Trump is a small man, the bigger problem is the people who support him. If it is the face of real America, then it may be called the "Evil Empire", for Trump has eradicated any moral grounds to stand on. He will be gone, in 4 years, 8 years or less, but his faithful constituents will remain and proliferate, just like the additional corruption he brought to the administration and then, the question will be, then what?
23
If I see what I think is actual racism, I call it what it is. But the hyperbole, the hysteria, the growing need for many to see everything in terms of race and racism, and the double standards (now reversed from the traditional) make it harder and harder to believe it without concrete proof. And I do know people who are so tired of the refrain that they don't believe almost any claim of racism anymore. It is hard not to expect the problem to grow over time as many of our young are being trained to see everything in terms of skin color rather than character and to accept violence if it is on their side. That's a shame, because over my life time, led by the example and the "dream" of MLK, Jr. and others, the opposite had been happening. Ironically, during Obama's terms, when so many predicted a post racial era, the opposite happened. And I do blame the Obamas to some degree. It seemed to me that whenever racially charged events occurred, he would take sides, rush to judgment and encourage feelings of victimization. Michelle too.
Lately, it has gotten worse. It took weeks after Charlottesville for most anyone - even on the right - to realize that Antifa was a fascist group itself, and those voices are still few.
I know where I'm writing and that most people commenting here don't agree. This article is one of many encouraging racial disquiet. None of the above signals support for Trump, who at best is a knucklehead. I blame both parties for the worst choice in our history.
Lately, it has gotten worse. It took weeks after Charlottesville for most anyone - even on the right - to realize that Antifa was a fascist group itself, and those voices are still few.
I know where I'm writing and that most people commenting here don't agree. This article is one of many encouraging racial disquiet. None of the above signals support for Trump, who at best is a knucklehead. I blame both parties for the worst choice in our history.
15
Let me correct you. There is obvious racism and a huge increase in hate groups in the past decade, in part as a backlash against the first black president but also deliberately cultivated by Republicans like Trump (very documented).
I have found young people to be among the most tolerant and open to diversity. In fact, they are also the ones most opposed to Trump and currently to the Republican Party which they rightly regard as intolerant. Their friends and families are diverse. They do not like to see their gay friends or black or Hispanic or Muslim friends and family members facing the open bigotry of Trump world. The demographics are very promising: Millennials, Gen Xers, and Gen Z will look at the world in a much less bigoted way.
I have found young people to be among the most tolerant and open to diversity. In fact, they are also the ones most opposed to Trump and currently to the Republican Party which they rightly regard as intolerant. Their friends and families are diverse. They do not like to see their gay friends or black or Hispanic or Muslim friends and family members facing the open bigotry of Trump world. The demographics are very promising: Millennials, Gen Xers, and Gen Z will look at the world in a much less bigoted way.
17
Well-stated , gemli . You nailed it . Let this be a reminder to all citizens of our beloved nation ; democracy requires citizen participation . Mid-term elections are fast approaching . Research the candidates and vote for responsible , honest and competent people . Don't neglect to vote . Avoid other election disasters like the one we are currently living with .
15
My friend wants to know: Is it really completely unimaginable and impossible that Congress actually and for good grants "legal" amnesty to the children of illegal immigrants who have lived here all their lives and know next to nothing about the country of their parents? Isn't it now that that opportunity will arise?
4
"[B]oot come swiftly down on the necks of women and minorities"? Come on, editors, surely you must see this is going too far.
I doubt there are many, if any, racists who subscribe to The New York Times. My family is as socially liberal and welcoming as it's possible to be.
But we approve of sunsetting Obama's DACA action. Why? Because it was a bald, naked abuse of separation of powers and indefensible arrogation of legislative authority by the executive. The ends (helping deserving young undocumented individuals) to not justify the means (blatantly abusive process) when one is looking at core constitutional principles.
I doubt there are many, if any, racists who subscribe to The New York Times. My family is as socially liberal and welcoming as it's possible to be.
But we approve of sunsetting Obama's DACA action. Why? Because it was a bald, naked abuse of separation of powers and indefensible arrogation of legislative authority by the executive. The ends (helping deserving young undocumented individuals) to not justify the means (blatantly abusive process) when one is looking at core constitutional principles.
14
The man has no core beliefs nor does he grasp policies or the weight of the office. One day it's his wretchedly conservative Attorney General and the Steve Bannons of the world whispering in his ear so, he pronounces the end of DACA. The next day Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer get his ear and all of a sudden don't worry about DACA. Never mind. Then in a few months it will be another conservative siren call in his ear and he'll make a grand pronouncement that he's ending the program. It's all a game. What can I do to get ratings. Such a shame that we have reduced the Oval Office to one step above the lunacy that is North Korea.
17
Yes Trump has a strange sense of the word "love" when he discusses the dreamers. It reminds me of another impotent monarch as displayed in Hamilton who explains that to demonstrate his "love" he might have to kill the colonists' friends and families:
"So don’t throw away this thing we had
Cuz when push comes to shove
I will kill your friends and family to remind you of my love"
Strange man, our president.
"So don’t throw away this thing we had
Cuz when push comes to shove
I will kill your friends and family to remind you of my love"
Strange man, our president.
8
Trump and Sessions are an unacceptable return to mid-20th century racism. It must be stopped.
9
This story is buzzing on the tube and reads the same here. Don't you all will Muller would finish and stop the Trump-machine in its track, hopefully incarcerating most of his family members and then sending the Donald in permeate retirement.
6
this is just going to be every day from Mr Blow and it is getting old. My Facebook is burning up from a few T haters who post all day. It is just as bad as the idiotic Obama haters who used to spread idiocy. This is just starting to become easy money for the CNN, MSNBC and Times media people. Maybe someone should analyze how we got here, I use to drive to Ohio many times a year from my daughters college(2) and wondered what the people in Penn, West Virginia, and Ohio aid and thought. Now I know, now we all know.
5
"....with his entry into politics and his Russia-aided election." i just can't stand this "Russia-aided" assumption. This is an open question, not a forgone conclusion. Charles, you should know better.
5
A man without principles, without character is an empty vessel, ready to be filled with whatever is expedient. Trump is that vessel, constantly seeking nothing more than "deals." His lack of values means he has nothing to use to judge policies or actions. Everything is for sale in Trumpworld; nothing is revered. His is relativism in its most pure form, and millions of God-fearing evangelicals voted for it. A values-free President!
10
You said Trump sought to ban Muslims. That is a lie. A fabrication. He sought to temporarily stop the entrance of people from certain predominantly Muslim countries. He felt we needed a moratorium in order to gain control over admission of potential terrorists.
It is statements like these that are the basis of the fake news accusations against the New York Times.
It is statements like these that are the basis of the fake news accusations against the New York Times.
12
DACA was and is unconstitutional. Obama should not have used an executive order to implement it. By all rights, Congress, and not the President, should put forth and vote on their own plan vis a vis DACA. It should not be up to Trump.
Having said that, I'm angry that so many posters here have a clear disregard for our immigration laws. Plain and simple, the "Dreamers" came into our country illegally and need to leave. Period. It matters not HOW they came to be here. Their continued presence is an insult to the average, law-abiding American. And to anyone who wants to enter our country legally.
Having said that, I'm angry that so many posters here have a clear disregard for our immigration laws. Plain and simple, the "Dreamers" came into our country illegally and need to leave. Period. It matters not HOW they came to be here. Their continued presence is an insult to the average, law-abiding American. And to anyone who wants to enter our country legally.
9
His words are hollow. Everything has a caveat. He wants it both ways. Only actions speak as to who he really is.
4
Trump's suspension of DACA was apparently intended to accomplish several things. First, he can tell his hardcore base that he ordered the termination of DACA. Second, it allows him to tell everyone else that Obama's executive order was shaky so he's letting Congress come up with a sounder solution. Whatever Congress decides on this issue is now their responsibility, not his, unless he decides to overide them with a veto. He can use the threat of a veto to perhaps get money budgeted for his wall, or whatever.
8
trump's apparent base, those whose values he shares, did not elect trump without Putin's assistance. It seems we are getting closer to understanding how exactly trump won--certainly not on his own merit--and how trump may or may not have participated with Putin to achieve the presidency.
trump will certainly be credited with an outstanding ability to create chaos and division, resurrect the white supremacist movement, and dismantle America's leadership role in favor of threats of nuclear war and new status for Putin as diplomat.
Putin couldn't be more pleased in trump the patsy--a man too self-involved to care at all about the rule of law or American democracy.
trump will certainly be credited with an outstanding ability to create chaos and division, resurrect the white supremacist movement, and dismantle America's leadership role in favor of threats of nuclear war and new status for Putin as diplomat.
Putin couldn't be more pleased in trump the patsy--a man too self-involved to care at all about the rule of law or American democracy.
13
Having many Trump supporters among my extended family, I know that the response to one of the assertions you make in this article would be along the following lines: Trump did not end American unity, but rather that was Barack Obama with his focus on race relations and scapegoating of police and white Americans. That's how conservative Americans understood Obama, and it pains me to see the image of a great man and President reduced to that level in their eyes. But that's reality, at least their reality, and I fear that many people are married to this narrative no matter how absurd it sounds - the idea that America "didn't have a problem with racism before Obama was elected" or one of the many misconceptions and outright falsehoods about immigrants, people of color, transgendered individuals or any of the other groups you mention in your article here.
Conservatives have been conditioned by their media and increasingly by right-wing echo chambers online to believe that their values and way of life are under assault, and that the true motive of feminist, immigrant or BLM activists is to tear them down for being white - a slight modification but equally simplistic rendering of "they hate us because of our freedom". To them, this is a fight for survival, which is why the claws seem so ready to come out. It would take careful and truly thoughtful leadership to guide our nation through this disunity, and I fear Trump is all too likely to throw gas - or a nuke - on the fire.
Conservatives have been conditioned by their media and increasingly by right-wing echo chambers online to believe that their values and way of life are under assault, and that the true motive of feminist, immigrant or BLM activists is to tear them down for being white - a slight modification but equally simplistic rendering of "they hate us because of our freedom". To them, this is a fight for survival, which is why the claws seem so ready to come out. It would take careful and truly thoughtful leadership to guide our nation through this disunity, and I fear Trump is all too likely to throw gas - or a nuke - on the fire.
16
While I totally agree that Trump is a racist, I am coming to the conclusion that the only thing that motivates him is a desire for good press. Hence, the latest dealings with Democrats--got good press, let's do more of it! Absolutely nothing is motivated by any underlying values or agenda.
5
Why do I get the feeling, reading Charles Blow's columns, that I'm being summoned to take siders in a race war? He's like Steve Bannon's dark twin.
These columns are all very well for true believers. But what about those of us who want to keep DACA, but don't want open borders? Or who support integration throughout America's schools and workplaces, but think race-based affirmative action has run its course and is no longer justified?
Progressives should be working harder to find common ground across racial lines. The best bet for this is supporting economic policies that share the wealth more effectively and bolster middle class and working class economic security.
That's the way forward! Not identity politics, or endless attempts at racial shaming.
These columns are all very well for true believers. But what about those of us who want to keep DACA, but don't want open borders? Or who support integration throughout America's schools and workplaces, but think race-based affirmative action has run its course and is no longer justified?
Progressives should be working harder to find common ground across racial lines. The best bet for this is supporting economic policies that share the wealth more effectively and bolster middle class and working class economic security.
That's the way forward! Not identity politics, or endless attempts at racial shaming.
17
I've seen Black Lives Matter protestors be extremely derogatory and racist toward African-Americans.
(That is African-Americans who do not agree with their beliefs, like Conservatives and Libertarians.)
We've seen leftists aligned with BLM throw violent protests to prevent:
Homosexual speakers.
Jewish speakers.
Immigrant speakers.
But it is different when the leftists do that. Because they say so?
(That is African-Americans who do not agree with their beliefs, like Conservatives and Libertarians.)
We've seen leftists aligned with BLM throw violent protests to prevent:
Homosexual speakers.
