, to an ageist comment -- "the white male mainstream media of a certain age" -- to whom you refer in your first sentence. I have read many an embarrassing piece by the younger white male mainstream media. In this paper alone, e.g., there was Hillary bashing when she ran against Barack Obama, Bernie bashing when he ran against Hillary, and the relentless boomers bashing articles (one is boldly posted on the front page of the digital NY Times as I write this). Nearly all were written by younger and young-middle age white male staffers.
4
How "thrilled" were they when the last President did the same thing, twelve times over? Do you realize that each of the areas covered under this temporary moratorium was identified by the previous administration because they are failed states, and have no centralized government? Did you know that there are also Christians and other faiths affected? Do you even care that "Muslim" isn't a race?
No, of course not. You are safely ensconced in your liberal elitist bubble that gives you a sense that you are on some kind of moral high ground. Bashing our current President and calling him and his supporters racist gives you some sick satisfaction. You are intellectually lazy enough to ignore facts, believe anything you are told that adds a layer to your little bubble, and because you don't actually have to develop your own opinion, safe in knowing that you don't have to defend it, and glad that you don't knowing that you can't.
No, of course not. You are safely ensconced in your liberal elitist bubble that gives you a sense that you are on some kind of moral high ground. Bashing our current President and calling him and his supporters racist gives you some sick satisfaction. You are intellectually lazy enough to ignore facts, believe anything you are told that adds a layer to your little bubble, and because you don't actually have to develop your own opinion, safe in knowing that you don't have to defend it, and glad that you don't knowing that you can't.
2
@Resonance
He did not do the same thing "twelve times over". There was one slowdown of the processing of Iraqi refugees in 2011 as sharper procedures were put into place after two Iraqi refugees in the U.S. were implicated in a terrorist plot.
Likewise, the seven countries in Obama's list refers to a visa waiver program applies to the residents of 38 other foreign countries who would, in fact, require a visa to visit if they have traveled to those countries. It didn't deal with citizens of those countries and didn't bar their travel to the U.S.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2017/jan/30/donald-tr...
"ou are intellectually lazy enough to ignore facts, believe anything you are told that adds a layer to your little bubble, and because you don't actually have to develop your own opinion, safe in knowing that you don't have to defend it, and glad that you don't knowing that you can't."
And now you're just projecting.
He did not do the same thing "twelve times over". There was one slowdown of the processing of Iraqi refugees in 2011 as sharper procedures were put into place after two Iraqi refugees in the U.S. were implicated in a terrorist plot.
Likewise, the seven countries in Obama's list refers to a visa waiver program applies to the residents of 38 other foreign countries who would, in fact, require a visa to visit if they have traveled to those countries. It didn't deal with citizens of those countries and didn't bar their travel to the U.S.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2017/jan/30/donald-tr...
"ou are intellectually lazy enough to ignore facts, believe anything you are told that adds a layer to your little bubble, and because you don't actually have to develop your own opinion, safe in knowing that you don't have to defend it, and glad that you don't knowing that you can't."
And now you're just projecting.
5
When extremism comes directly and forcefully from the White House, it's a sure sign that Americans have lost their way, their moral compass. The president was hailed as a savior last year when he demonized Islam and immigrants, which was an effective broadstroke of ethnic cleansing that played very well to the red heartland and fruited plain.
Let's face it, Muslims worship differently, dress differently and in many cases, look very different from the president's alt-right support base. Their mosques are structures of immense beauty around the world, especially in Andalucia of southern Spain. One has only to visit the Alhambra in Granada to witness the brilliance and creative genius and innovation of Muslim culture. Their scientists and engineers were and are without peer. And yes, their military ferocity, in its day, was fierce and powerful enough to have conquered and ruled Spain for 700 years.
Islam is not a religion to be feared and neither are its worshipers. People of the Muslim faith have much to offer to America and around the world. They fear terrorism as much as we do so let's not assume that they are all evil and wish to destroy "infidels", which is what their radical militants really are.
Let's face it, Muslims worship differently, dress differently and in many cases, look very different from the president's alt-right support base. Their mosques are structures of immense beauty around the world, especially in Andalucia of southern Spain. One has only to visit the Alhambra in Granada to witness the brilliance and creative genius and innovation of Muslim culture. Their scientists and engineers were and are without peer. And yes, their military ferocity, in its day, was fierce and powerful enough to have conquered and ruled Spain for 700 years.
Islam is not a religion to be feared and neither are its worshipers. People of the Muslim faith have much to offer to America and around the world. They fear terrorism as much as we do so let's not assume that they are all evil and wish to destroy "infidels", which is what their radical militants really are.
39
I ask, and not in any snide way, when did Americans have a moral compass? When we fill our prisons with minorities? When we interned Japanese? When we turned away a ship-load of Jewish refugees? When we worked Chinese laborers to death in railroad construction but refused them the right to live in America? When we were oblivious to the nastiness of Joe McCarthy? When we tolerated Jim Crow? And tolerated lynchings? Or when we bought and sold people from Africa? Perhaps there was always another face to America, the public face of patriotism and apple-pie. But behind that face, the reality grew until it finally broke the dam and took over Nov 2016.