Jewish speakers.
Immigrant speakers.
But it is different when the leftists do that. Because they say so?
5
Philip, the comparison in your comment is not based on fact. Mr. Bannon has given us ample evidence that he is racist, unethical and manipulative. E.g., Breitbart is the home of the alt-right, i.e., neo-Nazis. My goodness! How can you call Bannon and Mr. Blow twins? Blow is honest, decent and principled.
Philip Cafaro wrote:
"Why do I get the feeling, reading Charles Blow's columns, that I'm being summoned to take siders in a race war? He's like Steve Bannon's dark twin."
Philip Cafaro wrote:
"Why do I get the feeling, reading Charles Blow's columns, that I'm being summoned to take siders in a race war? He's like Steve Bannon's dark twin."
7
So this implies that Trump, if alive in 1860, would have fought on the side of the Confederacy, to preserve his plantation, "states rights", and slavery? What about those bone spurs? Oh yeah, he would have had some other Confederate die, to preserve slavery, so that he didn't have to work his own plantation to become rich.
10
I don't think Trump is a racist at heart but he knows many of his base are and he will do what he can to keep them in his camp. Pretty simple to see.
3
Trump is not a racist. Not anymore Charles Blow is.
Trump called racism, white supremacy and white nationalism evil.
Charles is bent out of shape because Trump criticized Black Lives Matter? Ok, but that doesn't make him a racist. Neither does enforcing immigration laws. Nor does banning transgendered from the military.
That is not racism.
There are African-Americans who are not racists who are listed as enemies by Black Lives Matter. I can provide evidence to back that up.
Trump called racism, white supremacy and white nationalism evil.
Charles is bent out of shape because Trump criticized Black Lives Matter? Ok, but that doesn't make him a racist. Neither does enforcing immigration laws. Nor does banning transgendered from the military.
That is not racism.
There are African-Americans who are not racists who are listed as enemies by Black Lives Matter. I can provide evidence to back that up.
3
And since we are calling a thing a thing - the thing here is also that the inner racism of the GOP is being fully show cased. Let us not engage in rhetoric contortionism by simply calling people in the GOP as being anti-immigration. They are bigots. They were bigots. They have always been bigots. Thus the rush to embrace Fox News, Breitbart, the pro-confederacy movement, anti affirmative action policies, repeal of the ACA, embrace of the pro gun lobbies, embrace of the pro-life movement, hatred for all things Muslim and so on.
So it isn't just Trump who is displaying and revealing his inner racism. It is the entire party. Silence in the face of the acts of a thug is more than just being a hapless bystander. It is about being complicit and an abettor.
So it isn't just Trump who is displaying and revealing his inner racism. It is the entire party. Silence in the face of the acts of a thug is more than just being a hapless bystander. It is about being complicit and an abettor.
12
Since when does the DOJ act as spokesperson for the President? Does the DOJ also work according to the whims of the President? Isn't this what Trump falsely accused Obama of doing?
3
“Donald Trump continues to say in every way possible that power and privilege in America is primarily the provenance of people who are white, male, Christian and straight.”
Charles, please do not refer to Trump as a “Christian.” If you must assign a religious affiliation to him let’s be honest and call him what he is: a “fake Christian.” This holds equally true for those fake Christian pastors who surround him with “prayer.”
Trump, his pastor cheerleaders and too many of his core supporters hold to a version of “Christianity” that completely denigrates or ignores the values of Jesus as proclaimed in the Gospel. This makes them fake.
Jesus warned us of these fakes. He said: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matt. 7:15)
What we have in Trump and his pastors are cadres of false prophets. They are ravenous wolves that prey on the weak, vulnerable, and disenfranchised in our society for their own financial gain, political power and pleasure. They are dangerous and they are an embarrassment to those who strive to live as authentic followers of Jesus.
If you do not follow the new commandment to love one another as Jesus has loved us, you are not a real Christian. You are a fake. Its time for these charlatans to be named for what they are.
Charles, please do not refer to Trump as a “Christian.” If you must assign a religious affiliation to him let’s be honest and call him what he is: a “fake Christian.” This holds equally true for those fake Christian pastors who surround him with “prayer.”
Trump, his pastor cheerleaders and too many of his core supporters hold to a version of “Christianity” that completely denigrates or ignores the values of Jesus as proclaimed in the Gospel. This makes them fake.
Jesus warned us of these fakes. He said: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matt. 7:15)
What we have in Trump and his pastors are cadres of false prophets. They are ravenous wolves that prey on the weak, vulnerable, and disenfranchised in our society for their own financial gain, political power and pleasure. They are dangerous and they are an embarrassment to those who strive to live as authentic followers of Jesus.
If you do not follow the new commandment to love one another as Jesus has loved us, you are not a real Christian. You are a fake. Its time for these charlatans to be named for what they are.
15
Charles should not also generalize about white people. That is racism.
And his singling out of males is sexism.
Straight? There are homosexual supporters of Trump that are being attacked by Leftists like Black Lives Matter and Antifa.
And, yes, Christians. No policies of Trump benefit Christians exclusively.
Mexican is not a race. Muslim is not a race. Transgendered is not a race. And straight people can be transgendered.
And his singling out of males is sexism.
Straight? There are homosexual supporters of Trump that are being attacked by Leftists like Black Lives Matter and Antifa.
And, yes, Christians. No policies of Trump benefit Christians exclusively.
Mexican is not a race. Muslim is not a race. Transgendered is not a race. And straight people can be transgendered.
4
Trump is a racist because he has signalled an end to the Unconstitutional DACA amnesty?
Then I am a "racist," too. Proudly so. I 100% support the abolition of amnesties for illegals and support all measures to rid the country of them through legal means.
Then I am a "racist," too. Proudly so. I 100% support the abolition of amnesties for illegals and support all measures to rid the country of them through legal means.
7
How about a mention about the "inner racism" of Hillary and Bill Clinton? Why do they choose to reside in a wealthy mostly white northern suburb of New York City, rather than in an integrated city? Is it because they have a hatred for "people of color"? Nobody will dare question the Clintons about this. Disappointed in Mr. Blow and his failure to acknowledge and publicly write about it.
6
The country has a number of racists and Trump would not have been elected had it not been for them. Since Obama was not white the some white people mostly men have tried to undo his legacy.
Bill Clinton said that the white folks would never allow him to govern should he become President. The whole country called him a racist. Not only did Obama have a hard time with the Congress they are now undoing everything he accomplished without the congress.
So Trump is just a means to achieving these anti Obama objectives and I do not think Trump has any opinions about race, creed etc as long as he his family can milk the office and make money.
Bill Clinton said that the white folks would never allow him to govern should he become President. The whole country called him a racist. Not only did Obama have a hard time with the Congress they are now undoing everything he accomplished without the congress.
So Trump is just a means to achieving these anti Obama objectives and I do not think Trump has any opinions about race, creed etc as long as he his family can milk the office and make money.
3
The racists that helped elect him are now empowered to do so again. They are one solid vote bloc and they will be able to always win over the rest of us, a fractious, divided and dis-united lot...
3
One more thing: White Racism is incredibly incompetent for all it boasts of being superior. The ineptitude of this crew should be an embarrassment - if anything - to anyone professing the "greatness of white people." I shudder when I think of how much worse things could be if they knew how to get things done.
13
How is "defaming Black Lives Matter" in particular a crime? There are plenty of reasons for people of good will to not trust that organization. Start with how many BLM activists have been busted calling in false "White Supremacist" threats against themselves and go on from there. You can fully support racial justice and still be made uncomfortable by what is essentially a marxism based racially intolerant group.
8
Like father like son. His old man discriminated against renting to blacks, and attended a KKK rally. Racism is passed on from generation to generation. It only goes away when the children are exposed to a good education and how others live. Trump has never left that gold plated, sense of entitlement bubble, nor have his kids. And they will pass on their prejudices to their progeny.
14
What's to reveal?
Before he was even a candidate, Donald Trump had to sign multiple consent decrees for his discriminatory housing practices; purchased full-page newspaper ads decrying the treatment of the now proven innocent Central Park wilding suspects; held outdated eugenics-based theories regarding human beings and was the most famous proponent the 'birther' nonsense to get President Obama to show his birth certificate! (Since the election we have learned that his father was arrested after a KKK rally in NYC; and Trump's butler was clearly racist.)
What's been revealed is the Elephant Party will nominate and fight to elect a racist. Hillary was castigated for saying that 'half his support comes from a basket of deplorables...'. That explains 31.5 million votes. What's the excuse for the other half?
Before he was even a candidate, Donald Trump had to sign multiple consent decrees for his discriminatory housing practices; purchased full-page newspaper ads decrying the treatment of the now proven innocent Central Park wilding suspects; held outdated eugenics-based theories regarding human beings and was the most famous proponent the 'birther' nonsense to get President Obama to show his birth certificate! (Since the election we have learned that his father was arrested after a KKK rally in NYC; and Trump's butler was clearly racist.)
What's been revealed is the Elephant Party will nominate and fight to elect a racist. Hillary was castigated for saying that 'half his support comes from a basket of deplorables...'. That explains 31.5 million votes. What's the excuse for the other half?
15
A moment . . . Ha. That's all we seem to do. Wallow all you want.
Wow, you people live in an America I am unfamiliar with, and I live in the heart of what you would undoubtedly deem "redneck country." My county voted 82% for Trump.
And yet I know not one of the racists, closet klansmen, neo-nazis or fascists that you imagine nearly half the electorate to be. Not a one. You know what I do see? On the average, pretty decent people who want nothing more than to live a decent, honest life, be kind to those they encounter, and raise a family.
I will admit that just as you have turned them into unfair stereotypes, they also imagine you to be people that you're undoubtedly thoroughly unfamiliar with. That's what we do, I guess, when we all get to cherry pick our media to suit our personal likes and biases.
Anyhow, thought I'd say hi. Come down and visit flyover country sometime. We're actually rather friendly. Even if you're black, Muslim, Latino, Jewish, gay, or... ok, transgender is still a mind-bend for most, but no one will be mean. Just confused. And even that's changing. Hope to see you soon :0)
And yet I know not one of the racists, closet klansmen, neo-nazis or fascists that you imagine nearly half the electorate to be. Not a one. You know what I do see? On the average, pretty decent people who want nothing more than to live a decent, honest life, be kind to those they encounter, and raise a family.
I will admit that just as you have turned them into unfair stereotypes, they also imagine you to be people that you're undoubtedly thoroughly unfamiliar with. That's what we do, I guess, when we all get to cherry pick our media to suit our personal likes and biases.
Anyhow, thought I'd say hi. Come down and visit flyover country sometime. We're actually rather friendly. Even if you're black, Muslim, Latino, Jewish, gay, or... ok, transgender is still a mind-bend for most, but no one will be mean. Just confused. And even that's changing. Hope to see you soon :0)
29
They are "nice people" because you see yourself as one of them. I am pretty sure if you asked some minorities about those same folks you'd get a different response.
10
If you all WERE racists, closet klansmen, neo-Nazis or fascists, then at least it would be understandable why you'd support Trump. And maybe that's why blue staters assume you all to be such.
If you're regular decent people, who have a social conscience and vote for candidates who will actually support your interests, it's baffling, not just that you voted for Trump, but also and more importantly, that eight months into his tenure, you still don't see him for the miscreant that he is, and continue to support him.
If you're regular decent people, who have a social conscience and vote for candidates who will actually support your interests, it's baffling, not just that you voted for Trump, but also and more importantly, that eight months into his tenure, you still don't see him for the miscreant that he is, and continue to support him.
11
Those of us who paid even casual attention during the 2016 campaign had no doubt that Trump was a hard-core racist and bigot. Trump dispensed with the "dog whistle" and paraded his unvarnished racism with pride (and with snarling vindictiveness for extra measure).
So, like many patriotic Americans, I simply took it for granted that anyone whose campaign rhetoric and stagecraft echoed that of George Wallace (as well as Hitler and Mussolini) would be roundly rejected by the American people, regardless of how much they distrusted (or even despised) Hillary Clinton. There simply was no other rational choice if one was not openly racist and bigoted themselves.
On November 9, 2016, I realized that almost half of American voters were either openly racist - or at best indifferent to Trump's deeply racist core. What should have been a brick wall disqualifier for the presidency (along with Trump's profound ignorance, megalomania, narcissism and misogyny) did not dissuade over 60 million Americans from choosing a flaming bigot for president.
What does that say about We the People? What it says to me (to quote William Faulkner) is that, "The past isn't dead, it isn't even the past yet." Up to forty percent of Americans still yearn for the racial status quo of the 1950s (if not the 1850s).
I refuse to believe that we're not closer now to achieving The Dream that MLK spoke so eloquently of in 1963. But it's now painfully obvious that we're not nearly as close as we thought we were.
So, like many patriotic Americans, I simply took it for granted that anyone whose campaign rhetoric and stagecraft echoed that of George Wallace (as well as Hitler and Mussolini) would be roundly rejected by the American people, regardless of how much they distrusted (or even despised) Hillary Clinton. There simply was no other rational choice if one was not openly racist and bigoted themselves.
On November 9, 2016, I realized that almost half of American voters were either openly racist - or at best indifferent to Trump's deeply racist core. What should have been a brick wall disqualifier for the presidency (along with Trump's profound ignorance, megalomania, narcissism and misogyny) did not dissuade over 60 million Americans from choosing a flaming bigot for president.
What does that say about We the People? What it says to me (to quote William Faulkner) is that, "The past isn't dead, it isn't even the past yet." Up to forty percent of Americans still yearn for the racial status quo of the 1950s (if not the 1850s).
I refuse to believe that we're not closer now to achieving The Dream that MLK spoke so eloquently of in 1963. But it's now painfully obvious that we're not nearly as close as we thought we were.
15
Well said, Dave, thank you--
4
For 400 years this insidious cancer of racism has lurked inside the soul of America. The evils of slavery didn't stop it from spreading, a bloody civil war didn't cure it, Japanese internment couldn't shame it, civil rights legislation was ineffective sending it into remission. Now its back spreading faster than ever, metastasizing every part of America. Trump echoes the voice of his Klan sympathizing father Fred each time he defends neo Nazis, removes protections for rape victims, selects lifelong racist like Jeff Sessions to oppress minorities under the guise of law. In a scant eight months this administration has revealed the ugly truth of our national identity: We own a unapologetic history steeped in bias and unfair treatment of many of its non white citizens. Until we reject the idea that America was any better dealing with bias in the past our future will continue to suffer the wounds of a thousand Trumps.
15
I don't like Trump and I don't like BLM. They're both obnoxious. Neither are good representatives of whom they represent.
4
What exactly have you tried to find out about BLM? It's a group that exists because unarmed african american citizens are dying at the hands of the police at alarming numbers. The police who shoot them have universally gone unpunished.
7
Mr. Blow, I agree with most of your observations. I add one word to the catch -phrase that describes Mr. Trump's narcissistic approach to leadership. He supports White Male Supremacy... He is as sexist, as he is racist. Keep writing...observing, witnessing, describing. Hopefully, America will wake up before it is too late. Donald Trump is Vladimir Putin's puppet. I wonder what Mr. Putin has on him? Do you know the bizarre thing? I don't believe he thought he would actually win. He was looking to make a buck and payoff an old debt of some kind. We must all stay vigilant and RESIST, RESIST, RESIST.
12
I'm not sure, Mr. Blow. As someone who spent a few of his young years in an ex-colony of the once mighty British realm, I know by experience that there are degrees of racism. There is racism of convenience and racism of conviction and racism of fear. All are unarguably detestable: Some are plain stupid while others are calculating, the one eyed jack stocking the blind if you will. I'm just not sure, yet, where the orange clown fits on that sorry scale.
What I am sure about is that we are dealing with a small, petty, vindictive man who to this day rues the fact that a black man of superior intelligence and morality dared to make fun of him. What I am sure about is that, as Carole out west aptly puts it, Trump is a narcissist sociopath gunning for eternal approval who will remain unreliable to all sides, Repubs and Dems.
Is this what the doctor ordered? Some pills taste pretty disgusting, yes? The question is whether some positive may arise from this fool's tenure, if not during it then later, and if so willy-nilly, not because he did anything for anyone other than himself. The point is: Trump is a symptom, centrally of a Republican problem, a symptom of a coalition whose contradictions are turning gangrenous. God can help us, or maybe that's what he had in mind after all.
What I am sure about is that we are dealing with a small, petty, vindictive man who to this day rues the fact that a black man of superior intelligence and morality dared to make fun of him. What I am sure about is that, as Carole out west aptly puts it, Trump is a narcissist sociopath gunning for eternal approval who will remain unreliable to all sides, Repubs and Dems.
Is this what the doctor ordered? Some pills taste pretty disgusting, yes? The question is whether some positive may arise from this fool's tenure, if not during it then later, and if so willy-nilly, not because he did anything for anyone other than himself. The point is: Trump is a symptom, centrally of a Republican problem, a symptom of a coalition whose contradictions are turning gangrenous. God can help us, or maybe that's what he had in mind after all.
12
Charles Blow is writing--or emoting---in response to fear. He is afraid that the day is in sight when he might lose his preferences. The guilt car that he drives is running out of gas and what you hear from him is desperation--he's desperately afraid of a merit-based America.
6
Charles,
You're a very eloquent writer, yet WRT the president of the US you're definitely biased. DJT is changing for the good because of the presidency. He agreed to work with the democratic leaders f the Congress (in spite of the two GOP leaders), so he can provide Harvey, and potentially Irma needy people. This is in contrary to what Michelle Obama said. You always assume that just because President Obama issued an executive order, it was the right thing, and Obama was always on the right side of history. DJT is showing (slowly) a pivoting toward what the American people expecting him to do as a president; The next sever years will prove it right.
You're a very eloquent writer, yet WRT the president of the US you're definitely biased. DJT is changing for the good because of the presidency. He agreed to work with the democratic leaders f the Congress (in spite of the two GOP leaders), so he can provide Harvey, and potentially Irma needy people. This is in contrary to what Michelle Obama said. You always assume that just because President Obama issued an executive order, it was the right thing, and Obama was always on the right side of history. DJT is showing (slowly) a pivoting toward what the American people expecting him to do as a president; The next sever years will prove it right.
2
The many readers who are protesting that racism has always been integral to public life in America are either missing a very obvious point or just taking the opportunity to make a separate point of their own.
It makes a great difference whether the strings of the white male establishment are in the hands of men like Robert Kennedy and Nicholas Katzenbach -- or for that matter Lyndon Johnson -- or those of Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions.
This column is about the nature of Donald Trump, which is nothing if not peculiar. Nobody says he invented racism. The manner and degree in which he embodies it are the point.
It makes a great difference whether the strings of the white male establishment are in the hands of men like Robert Kennedy and Nicholas Katzenbach -- or for that matter Lyndon Johnson -- or those of Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions.
This column is about the nature of Donald Trump, which is nothing if not peculiar. Nobody says he invented racism. The manner and degree in which he embodies it are the point.
13
The GOP must be turned out, starting in Nov. 2018. That is the only solution to the "Trump problem".
9
Not once has Donald Trump forwarded a top secret email -- containing only previously disclosed public information -- to a subordinate only authorized to receive classified email. Hillary Clinton, who received more than 1,000 emails a day, did that as often as twice a month. We're blessed.
20,000+ hours were spent by FBI personnel to discover that Hillary had been, in James Comey's words, "extremely careless". We can be assured, that even if he is racist, neither Donald Trump, not anyone who works in his administration will be "extremely careless" like Hillary Clinton was. Their carelessness in much worse, and as documented in Blow's op ed, also includes racism and cruelty. Aren't we blessed?
20,000+ hours were spent by FBI personnel to discover that Hillary had been, in James Comey's words, "extremely careless". We can be assured, that even if he is racist, neither Donald Trump, not anyone who works in his administration will be "extremely careless" like Hillary Clinton was. Their carelessness in much worse, and as documented in Blow's op ed, also includes racism and cruelty. Aren't we blessed?
3
Mr. Trump doesn't even know how to use email. He gave classified information that put agents' lives at risk directly to the Russian ambassador and foreign minister.
Mr. Trump is the president. Secretary Clinton is, at this point, immaterial.
BigGuy wrote:
"Not once has Donald Trump forwarded a top secret email -- containing only previously disclosed public information -- to a subordinate only authorized to receive classified email. Hillary Clinton, who received more than 1,000 emails a day, did that as often as twice a month. We're blessed.
20,000+ hours were spent by FBI personnel to discover that Hillary had been, in James Comey's words, "extremely careless". We can be assured, that even if he is racist, neither Donald Trump, not anyone who works in his administration will be "extremely careless" like Hillary Clinton was. Their carelessness in much worse, and as documented in Blow's op ed, also includes racism and cruelty. Aren't we blessed?"
Mr. Trump is the president. Secretary Clinton is, at this point, immaterial.
BigGuy wrote:
"Not once has Donald Trump forwarded a top secret email -- containing only previously disclosed public information -- to a subordinate only authorized to receive classified email. Hillary Clinton, who received more than 1,000 emails a day, did that as often as twice a month. We're blessed.
20,000+ hours were spent by FBI personnel to discover that Hillary had been, in James Comey's words, "extremely careless". We can be assured, that even if he is racist, neither Donald Trump, not anyone who works in his administration will be "extremely careless" like Hillary Clinton was. Their carelessness in much worse, and as documented in Blow's op ed, also includes racism and cruelty. Aren't we blessed?"
3
Trump's inner racism( and inner narcissism, inner homophobia, inner misogyny, inner vulgarity to name a few ) were revealed throughout his campaign. Some of us noticed, some didn't and some liked it.
Hopefully now that his ugliness is on full display, the country will make a collective effort to make his presidency as short as possible.
Just look how we deal with floods and hurricanes.
Hopefully now that his ugliness is on full display, the country will make a collective effort to make his presidency as short as possible.
Just look how we deal with floods and hurricanes.
8
Do those doubting or accusing Mr. Blow: don't just listen to Trump, watch what he DOES. He displays his true nature for all to see. Open your eyes.
9
Trump's racism isn't the problem so much.
It would certainly be better if such a powerful man weren't so racist. But everyone has their prejudices.
It's Trump's cruelty that's the problem. People can be prejudiced without being cruel.
Even if Trump were being cruel to be kind, with the DACA people - even if the end of DACA ultimately results in our legislators giving the DACA people a path to legal residency - his action would still be very cruel to them.
Think of the anxiety they now have to live with, the enormous disruption of the lives of 800,000 people. Will they have to go underground like hunted criminals, if they want to stay in the USA? give up their good jobs in order to disappear?
It's so pointless to do this to these people. Pointless cruelty.
It would certainly be better if such a powerful man weren't so racist. But everyone has their prejudices.
It's Trump's cruelty that's the problem. People can be prejudiced without being cruel.
Even if Trump were being cruel to be kind, with the DACA people - even if the end of DACA ultimately results in our legislators giving the DACA people a path to legal residency - his action would still be very cruel to them.
Think of the anxiety they now have to live with, the enormous disruption of the lives of 800,000 people. Will they have to go underground like hunted criminals, if they want to stay in the USA? give up their good jobs in order to disappear?
It's so pointless to do this to these people. Pointless cruelty.
5
I would like to take a moment to say to Mr. Charles Blow, that you have honed your craft as a writer and your writing has hones and shaped you into the eloquent, honorable, erudite man that you are today. It is not flattery to say that you have grown into the articulate, sensitive, beautiful person you are today. Your words make towers of moral beacons shining their lights into the dark recesses of ignorance, hatred and prejudice giving us the elixir of truth to heal these sicknesses of the soul. I've seen you on political discussion shows on television where I see a black man like Barack Obama that makes me proud to be an American and more specifically a white liberal fighting in the cause for social justice and truth in America and the striving to reach our lofty ideals love and equality. Your gleaming intelligence I observe at work in the fashioning of your arguments and the expression your humanity and sensibility gives me hope that we Americans can overcome the forces of darkness.