4
"In effect, Trump took a real problem, inflated it with hysteria, handled it with incompetence and created an unjust policy that targets seven mostly impoverished Muslim countries that haven’t produced a single person involved in a lethal terrorist attack in America since before 9/11."
Thank you, that captured the whole Trump phenomena and leadership in one sentence.
Thank you, that captured the whole Trump phenomena and leadership in one sentence.
139
No, Mr. Trump is not beheading people, at least not yet. But it is as insulting to Muslims to accept terrorists as representing them as it is insulting to Christians to accept that Trump & Pence have anything to do with Christianity. What would Jesus do? He is at the airports, comforting the rejected Muslims.
182
Well, many of us have just plain given up on Christianity. Period.
Even the Pope is commenting, shaking his head, and figuratively shaking his fist.
Even the Pope is commenting, shaking his head, and figuratively shaking his fist.
18
So much ignorance in one post. It physically hurts those of us who actually know what's going on. I wonder, how did you feel when the last President barred people from these same areas from entering this country TWELVE TIMES during his tenure?
Wait, what? You didn't know? I wonder why that is? When you figure it out, you may well be on a path to learning why this country is fractured so completely.
Wait, what? You didn't know? I wonder why that is? When you figure it out, you may well be on a path to learning why this country is fractured so completely.
2
@Resonance
We didn't know that "fact" because it's an "alternative fact".
We didn't know that "fact" because it's an "alternative fact".
5
Mr. Kristof, what has struck me by its deafening silence since last weekend's Muslim Wall went up on our shores is the protest of the Evangelical Right. You know, those self-righteous "Christians" who bear that ole rugged cross of suffering in the name of their Savior, the very same who, in perhaps His most famous parable, The Good Samaritan, urged us all to succor the stranger, the kicked and beaten, the wounded and helpless. The Other.
The vice-president, for example, has told the world that "I'm a Christian, a Conservative and a Republican in that order." Yet this "Christian" man stood silent as his boss trotted out America's second-most pernicious cancellation of American citizenship since FDR caved in to fear and rounded up patriotic Japanese-Americans after Pearl Harbor.
It continues to amaze me, Mr. Kristof, how people who go out of their way to beat their chests proudly about their faith--the "born again" and those with "a personal relationship with Jesus Christ" inhabit the same swamp that has never been drained of its decidedly un-Christian animosities against people who are (a) not white; (b) not male; (c) not wealthy or (d) all of the above.
Christianity, as seen from the ISIS viewpoint, is rank hypocrisy. This new president and his administration have inscribed, on the frontispiece of the ISIS manual, their blessings and approval, a foreword, if you will, for how to attack America.
"We hate!," shrills Trump, "and we hear you! Wipe out your enemies! We did!"
The vice-president, for example, has told the world that "I'm a Christian, a Conservative and a Republican in that order." Yet this "Christian" man stood silent as his boss trotted out America's second-most pernicious cancellation of American citizenship since FDR caved in to fear and rounded up patriotic Japanese-Americans after Pearl Harbor.
It continues to amaze me, Mr. Kristof, how people who go out of their way to beat their chests proudly about their faith--the "born again" and those with "a personal relationship with Jesus Christ" inhabit the same swamp that has never been drained of its decidedly un-Christian animosities against people who are (a) not white; (b) not male; (c) not wealthy or (d) all of the above.
Christianity, as seen from the ISIS viewpoint, is rank hypocrisy. This new president and his administration have inscribed, on the frontispiece of the ISIS manual, their blessings and approval, a foreword, if you will, for how to attack America.
"We hate!," shrills Trump, "and we hear you! Wipe out your enemies! We did!"
271
How has the Religious Right managed to hijack the term "Christian"? The flout every one of the teachings of Jesus, and they do it proudly and on principle.
34
Hypocracy? Muslims in general are anti-Semitic, and also you say, in the guise of ISIS, that Christianity is rank hypocracy. You should be focusing on the elements of a religion, called Radical Islam, that actively supports global jihad, instead of Christians who don't slaughter people.
2
There has been quite a bit of opposition amongst Christian leadership in America: http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/01/29/christian_leaders_oppo...
We shouldn't fall victim to the same disastrous error Trump supporters make in carefully not noticing the massive public outcry against terrorism by Muslim leaders here and abroad.
We shouldn't fall victim to the same disastrous error Trump supporters make in carefully not noticing the massive public outcry against terrorism by Muslim leaders here and abroad.
3
They are debased, cursed, anathematized forever by God and so can never repent and be forgiven; they are cheats and traitors; defiant and stubborn; they killed the prophets; they are liars who falsify scripture and take bribes; as infidels they are ritually unclean, a foul odor emanating from them – such is the image of the Jew in classical Islam, degraded and malevolent."