The contrast between the quality of persons that you and Barack have chosen to become and the venal, inarticulate, fake that Trump had made himself into couldn't be more dramatic. Is really does make me wince with mortification and embarrassment that Trump is our representative of White Americans and the country as a whole. Born on third base and thinking he hit a home run, Trump is decadent and debauched. Thank you Charles for being an inspirational role model.
The contrast between the quality of persons that you and Barack have chosen to become and the venal, inarticulate, fake that Trump had made himself into couldn't be more dramatic. Is really does make me wince with mortification and embarrassment that Trump is our representative of White Americans and the country as a whole. Born on third base and thinking he hit a home run, Trump is decadent and debauched. Thank you Charles for being an inspirational role model.
13
The election of Trump and the general acceptance of his administrations actions (from campus rape to climate change to air and water pollution) reveals a lot about the US.
The significant 'Anti' modern segment o f he US is in the ascendancy and there is not enough resistance to this. What to make of these revealed and exposed racists and backward thinking US citizens? Well, it bodes poorly for all of us.
The significant 'Anti' modern segment o f he US is in the ascendancy and there is not enough resistance to this. What to make of these revealed and exposed racists and backward thinking US citizens? Well, it bodes poorly for all of us.
5
If Trump evicts the Dreamers I have little doubt they would find a haven in Canada. These are exactly the type of immigrant any country would be happy to receive. America lately seems determined to cut off it's nose to spite it's face.
11
There will always be bigots in this world; however, you expect the leader of the nation would not be one of them. "SAD" (as Trump would eloquently tweet).
2
Dislodged psyches effervesce in aligned foam up the sides of the silver spoon's stein. Above, a white beacon draws them, straining each bubble's reach.
From below, the silver spoon's lever is pressed into service. On outcrop sanctified, men's men mightily struggle hand-over-hand on the pole which flies that white crest of the blessed stein.
What of this gargantuan mission can be spoke? From that ether atop the stein, the bubble rally cries "Ours is sacred!" From without the cocoon, the saddened hearts warily call back "What the .."
From below, the silver spoon's lever is pressed into service. On outcrop sanctified, men's men mightily struggle hand-over-hand on the pole which flies that white crest of the blessed stein.
What of this gargantuan mission can be spoke? From that ether atop the stein, the bubble rally cries "Ours is sacred!" From without the cocoon, the saddened hearts warily call back "What the .."
Is inner racism worse than the other kind...I suppose that would be...outer racism? While the piece is competently structured (if typically strident) its title seems gratuitous.
3
It would have been nice if the author provided examples of racism. I know it was just an opinion piece, so it doesn't require evidence or fact checking. But it is just as easy for people to criticize Charles Blow inner racism, too. Too bad he didn't admit to his own.
4
Excellent editorial.
I mention that to be fungible means to be able to be replaced by another identical item of equal value. Money is fungible. Perhaps what was meant was "not fully formed" or "evolving" or "changeable".
I mention that to be fungible means to be able to be replaced by another identical item of equal value. Money is fungible. Perhaps what was meant was "not fully formed" or "evolving" or "changeable".
2
We must also include the damage being done by his appointments, Secretary of Education and Interior, not to mention the others, are doing great harm that will be first and hardest felt by minorities.
11
My only modification would be that this President doesn't reveal, because he doesn't have, an inner anything. Everything is on the outside, all the time. All that has happened, and it is not a small thing, is that a personal failing has achieved leadership of a national failing. It might be good in the long run: the national problem clearly needs a lot more exposure, discussion and work.
4
One of the most memorable lines in James Comey’s testimony was when he was asked (at least implicitly) why we should believe him rather than Trump: “My mother raised me not to say things like this about myself.”
It struck me at that moment: did Trump even have a mother? We know he had a (Klansman) father, but I have never heard him even mention his mother. Was he perhaps an incubator baby?
Mothers have played a crucial role in character formation for a number of recent presidents; obviously, for Clinton and Obama, who grew up without fathers. But both Bush presidents, particularly the elder, also attested to the influence of their mothers. And Jimmy Carter may have also had a Klansman father, but it was his mother who steered him away from the racism of his heritage.
Perhaps we have discovered the explanation for Trump’s lack of character.
It struck me at that moment: did Trump even have a mother? We know he had a (Klansman) father, but I have never heard him even mention his mother. Was he perhaps an incubator baby?
Mothers have played a crucial role in character formation for a number of recent presidents; obviously, for Clinton and Obama, who grew up without fathers. But both Bush presidents, particularly the elder, also attested to the influence of their mothers. And Jimmy Carter may have also had a Klansman father, but it was his mother who steered him away from the racism of his heritage.
Perhaps we have discovered the explanation for Trump’s lack of character.
8
My hope is that with some distance, we will look back at this horrible period and hear applause, not for this deplorable racism, but for our citizens and for our democratic institutions who demonstrated how well we were able to withstand this political "hurricane" by bending towards freedom and justice, not breaking under tyranny or oppression.
6
"Donald Trump continues to say in every way possible that power and privilege in America is primarily the provenance of people who are white, male, Christian and straight, and that all others should be targeted for denial, oppression or removal."
You did not list any example that show preference toward white people.
You did not list any example that show preference toward male people.
You did not list any example that show preference toward Christian people.
You did not list any example that show preference toward straight people.
You did not list any examples of Trump denying, oppressing or removing people on the basis of not being white.
You did not list any example that show preference toward white people.
You did not list any example that show preference toward male people.
You did not list any example that show preference toward Christian people.
You did not list any example that show preference toward straight people.
You did not list any examples of Trump denying, oppressing or removing people on the basis of not being white.
4
During his campaign, Trump repeatedly incited anger against minorities, claiming that white males are not getting a fair share of the benefits of society. He approved his followers shouts against Muslims. This is well known. Blow is not repeating well-known Trump incitements to his followers. If details are needed, Blow could write a month of columns citing evidence or U-Tube videos.
3
The thing is, millions, yes, millions of white Americans voted for this monster well knowing ALL the facts. They were your fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. My adopted parents from grad school days - I call lovingly "Mom and Dad" voted for him. I am left wordless.
9
About 8 million people who voted for Obama also voted for Trump.
5
I don't think it's Trump's racism. I don't think he has the capability to form an opinion or care one way or the other. His actions are based on what suits him at any particular moment. He is a narcissistic sociopath, which means that all this endless analysis of his motives is pointless. Unfortunately, that ignorance and lack of empathy is being manipulated by the real racists, sexists, misogynists, etc., our Republican Congress, whose own interests are based on re-election and money, and not even remotely in the concerns of their constituents. I used to be afraid of what Trump might do, but I relied on my government to keep him on track or better yet, get rid of him. Not any more. I'm scared that are own elected representatives may destroy us in pursuit of their personal goals. Not just worried, downright scared.
16
No. Make no mistake about it. It's racism. And Donald Trump is a racist. Looking at it any other way than for what it is, is only indicative of the denial this country is in when dealing with it.
If you have a government set only on empowering white men, it's racist....PERIOD.
If you have a government set only on empowering white men, it's racist....PERIOD.
5
I am glad you documented your feelings, Mr. Blow. You have highlighted the reality of this White House.
I took a few steps back to understand Trump's administration. I saw that its main goal was to empower only white men, mostly wealthy, on the backs of other white men, mostly under educated and racist. When I say racist, I mean the belief that only they were superior and this should be a 'white' country. To that end the destruction began and continues through appointees, policy and turning back enactments of that Obama guy.
To understand Trump you've only to understand Fred Trump. He's the beacon for the son. He taught him that he was superior and that others were not worthy, only to be used.
Trump was raised to be a little king. He never did anything wrong and he was always brilliant. Now he has a small army of little white racists who fear everyone not them. It doesn't matter that they don't fit into or contribute much to society. Their hatred is their meaning. Trump gives them cover and they reinforce his king like ambitions.
I lived in NYC during the central park 5 era. As has been said, when someone shows you who they are, believe them.
Trump has always blamed and tried to punish based on race. He has tried to exclude and demean based on race.
He has always believed himself smarter, more accomplished than people of color. Now he can be king of those who believe similarly.
I took a few steps back to understand Trump's administration. I saw that its main goal was to empower only white men, mostly wealthy, on the backs of other white men, mostly under educated and racist. When I say racist, I mean the belief that only they were superior and this should be a 'white' country. To that end the destruction began and continues through appointees, policy and turning back enactments of that Obama guy.
To understand Trump you've only to understand Fred Trump. He's the beacon for the son. He taught him that he was superior and that others were not worthy, only to be used.
Trump was raised to be a little king. He never did anything wrong and he was always brilliant. Now he has a small army of little white racists who fear everyone not them. It doesn't matter that they don't fit into or contribute much to society. Their hatred is their meaning. Trump gives them cover and they reinforce his king like ambitions.
I lived in NYC during the central park 5 era. As has been said, when someone shows you who they are, believe them.
Trump has always blamed and tried to punish based on race. He has tried to exclude and demean based on race.
He has always believed himself smarter, more accomplished than people of color. Now he can be king of those who believe similarly.
17
Trump thrives on the failure of people to believe their own eyes and ears.
7
"We are seeing the end of unity and the rise of factions and fascism."
The only proposals for the breakup of the United States I hear are from West Coast states. There's a lot of talk about joining Canada. There's no talk of joining or moving the Mexico.
You want unity? With the next round of talk about a new "New Deal", all proposed laws are to have no mention of race, religion, sex or ethnicity. Deal?
The racist and white supremacist votes? They were good enough for the Democratic Party in order to pass the original New Deal.
The only proposals for the breakup of the United States I hear are from West Coast states. There's a lot of talk about joining Canada. There's no talk of joining or moving the Mexico.
You want unity? With the next round of talk about a new "New Deal", all proposed laws are to have no mention of race, religion, sex or ethnicity. Deal?
The racist and white supremacist votes? They were good enough for the Democratic Party in order to pass the original New Deal.
6
Why was there never a public outcry about his racism before the election. His racism was despicable . But people like Maureen Dowd thought a racist was better than Mrs Clinton. Says a lot about white America.
Very few are totally free of racism yet, me included, but I would never support somebody who celebrates it. Everybody should be ashamed of his or her prejudices. This doesn't mean to be quiet about critical issues. Minorities have issues to quarrel about. But it's also true for majorities.
Trumps racism is mean and cruel and so is the racism of a part of his supporters.
Very few are totally free of racism yet, me included, but I would never support somebody who celebrates it. Everybody should be ashamed of his or her prejudices. This doesn't mean to be quiet about critical issues. Minorities have issues to quarrel about. But it's also true for majorities.
Trumps racism is mean and cruel and so is the racism of a part of his supporters.
9
Which racist policies of Donald Trump's presidency do you stand against?
Can you give an example of a racist comment that Donald Trump has made as president.
You do realize he said:
"Racism is evil, and those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans."
What evidence do you have of his racism?
Can you give an example of a racist comment that Donald Trump has made as president.
You do realize he said:
"Racism is evil, and those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans."
What evidence do you have of his racism?
2
I would like to hope that that more protests and speaking out against Trump will invoke change, but unfortunately, our frustration continues.. If this is "Christian" like behavior, then keep the ignorance and cruelty within the church. I want no part of it. Churches house hypocrites and Trump defines it all.
11
I'll donate a million trump dollars to charity if anyone can provide proof that trump has any redeeming feature.
10
I'll donate 1,000 Trump dollars if you can name one racist policy that Trump has imposed as president.
1
Talk about Mission Impossible!
1
Trumps Obama envy gets in his way in all aspects of his presidency.Trump's inability to get Obama out of his psyche has blinded him and harmed the country.If anybody thinks Trump really cares about The ACA or the Dreamers they should think again.Trump's jealousy of anything Obama has gotten in the way of any kind of logical thinking on Trump's part.
12
Perhaps Trump is wilier than we give him credit. He did slay every establishment GOP candidate. And he shares little with his base, but is a master at parroting their innermost id. He will have to throw them red meat regularly for sure, and we would do well to see that he has to do so. But he does seem to be warming to the two Left Coasts as a way of dragging the petulant GOP along to meet his ends, not theirs.
3
To combat Trump's racist policy ideas, Democratic leaders need to go on information tours, mini TED-type talks which aim to inform and educate the masses. Elizabeth Warren should power-point explain DACA and why Trump's idea is terrible. Bernie Sanders should go on prime-time television and explain in detail the absurdity of building a wall. I saw Paul Ryan just delivered a Town Hall; where are the Dems? Where are the Democratic leaders taking Trump's ideas to task? And not just in shouting matches on the talk shows. Give an organized presentation that aims to debunk Trump's paranoid EO's and draconian, racist ideas. In this Trump era there needs to be organized, relentless, detailed, informed push-back. Not highly edited, going-to-a- commercial break shouting matches on talk shows.
Obama would take his ideas to the people with detailed explanation. Dems need to follow that example. Get out there and fight for truth.
Obama would take his ideas to the people with detailed explanation. Dems need to follow that example. Get out there and fight for truth.
9
They also need to continue to ignore the racist actions of black nationalist groups that empowered men like Micah Johnson to murder as many white people as he could.
Oh, wait. They shouldn't ignore that. They should condemn it.
They should also condemn groups like Antifa that call African-American conservatives derogatory names. And also inflict violence on African-American conservatives.
Oh, wait. They shouldn't ignore that. They should condemn it.
They should also condemn groups like Antifa that call African-American conservatives derogatory names. And also inflict violence on African-American conservatives.
2
Absolutely right on. The way to counter this is to stand up against it every time, vocalize our opposition to racism every time, and put it in action with our votes every election. We must do so at the congressional election coming up!!
6
His 'inner' is showing so much --- I'm pretty sure there's nothing covert or hidden about his feelings.
3
Trump's racism was never hidden (he's almost unique that way in modern politics), so it's imprecise to say it's now being "revealed." But it's certainly a lot more vivid and consequential now that there's actual power behind it.
5
LBJ's lament that ~we have lost the South for a generation~ looks wildly optimistic at this stage of the game. Even a shrewd,arm-twisting pol like him would scarcely recognize the degenerate condition of our political system as it exists today. Racism apparently is paramount, exceeding all other ideologies. Witness the decline of the working classes and their inability to make common cause on a host of issues.
The tribes have spoken, heaven help us when none of us have a choice but to take sides.
The tribes have spoken, heaven help us when none of us have a choice but to take sides.
6
Isn't the 'outer', voiced, reported, obvious racism enough? "Where there's smoke there's fire" and this is no mean 'conflagration'.
1
One must have been pretty blind not to have seen "Trump's inner racism" long before he was elected.
He was a bigoted landlord, violating both the civil rights act of 1964 and a dozen NYS laws; he was a race antagonist and blustery hatemonger with his unsubstantiated - and later proven false - attack on the "Central Park Five"; and his attack on President Obama's background was nothing but racist. He started his campaign with a hateful rant about Mexican.
He is a racist; he always knew he was a racist; we always knew he was a racist.
All we got this week was additional confirmation
He was a bigoted landlord, violating both the civil rights act of 1964 and a dozen NYS laws; he was a race antagonist and blustery hatemonger with his unsubstantiated - and later proven false - attack on the "Central Park Five"; and his attack on President Obama's background was nothing but racist. He started his campaign with a hateful rant about Mexican.
He is a racist; he always knew he was a racist; we always knew he was a racist.
All we got this week was additional confirmation
25
You're right. But unfortunately, it was mostly we, New Yorkers who knew about Trump's notoriously racist past, simply because we saw it close-up for years.
Do you think the rest of the country is finally catching on?
Do you think the rest of the country is finally catching on?
8
You beat me to it. His insistence on the guilt of the Central Park 5 only underscored the racism behind his multiple full-page adverts in back in 1989. Those ads, you may remember, called for re-institution of the death penalty, which, for the record, was re-instituted by Pataki in 1995.
6
I'm a middle aged White professional. I usually read Mr. Blows statements regarding race as bias. He dislikes White people to much to be even mildly objective. However, he does write an opinion column. However, he is correct on Trump and many of his supporters being racist. I would go one step further than the doing away with DACA. The "right" and Trump do away with anything Obama simply because he was Black. That is the major motivation, not just differences of policy. Otherwise why would the White conservative Christian Republican party and Trump do away with something biblical. “Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers." Deuteronomy 24:16
6
In Mr. Blow's defense, I think you're wrong in saying: "He dislikes White people to much to be even mildly objective."
Especially when you offer no proof to justify this claim.
Nevertheless, that does nothing to alter the fact that Donald Trump is a racist.
And there's nothing in the Bible to legitimize that.
Especially when you offer no proof to justify this claim.
Nevertheless, that does nothing to alter the fact that Donald Trump is a racist.
And there's nothing in the Bible to legitimize that.
3
Sorry, Charles, this is about rule of law, not race. We know you've got nothing substantive to discuss when after your proforma cut-and-paste insulting of President Trump (liar, bully misogyinst, et. al. - yawn - you really do need some new material) you move on the insulting the Attorney General, the cabinet officer responsible for enforcing the laws, for actually talking about, well, enforcing the law.
Laws. As in rule of law. You remember. Those things actually passed by Congress then signed by the President. Not some cheesy EO that can be rescinded at will by the next executive. A point made by former President Obama over 20 times before he totally ignored his own points and played to the cheap seats with the DACA proclamation. All President Trump has done is toss the ball back where it belongs if there is to be a permanent solution: Congress.
Well, Charles, if all you've got is a hammer everything looks like a nail. And since all you've got is race it's not surprising you see everything through that prism. Unfortunately, the real world tends to be a bit more complicated.
Laws. As in rule of law. You remember. Those things actually passed by Congress then signed by the President. Not some cheesy EO that can be rescinded at will by the next executive. A point made by former President Obama over 20 times before he totally ignored his own points and played to the cheap seats with the DACA proclamation. All President Trump has done is toss the ball back where it belongs if there is to be a permanent solution: Congress.
Well, Charles, if all you've got is a hammer everything looks like a nail. And since all you've got is race it's not surprising you see everything through that prism. Unfortunately, the real world tends to be a bit more complicated.
19
Hmmm. As I recall, the use of EOs came to be a practice deployed by Obama long after Republicans in congress made clear their determination to act in a wholly and exclusively partisan way. There are practical norms that have traditionally smoothed the path to laws, and with deviations from those norms the fabric of democracy is also eroded. If you knew anything about the rule of law in anglophone societies, other than the mere words, you would have a clearer understanding of how it all works as an ensemble. Balance of powers is what, in a democracy, "the rule of law" actually means. After all, every dictatorship has laws.
33
So many people talk about the "rule of law" as though it is the highest ideal, an objective and immutable justice.
That is not the reality.
If a law hurts people it is immoral.
That is not the reality.
If a law hurts people it is immoral.
8
But what is one to do when the lawmakers refuse to do their jobs and pass needed laws? I saw Obama's creation of DACA as meant to fill the lawmaking vacuum and spur Congress to act. Yet Congress still did nothing. Until we have a Congress willing to do their job with true bipartisanship executive orders, whether good ones or bad ones, are a sometimes useful stopgap or prod. We can only hope that the intentions of the executive are good. Alas, this is where I see Trump falling down. His intentions do not seem to be good.
12
This is an excellent piece of writing. I like the tone and I love the deep analysis of the facts leading to the conclusion. Kudos to you my man.
6
Two things that have huge bearing on Trump's decisions and behavior right now are 1) his hatred for Obama and need to attempt to discredit Obama and all of Obama's accomplishments as president and 2) I fully believe that Bannon has knowledge about Trump that could hurt Trump even more than he hurts himself and is basically blackmailing Trump to get Trump to do his white supremacist bidding. I don't think it's complicated nor particularly strategic.
4
Trump is America. Just the leader she wanted and probably deserved.
1
Leader? Trump can't even answer questions and can only respond by ridiculing those that ask the question. Please. The majority of Americans did not vote for Trump, the electoral college did.
9
On the bright side, here's a photo essay of the recent anti-Racism rally in San Francisco:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8703833@N08/sets/72157685554220781
Everyone who values a decent society needs to remember that each and every one of us is part of the system of checks and balances that acts as a counterforce to those fanning the flames of hatred in the country.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8703833@N08/sets/72157685554220781
Everyone who values a decent society needs to remember that each and every one of us is part of the system of checks and balances that acts as a counterforce to those fanning the flames of hatred in the country.
9
That is good to see.
It was also nice to see Nancy Pelosi apologize for mislabeling a multi-racial conservative group, Patriot Prayer, as being "white supremacist".
The founder, who is not white, had to be rescued by police from a mob of leftist activists who were being violent and hateful toward him.
It was also nice to see Nancy Pelosi apologize for mislabeling a multi-racial conservative group, Patriot Prayer, as being "white supremacist".
The founder, who is not white, had to be rescued by police from a mob of leftist activists who were being violent and hateful toward him.
2
Trump realizes the only way to get anyone to act is to throw the kitchen sink out the window.
Are DACA kids going to be thrown out of this country? Lets be honest, Blow, absolutely not. Trump manages two things when he does this: 1). Gets national attention on an issue 2). gets congress and the public engaged. Further, he's tossed the Republicans under the bus with the debt ceiling. He's is showing he has zero loyalty to any party.
Are DACA kids going to be thrown out of this country? Lets be honest, Blow, absolutely not. Trump manages two things when he does this: 1). Gets national attention on an issue 2). gets congress and the public engaged. Further, he's tossed the Republicans under the bus with the debt ceiling. He's is showing he has zero loyalty to any party.
1
Is having no "loyalty" to any party a bad thing? The most important loyalty, imo, should be to the majority of ordinary, nonelite US citizens who have experienced almost no representation by either party for decades.
4
Donald Trump surely isn't what we want as the leader of the country. His impulsiveness is alarming. But he, along with others, is fighting a worthy fight in one sense: the emphasis on personal responsibility. Too many people in this country look at government for the answers. Government was never, according to the founding father, intended to play so central a role as it presently does. Fundamentally, people need to take care of themselves, pay for themselves and look not to the government for help except in extreme circumstances. America was not built by people who lived on the government dole. And I don't want an America peopled by those who seek to live off the efforts of others.
The DACA is a sad case and I think it will be worked out sympathetically. But if you break it down, the argument is built on a massive illegality that is now being used as a reason for its continuance. If you didn't have 12 million illegals, you would have so many sympathetic DACA stories. I'm not for deporting them, but the argument, on other than an emotional level, is non-existent.
The DACA is a sad case and I think it will be worked out sympathetically. But if you break it down, the argument is built on a massive illegality that is now being used as a reason for its continuance. If you didn't have 12 million illegals, you would have so many sympathetic DACA stories. I'm not for deporting them, but the argument, on other than an emotional level, is non-existent.
2
I'm for Texas. For decades I heard this same argument about how everyone needs to take care of themselves and not look to the federal government for help ... and then Hurricane Harvey hit.
3
Bryan ask Trump´s unpaid contractors who "seeks" and succeeds "to live off the efforts of others". Ask yourself as a taxpayer who took greater advantage of you - people on the pitiful dole or Trump who bankrupted to the tune of hundreds of millions, bailed out by you and me and the banks. He is the leech here.
5
Clearly Trump was wrong in screwing the contractors. That is ugly. My point was larger and more focused on general notion that too many people are on the dole, and there is not enough stigma associated with it to invent them to get off it. And we are rewarding that behavior which weakens the fabric of the country.
By the way, I didn't vote for Trump and I don't like him
By the way, I didn't vote for Trump and I don't like him
"We are witnessing the boot come swiftly down on the necks of women and minorities. We are seeing a program of minority removal — from the free population, from the work force, from the dole (as they see it), from the country itself. We are seeing an uplifting of whiteness to the detriment of non-whiteness. We are seeing the end of unity and the rise of factions and fascism."
What about the Sky falling?
Get a grip Mr. Blow.
What about the Sky falling?
Get a grip Mr. Blow.
16
A County's borders are akin to the walls of your home. If you wouldn't allow s0omeone to enter and live in your home, uninvited, why would you allow someone to enter into the Country uninvited? Because it'll be someone elses problem?
When Obama created DAPA and DACA, he Unconstitutionally circumvented the laws of the Country, because he "couldn't wait" for Congress to act. What is the matter with Trump Constitutionally allowing time for Congress TO act? He's not kicking out the interlopers immediately. He's giving Congress ample time to address any and all changes to the law they deem fit - lawfully. It's called the rule of the law, not of the man.
When Obama created DAPA and DACA, he Unconstitutionally circumvented the laws of the Country, because he "couldn't wait" for Congress to act. What is the matter with Trump Constitutionally allowing time for Congress TO act? He's not kicking out the interlopers immediately. He's giving Congress ample time to address any and all changes to the law they deem fit - lawfully. It's called the rule of the law, not of the man.
12
Horrible subject matter, still the mind couldn't help wandering off to the apt and elegant way Mr Blow has described it. The commentary is right on the dot. Trump is nothing but a Sheriff Arapao on the national scale. He's accentuating racism nationwide in every which hidious way he can. Brazenly and shamelessly. But as with all evil before, his, too, would eventually fail. But before it does, it would leave a lot of ruin in its wake, more than we dare to think now. A Jonestown in the making - on the national level. Victims may pay with their lives, but perpetrators would not stay unharmed or untouched, either They, too, would have no peace internally, and perhaqps eternally also. That's the way history moves forward, with stops and pauses, and yes, often after prowerful jolts and reactionary pushbacks.
3
This is not news to me. Trump is obviously a racist as are his supporters. I had no idea there were so many extreme racist in America -- So Sad!
13
Yes. The party of the tolerant and acceptance stereotyping and defaming anyone who disagrees with them. It wasn't racism that defeated you, it was 8 years of identity politics and political correctness.
11
It's not just Trump's inner racist coming out to play. His legacy is his attempt to erase everything President Obama ever did.
17
He defies and spits in the face of justice and the rule of law the week before by pardoning Joe Arpaio and then tells us he's upholding the law this week by ending DACA. If this isn't racial gaslighting, I don't know what is!
23
Did it ever occur to you, Mr. Blow, that many of those who yell, "Racist!" are themselves, racists?
How touching to read about the early days of your career, when your "opinions weren't fully formed." Well, it's clear that they are firmly ensconced now.
Michelle's quote nothwistanding, the point in growing older doing what we do should leave us wiser than we were. Even Obama had much to learn, and we can leave it to historians, not pundits, nor his wife, to judge his wisdom and growth in office.
It's risky to give advice to a powerful pundit, like you....but I'll say this anyway: Keep your own opinions alive and changing, as the world of politic turns and changes. We do not need more statists, nor more racists.
How touching to read about the early days of your career, when your "opinions weren't fully formed." Well, it's clear that they are firmly ensconced now.
Michelle's quote nothwistanding, the point in growing older doing what we do should leave us wiser than we were. Even Obama had much to learn, and we can leave it to historians, not pundits, nor his wife, to judge his wisdom and growth in office.
It's risky to give advice to a powerful pundit, like you....but I'll say this anyway: Keep your own opinions alive and changing, as the world of politic turns and changes. We do not need more statists, nor more racists.
12
Charles example of racism:
Restricting travel of Muslim nations with radical Islamist threats to the US (not a race).
Enforcing border laws that might make it tough on Mexicans (not a race).
Granting military leaders ban on transgenders serving (not a race).
Trump said racism is evil.
Restricting travel of Muslim nations with radical Islamist threats to the US (not a race).
Enforcing border laws that might make it tough on Mexicans (not a race).
Granting military leaders ban on transgenders serving (not a race).
Trump said racism is evil.
3
Well said. Trump wants to preserve America's white, patriarchal, and fundamentalist Christian rule. He is supported by whites who fear loss of power as they become a minority. His critique of everything Obama, the first Black US President, symbolizes this. Mobilizing the majority of voters will be crucial going forward, since the majority of voters do not stand for such a bigoted, racist vision of the country.
12
Yes, Trump is awful and (one could argue) stupid. Yes, he ran his campaign on hate, and he continues to do it.
Judge the man on his actions. There's plenty of awful right there.
Mr. Blow, don't go judging people by skin color, as when you write "... power and privilege in America is primarily the provenance of people who are white, male, Christian and straight..." That makes the problem worse. What you write there helps Steve Bannon and, by association, Trump, run on hate. With that sentence, you're making victims out of "white" people, and that does not help.
Towards the goal of reducing racism in politics and promoting the worthy goal of the USA as a country of immigrants, a country where we value diversity (as we should, and as we mostly do IMO), don't make racist statements like that. When you do, you look like a professional racist to me, not too different from David Duke and his ilk.
If you want to fight racism, stop expressing racist views.
Judge the man on his actions. There's plenty of awful right there.
Mr. Blow, don't go judging people by skin color, as when you write "... power and privilege in America is primarily the provenance of people who are white, male, Christian and straight..." That makes the problem worse. What you write there helps Steve Bannon and, by association, Trump, run on hate. With that sentence, you're making victims out of "white" people, and that does not help.
Towards the goal of reducing racism in politics and promoting the worthy goal of the USA as a country of immigrants, a country where we value diversity (as we should, and as we mostly do IMO), don't make racist statements like that. When you do, you look like a professional racist to me, not too different from David Duke and his ilk.
If you want to fight racism, stop expressing racist views.
15
do you honestly disagree that "power and privilege in America is primarily the province of people who are white, male, Christian and straight"? 60 years of life experience and reading would indicate that this is fact. racism is more that not simply liking black or Asian or even white people. it's supporting a system that oppresses them because of their color or ethnicity. what system in America oppresses whites?
'
'
2
"what system in America oppresses whites?"
The NFL. African-Americans are 6% of the population, but 70% of the league is African-American.
What do you think about Asian-Americans who lose scholarships to other minorities, non-whites who have poorer grades and credentials?
;)
The NFL. African-Americans are 6% of the population, but 70% of the league is African-American.
What do you think about Asian-Americans who lose scholarships to other minorities, non-whites who have poorer grades and credentials?
;)
1
It's true, the NFL is 70% African-American. Though, when one of those African-American players speaks for himself the 80% White fan base and 99% White ownership castigate and exclude said player.
For what crime? Offending white sensibilities?
;)
For what crime? Offending white sensibilities?
;)
Charles M. Blow needs to read John Nichols' book “Horsemen of the Trumpocalypse: A Field Guide to the Most Dangerous People in America” and write a column on it. Nichols goes on to examine the disastrous cabinet appointees that Trump has made, including Jeff Sessions as Grand Wizard of Justice, and how much destruction they are causing without getting enough attention from the MSM. Keeping the light on Trump (where he wants it) lets the termites chew on the foundation of our democracy in the dark.
11
Notwithstanding all of Mr. Blow's sanctimonious sound and fury re DACA, the persons it purported to protect were, and are, in the United States illegally. No length of time of presence in the United States can launder that unlawfulness. In abolishing DACA, all Mr. Trump has done is enforce legislatively enacted immigration law. Do we still live under the law in the United States? Does the rule of law mean nothing to Mr. Blow? What if the republicans decided to sabotage and selectively enforce the Affordable Care Act the way Mr. Blow wants Trump to continue to sabotage and selectively enforce immigration law? Turnabout would be fair play.
14
"What if the republicans decided to sabotage and selectively enforce the Affordable Care Act the way Mr. Blow wants Trump to continue to sabotage and selectively enforce immigration law? "
You mean they're not?
You mean they're not?
2
Trumps greatest hoax is tricking people into believing a white male, born to wealth, Ivy League educated, earns $billions is somehow treated unfairly.
A sucker is born every minute and Trump seems to have cornered the market.
A sucker is born every minute and Trump seems to have cornered the market.
19
Trump is hate incarnate. Of that, there is little doubt. But this is not news.
Our focus should be in the cowardly Republicans in Congress who are complicit in the downfall of our democracy through their silence. They are also appropriate targets of our ire.
Our focus should be in the cowardly Republicans in Congress who are complicit in the downfall of our democracy through their silence. They are also appropriate targets of our ire.
18
If racism is the pervasive and enduring American Dilemma, fear and ignorance are the requisite conditions under which it thrives, and denial is among its primary symptoms. Anyone acquainted with the social history of the United States will find Donald Trump’s claims of his “great love” for the Dreamers or “tremendous support” in the African-American community difficult to summarily dismiss. Much more than the vapid boasting of a vain, profane, and deeply deluded man who is consumed by his striving for some illusory sense of “status,” Trump’s sentiments, in many respects, also recall the hubris—or “fatal self-deception”—of a plantation society, where, time and again, paternalistic masters professed “astonishment” at the “ingratitude” and “insolence” of unwilling slaves who “repaid” their owners’ ostensible “kindnesses” by running away, when afforded the opportunity, or by resorting to open rebellion. For Trump and many of his followers, as Mr. Blow suggests, this sadly resilient historical refrain is again proving its potency and appeal—albeit, this time, with a newly sinister, and personally spiteful, twist. As Ta-Nehisi Coates put it, in the subtitle to his essay “The First White President,” published in the current issue of The Atlantic: “The foundation of Donald Trump’s presidency” is now patently plain. It is nothing less than to whitewash the past via the “negation of Barack Obama.”
5
Charles, we fervently agree with your eloquently expressed and passionate feelings on Trump. But your columns are getting to be 'personal indulgences' week after month. We need more. What are some explicit, positive policy moves to contradict Trump damage on all these issues?
How adding this to future columns?:
1/3 recapping the Trump craziness and all the harm he’s doing to the country.
1/3 tracing the steps of how our politics allowed an authoritarian liar to take power, and rw radicals to dominate our 3 branches.
1/3 on what the Democrats must do to beat Trump, no matter if his base regrets its choice or not. And it’s NOT just raising more money from big donors.
Responding to Tsar Trump’s continual insults to our democracy may give columnists and readers some group catharsis of hostile feelings. But media in a democracy owes us more.
We need positive, concrete policy proposals to push our politicians. They are not obvious to all, and much of the public is confused and needs clarification.
This would push Democrats better than just more Trump bashing. As Dems raise big money from the rich, they will water down their promises to We the People. We'll get schizophrenic, hypocritical politics. This is what Charles Blow’s passionate eloquence should counteract.
Just better than Trump is not enough.
How adding this to future columns?:
1/3 recapping the Trump craziness and all the harm he’s doing to the country.
1/3 tracing the steps of how our politics allowed an authoritarian liar to take power, and rw radicals to dominate our 3 branches.
1/3 on what the Democrats must do to beat Trump, no matter if his base regrets its choice or not. And it’s NOT just raising more money from big donors.
Responding to Tsar Trump’s continual insults to our democracy may give columnists and readers some group catharsis of hostile feelings. But media in a democracy owes us more.
We need positive, concrete policy proposals to push our politicians. They are not obvious to all, and much of the public is confused and needs clarification.
This would push Democrats better than just more Trump bashing. As Dems raise big money from the rich, they will water down their promises to We the People. We'll get schizophrenic, hypocritical politics. This is what Charles Blow’s passionate eloquence should counteract.
Just better than Trump is not enough.
3
Trump revealed the racist he is during the primary and National campaigns. None of his actions come as a surprise to me. He has told us all along who he is.
Some people are just having a hard time believing it. There is nothing "inner" about Trump. His words and his tweets say it all.
Some people are just having a hard time believing it. There is nothing "inner" about Trump. His words and his tweets say it all.
6
Sorry. Trump revealed he was a racist long before that -- it's just that everyone else is finally catching on.
4
If racism is the pervasive and enduring American Dilemma, fear and ignorance are the requisite conditions under which it thrives, and denial is among its primary symptoms. Anyone acquainted with the social history of the United States will find Donald Trump’s claims of his “great love” for the Dreamers or “tremendous support” in the African-American community difficult to summarily dismiss. Much more than the vapid boasting of a vain, profane, and deeply deluded man who is consumed by his striving for some illusory sense of status, Trump’s sentiments, in many respects, also recall the hubris—or “fatal self-deception”—of a plantation society, where, time and again, paternalistic masters professed “astonishment” at the “ingratitude” and “insolence” of unwilling slaves who “repaid” their owners’ ostensible “kindnesses” by running away, when afforded the opportunity, or by resorting to open rebellion. For Trump and many of his followers, as Mr. Blow suggests, this sadly resilient historical refrain is again proving its potency and appeal—albeit, this time, with a newly sinister, and personally spiteful, twist. As Ta-Nehisi Coates put it, in the subtitle to his essay “The First White President,” published in the current issue of The Atlantic: “The foundation of Donald Trump’s presidency” is now patently plain. It is nothing less than to validate himself via the “negation of Barack Obama.”
1
I read the essay in The Atlantic on Trump The First White President. Telling that Trump loves that tweet so much of him eclipsing Obama that he retweeted it...again!
It's America's Inner Racist driving him. After all it was Ken Paxton, Indicted AG from Texas that, with 8 others AG's, gave the 9/5 ultimatum. Trump blinked and caved and couldn't really stomach it, so Sessions gleefully wielded axe. So there, America, Trump's teeny base waging the country. And now new acronym for struggling young immigrants-DACA - to Deliver Astronomical Cruelty with extreme Apathy.
1
The President is a glaring symptom of an American disease. That he is racist there is no doubt, but he was a racist long before he came into the White House. He was elected because many saw something in him. Maybe it was his showmanship, or his promises to be all things to all people, or to fix Washington. It may have been because he was so outrageous, or lied so easily, or reflected the values of the people who voted for him. The longer he is in office, the more obvious it becomes how deep the divide was all along, and how terrifying the racism, because racism kills and hurts people. And too many people in our government carry this secret in their hearts, and this is a secret that is coming into the light of day. This is the one positive thing about the all of the harm that our President does in his quest to quash Obama's legacy. Finally, those who were once apathetic are taking notice now. When the shadows grow deeper, the harsher the light shines.
3
For my whole life being a liberal included two important ideas: 1) political policy can be debated, and the best ideas should win; and 2) all political policy should have a moral foundation. It seems to me we now live in a world where both these principles are obsolete. Sad as it may be, Mr. Blow is correct in his claim that it is a “plain and obvious truth” that “white racism is ascendant.”
Liberals need to stop complaining about Trump's hypocrisy when it comes to policy. You can’t be intellectually hypocritical if your policies are not based on coherent ideas. Furthermore, we can’t seriously expect this president to base policy on morality; he has shown himself over and over again to be an amoral person. There is only one serious debate - and it ain't about policy - that the Trump White House ever appears to have with itself: do we have the power to get what we want; if not, how do we get it? The game is obvious: Trump, his administration and core supporters want brown people out of the country and all other minorities repressed. This is the only way to understand Trump’s “policy” decisions. And it is a perfectly logical approach if you are ideologically sympathetic with the mantra of white supremacy – that white Christians are in an existential war with all non-white Christians.
If we as liberals don't understand it’s all about race at this point then we are being either willfully or unintentionally ignorant, two things we constantly accuse Trump supporters of being.
Liberals need to stop complaining about Trump's hypocrisy when it comes to policy. You can’t be intellectually hypocritical if your policies are not based on coherent ideas. Furthermore, we can’t seriously expect this president to base policy on morality; he has shown himself over and over again to be an amoral person. There is only one serious debate - and it ain't about policy - that the Trump White House ever appears to have with itself: do we have the power to get what we want; if not, how do we get it? The game is obvious: Trump, his administration and core supporters want brown people out of the country and all other minorities repressed. This is the only way to understand Trump’s “policy” decisions. And it is a perfectly logical approach if you are ideologically sympathetic with the mantra of white supremacy – that white Christians are in an existential war with all non-white Christians.
If we as liberals don't understand it’s all about race at this point then we are being either willfully or unintentionally ignorant, two things we constantly accuse Trump supporters of being.
4
Time just travels too fast. This story is only partly true now.
Trump seems to respect billionaires, generals and successful dictators. Maybe beautiful women, and probably famous athletes or entertainers. He is condescending to the rest of the world. Trump may or may not personally be racist, but that seems a simple accusation, and a distracting one. A focus on trying to influence specific policy decisions from a fickle mind is more likely to have an impact than shouting 'racist'.
2
We should never forget this country was built on the twin pillars of slavery and genocide. Trump is merely the most current and visible manifestation of this terrible legacy.
4
I am worried by the emotional tone of this article and the accompanying comments. Blow has no problem calling President Trump a "liar, bully, misogynist, opportunist and economic isolationist." Although I am not a supporter of Donald Trump, I'd like to point out that Bill Clinton lied to the American public, that Nixon lied about bombing Cambodia, that FDR lied about the severity of his polio and had a rather cozy relationship with Stalin, and Bush lied about the WMDs. There are also examples throughout history of Kennedy's misogyny, and Teddy Roosevelt's bullying of other politicians. Woodrow Wilson sought to roll back certain advantages given to blacks in his district. My point is that the words that the inflammatory rhetoric that Blow has adopted does no more than preach to a certain choir. We get it: you don't like Trump. However, could you explain why we should allow the beneficiaries of DACA to stay in the country? With sources? After all, laws change. When laws change, people are often slighted. What are the reasons that DACA should not be rolled back? A level-headed explanation of why Trump is making a mistake would have been instructive and, possibly, more helpful to those affected.
11
Many Americans beyond Trump's rabid base take their marching orders from the likes of Sean Hannity and other right-wing pundits. No matter what offensive move Trump makes, these pundits have a way of rationalizing, attaching his actions to the Constitution, and characterizing any adverse reaction as "hysterical." In order to counter this political play, Dems need to come up with a better game plan. Although Trump's moves can be described as bigoted and racists (and they are), that name-calling does not offer counter-legislation to his draconian moves. Each time Trump makes a drastic move to build a wall or dismantle DACA or ban transgenders, level-headed Dems need to be there to soberly break down how economically STUPID and ILLOGICAL these ideas are...we know they are bigoted and racist...but the right wing base is defeated when the stupidity is explicitly described in easy to understand detail. The irrational right needs to be attacked point by point avoiding extreme name-calling that sometimes smothers dialogue. Trump wins when he and his soldiers (think Hannity and Tucker Carlson) bury the dialogue in so-called "hysterical" reactions. It's hard not to explode in anger with these moves, but that may smother counter-plans to stop Trump's absurd and offensive ideas.
4
Thankfully, Trump is too inept a politician to accomplish his tribal goals. But what's clear (and scary) is that Trump is proof that a person who drives the same wedges of hate and fear that Trump has done, AND has the political skills to win the hearts and minds of a majority of Americans ... that person will be truly dangerous.
1
Trump's apologists only serve to reinforce the theses in essays like this.
1
As it stands DACA is nothing more than a permanent deferment plan which in effect is an amnesty program instituted by executive order as opposed to legislative action as required under our three branch system of government.
The fact that one may like the ends that results from DACA does not justify its means. If we allow a President to usurp the legislature when we like the "law" that he/she imposes we risk the reverse when the other party takes control and issues "laws" by executive order which we may not agree with.
If amnesty is what we seek then we need the Congress and not the President to issue such a law. If Congress cannot come to such an agreement then we need to change Congress through the electoral process. If we cannot change Congress through the electoral process then we are stuck with the laws that we have and under our system we must obey them.
The fact that one may like the ends that results from DACA does not justify its means. If we allow a President to usurp the legislature when we like the "law" that he/she imposes we risk the reverse when the other party takes control and issues "laws" by executive order which we may not agree with.
If amnesty is what we seek then we need the Congress and not the President to issue such a law. If Congress cannot come to such an agreement then we need to change Congress through the electoral process. If we cannot change Congress through the electoral process then we are stuck with the laws that we have and under our system we must obey them.
5
The Civil War and 150 years of legislation and court decisions have done little to change social attitudes of many European Americans toward African Americans.
The North during the Civil War was not supportive of emancipation and certainly not of equality. Lincoln employed emancipation as a weapon of war, not a manifesto of civil rights for African slaves.
The antebellum social attitudes of European Americans throughout much of the nation toward African slaves was not changed by emancipation. Polls show that those attitudes are very much alive in European Americans today, and those polls are biased by the depth of privately-held feelings of racial superiority.
What will change the attitudes of European Americans? A great deal more time, and the birth of new generations. White parents may no longer teach their children the English nursery rhyme "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe," but that does not make the parents social liberals.
The North during the Civil War was not supportive of emancipation and certainly not of equality. Lincoln employed emancipation as a weapon of war, not a manifesto of civil rights for African slaves.
The antebellum social attitudes of European Americans throughout much of the nation toward African slaves was not changed by emancipation. Polls show that those attitudes are very much alive in European Americans today, and those polls are biased by the depth of privately-held feelings of racial superiority.
What will change the attitudes of European Americans? A great deal more time, and the birth of new generations. White parents may no longer teach their children the English nursery rhyme "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe," but that does not make the parents social liberals.
1
Back in March 2016, Mr. Blow, you wrote: "We have learned just how much ugliness exists in this country, and what it looks like when it finds a voice, a leader and a reason to gather and unite."
This is probably the most succinct statement I have ever read on the predicament our country finds itself in. That's why I still remembered it and went searching for it to repeat here, today.
In other words, I think you have cause and effect backwards in today's column. Trump shoots fish in a barrel. He does not put the fish in the barrel. Someone else hands him the gun. He has no vision, no competence, no heart, no soul. He has only ego. Whoever feeds the ego gets their way. The reason he ended DACA is because Jeff Sessions wanted to end DACA. JS fed Trump's ego and Trump let him do what he wanted to do. The decision on DACA is revealing just how much hate and racism can exist in such a small, smirky, little man and just how much racism and hatred lay hidden in the hearts of Alabaman's who repeatedly voted for Sessions, in the name of 'conservatism'. The real problem is that citizens of Alabama are not embarrassed by Jeff Session, surprised by his racism or his adherence to the rule of law even when it requires heartlessness. They are proud of Sessions and they are proud of their support for Trump. They are proud to call themselves conservatives.
Trump just gave all the ugliness in this country a voice and permission to be proud.
This is probably the most succinct statement I have ever read on the predicament our country finds itself in. That's why I still remembered it and went searching for it to repeat here, today.
In other words, I think you have cause and effect backwards in today's column. Trump shoots fish in a barrel. He does not put the fish in the barrel. Someone else hands him the gun. He has no vision, no competence, no heart, no soul. He has only ego. Whoever feeds the ego gets their way. The reason he ended DACA is because Jeff Sessions wanted to end DACA. JS fed Trump's ego and Trump let him do what he wanted to do. The decision on DACA is revealing just how much hate and racism can exist in such a small, smirky, little man and just how much racism and hatred lay hidden in the hearts of Alabaman's who repeatedly voted for Sessions, in the name of 'conservatism'. The real problem is that citizens of Alabama are not embarrassed by Jeff Session, surprised by his racism or his adherence to the rule of law even when it requires heartlessness. They are proud of Sessions and they are proud of their support for Trump. They are proud to call themselves conservatives.
Trump just gave all the ugliness in this country a voice and permission to be proud.
5
People complain that he's been demonized but when all his attitudes and actions are summarized like this, the only reasonable conclusion is that he deserves every ounce of vitriol and contempt directed at him
3
Could be the high watermark for whiteness. I can't wait to watch the next veer to the left and the "new and improved" immigration reforms that accompany THAT.
This is an excellent piece, a solid roundup and analysis of evidence as opposed to impassioned venting about the outrage of having Trump as president (which is always in season, I grant).
As for Trump's preference for those who are "white, male, Christian, and straight", I would just comment that the "Christian" part matters to him only as an element of his social identity. He has famously said that he doesn't "bring God into" any thoughts he may have about personal guilt. Atheists should find him a kindred spirit. But, yes, the line between Christian and non-Christian surely matters to him as the perimeter of his interest group and the boundary of his comfort zone.
As for Trump's preference for those who are "white, male, Christian, and straight", I would just comment that the "Christian" part matters to him only as an element of his social identity. He has famously said that he doesn't "bring God into" any thoughts he may have about personal guilt. Atheists should find him a kindred spirit. But, yes, the line between Christian and non-Christian surely matters to him as the perimeter of his interest group and the boundary of his comfort zone.
1
I think that DT is onto something, and he is leaving his Republican brethren in congress the dust. Trump has figured out that White Republicans, who make up most of the Republican party, don't care about the budget, they don't care about Obama care, they don't care about police brutality, they don't care about Russia, and heck, they don't even care about the "promise of America", except as it relates to White folk specifically. They care about White men on top, and "getting" the minorities any way they can.
Earlier this week, I thought it was rather quaint, Paul Ryan and the Republican "leaders" in the congress, gearing up for their annual hand wringing budget battle.." will the government shut down?" Ha Ha....left in the dust, see what I mean?
Trump has the ball and he's running for daylight...or towards the darkness, whatever, he is moving the ball forward or backward, I don't know, depends on your perspective I guess.
So strap your helmet on and grit your teeth. The country is in for a long, now thankfully,overtly hateful campaign by the President and his men, playing to his base's basest fears, and we're all along for the ride. This is America, formerly hidden, racist, hateful, the Brown, Black, Yellow world are all, for the most part, America's adversaries. Why? This country, my country has been killing, bombing, starving them the world over for decades. Did anyone ever expect it to be different here..at home??
Trump is making his move, watch him run.
Earlier this week, I thought it was rather quaint, Paul Ryan and the Republican "leaders" in the congress, gearing up for their annual hand wringing budget battle.." will the government shut down?" Ha Ha....left in the dust, see what I mean?
Trump has the ball and he's running for daylight...or towards the darkness, whatever, he is moving the ball forward or backward, I don't know, depends on your perspective I guess.
So strap your helmet on and grit your teeth. The country is in for a long, now thankfully,overtly hateful campaign by the President and his men, playing to his base's basest fears, and we're all along for the ride. This is America, formerly hidden, racist, hateful, the Brown, Black, Yellow world are all, for the most part, America's adversaries. Why? This country, my country has been killing, bombing, starving them the world over for decades. Did anyone ever expect it to be different here..at home??
Trump is making his move, watch him run.
3
Please tell us how the US has been "starving them the world over for decades". Please explain exactly how, and in what way the US is starving the rest of the world. And explain why it should be the responsibility of one country - the US - to feed the entire planet. Beyond that, I really think you should leave the US since you clearly hate a large percentage of its population. Why are you still here?
3
That we have a 'racist' president is beyond any doubt; what remains a question mark is what are those decent enough to recognize this outrage going to do about it. We have a vulgar bully (a coward in disguise) intent in destroying our rich diversity, and our powerful strength when inclusive, with the purpose of sowing fear, hate and division, conveniently forgetting he should past his despicable candidate mode, and that the presidency implies representing all comers...and not exclusively his base of misinformed, and prejudiced, folks doing his awful bidding. Trump is a dedicated and 'faithful' liar, who considers his inalienable right to deceive and cheat at will, interchanging facts with fiction at his convenience, accepting facts only when convenient to his ego, converting facts into 'fake news' when his lack of scruples and the doubling- down on cruelty are exposed.
4
Charles Blow is as most often on point.
Trump is a prolific liar, and an embarrassment to statesmanship and the USA. He didn't invent racism, he didn't. But my word he's reviving its ugliness and creating greater divisions among disparate peoples. He is an awful human being, and an awful President.
The 30-40% of citizens who follow him ardently will eventually realize that he is fake, facile, and flawed beyond repair. He's a snake oil salesman selling old racism in new bottles. A worthless commodity that only harms lives and communities.
Trump is a prolific liar, and an embarrassment to statesmanship and the USA. He didn't invent racism, he didn't. But my word he's reviving its ugliness and creating greater divisions among disparate peoples. He is an awful human being, and an awful President.
The 30-40% of citizens who follow him ardently will eventually realize that he is fake, facile, and flawed beyond repair. He's a snake oil salesman selling old racism in new bottles. A worthless commodity that only harms lives and communities.
6
So I guess Obama was wrong the first 20 times he said he could not pass by executive order amnesty, and that its up to Congress, and it would be UnAmercian if he did?
So now when looking at the prospect of being sued over an executive order that changes the law, which BTW Presidents are not allowed to do, he punts it back to Congress - and that makes you a racist?
so what if Trump did decide to issue amnesty to all these people with the stroke of a pen.
Could he unilaterally lower taxes too? Or ban Muslims? or close the borders? Or only when it involves amnesty is he allowed to change the law on his own, all the other laws need Congress.
Is that how it works?
So now when looking at the prospect of being sued over an executive order that changes the law, which BTW Presidents are not allowed to do, he punts it back to Congress - and that makes you a racist?
so what if Trump did decide to issue amnesty to all these people with the stroke of a pen.
Could he unilaterally lower taxes too? Or ban Muslims? or close the borders? Or only when it involves amnesty is he allowed to change the law on his own, all the other laws need Congress.
Is that how it works?
5
The "law and order" argument you use might have some power to it, right up until someone says "Joe Arpaio." Then you're done. "Joe Arpaio." "Joe Arpaio." "Joe Arpaio."
4
Could someone explain how the word, concept of race began? I assume it goes back to white male Europeans who needed to distinguish thsemselves from people who looked different from themselves and who they subjugated for their gain.
This should be a new century of color where one group doesn't dominate another. I hope Trump's outward racism represents a last gasp on the part of
the domineering white males and the institutions which have been blatantly unfair to so many.
Trump continues to seem Hitlerian. Say one thing, do the opposite. And, yes, the current GOP Congress exemplifies the good ole boy network.
As they attempt to ban Muslims, deport the "dreamers", does brain drain mean anything to them? Well, you'd have to have a brain to get that.
This should be a new century of color where one group doesn't dominate another. I hope Trump's outward racism represents a last gasp on the part of
the domineering white males and the institutions which have been blatantly unfair to so many.
Trump continues to seem Hitlerian. Say one thing, do the opposite. And, yes, the current GOP Congress exemplifies the good ole boy network.
As they attempt to ban Muslims, deport the "dreamers", does brain drain mean anything to them? Well, you'd have to have a brain to get that.
1
Trump's choices are all over the map, just look at the latest BFFing with "Chuck and Nancy." Now I've no doubt he is a racist through and through, don't get me wrong, but I wonder why he flaunts it so blatantly when his alt-wrong Kook-Klutz-Klank supporters are oh so grateful for a few dog-whistled gestures. He causes himself constant, enormous, un-necessary political grief with statements and actions that are so deeply un-popular even amongst Republicans. Why? I mean yeah he is really, really clueless, but surely those around him can give him a few hints? I have a theory here, so just hang with me a few more lines. I'm convinced that DT's weirdness concerning Russia is at least in part steered by fear of what Putin could reveal about his affairs both business and other. If DT is being black-mailed by the Russians, then he could be black-mailed by anyone else who could acquire such information. The alt-right clearly has a large percentage of IT nörds and hackers in their ranks. How far fetched is it to imagine that they have hacked intel about DT's Russian business deals or IRS troubles or naughty sex habits while at beauty pageants? Just a thought, but it might explain some of DT's crazier moments.
2
Nixon started the Southern Strategy, and Ronald Reagan cemented it when he went to Philadelphia Mississippi and opened his presidential campaign and gave speech supporting "state's rights."
Philadelphia, where the KKK and local police killed four civil rights workers.
Philadelphia, where the KKK and local police killed four civil rights workers.
4
Throw enough firebombs and the true conflagration will result. When it does, we can only hope it reaches your door and those of your fellow arsonists. After all, punishments should always fit the crime. And elections have consequences, according to wise men. So be it. Bottom rung on top, eh?
Jesse Jackson himself said on Bill Maher, that the underlying cause behind the Neo-Nazis protests are essentially an economic issue. They are a result of the economic decline of America.
If we address the problems with the economy, the whole idea of race falls by the wayside. People resort to division in times of economic crisis because they do not believe there is 'enough wealth' to go around. So they start to make logical reasons for why they need 'more' than everybody else. The easiest way to do this is through Tribalism, which is essentially what Racism is fueled from. The simple idea, that 'the person that does not look like me is 'BAD', and therefore does not deserve the same rights and privileges that you have.
In order to 'solve' Racism and Tribalism, we need to make a more equitable society. It's a simple idea, so why don't we try it?
If we address the problems with the economy, the whole idea of race falls by the wayside. People resort to division in times of economic crisis because they do not believe there is 'enough wealth' to go around. So they start to make logical reasons for why they need 'more' than everybody else. The easiest way to do this is through Tribalism, which is essentially what Racism is fueled from. The simple idea, that 'the person that does not look like me is 'BAD', and therefore does not deserve the same rights and privileges that you have.
In order to 'solve' Racism and Tribalism, we need to make a more equitable society. It's a simple idea, so why don't we try it?
4
I agree with you. It seems obvious that fighting over crumbs exacerbates tensions between different groups. The problem is that Mr. Blow and his worshipful readers are all upper income people, with no personal experience in poverty. Therefore they are unable to empathize with poor whites, and are used to advantaging African Americans, no matter what. I am not in favor of deporting "dreamers", but am also not in favor of open borders, especially since automation and AI will be eliminating millions of jobs in the near future. But no one on the left ever talks about that in the context of immigration.
3
America has jumped the shark and some of us will be bloodied and dropped into the churning water as chum. Horrifying, un-American and just another Thursday morning.
5
White racism is ascendant. We grieve with you, Charles Blow. The rise of social media fascism, with Donald Trump as King Tweet, is crying havoc among us. We have known from the Year Dot of Trump in Queens, New York, that he is ignorant, unfeeling and a not-so-sub rosa proponent of white nationalism. Now we turn our attention to Donald Trump's favourite state - Florida - where we may be assaulted by an even bigger "I" storm - Hurricane Irma - than Trump. Praying to survive this hit, too.
2
Through his words Trump has shown how he feels about the races, Nazis, etc. But he is right that immigration reform lies with Congress. Maybe this do nothing Congress can get something done.
1
What is "race"? What is racism?
There is only one modern multicolored multi-ethnic multi-faith multi-national origin biological DNA genetic fit human race species that began in Africa about 300,000 years ago. Neither color nor ethnicity nor faith nor national origin are racial markers. About 2-5% of European and Asian DNA is extinct ancient Neanderthal Denovisan Hominid. That tiny legacy is the only extant remaining biological bi-racial left.
What we call race aka color is an evolutionary fit pigmented response to differing levels of solar radiation at altitudes and latitudes primarily related to the production of Vitamin D and protecting genes from damaging mutations. What we call race aka color is a malign socioeconomic political educational historical white supremacist American myth meant to morally and legally justify humanity denying African enslavement and separate and unequal African Jim Crow.
Hispanic/Latino is a Spanish language and cultural designation that has nothing to do with race, color or national origin. Being Muslim, like being Jewish and Christian, is a faith but it is not a race nor color. Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Australia are geographic destination designations. Being American, British, French or German is nationality. Being a minority is a quantitative population definition.
There is only one modern multicolored multi-ethnic multi-faith multi-national origin biological DNA genetic fit human race species that began in Africa about 300,000 years ago. Neither color nor ethnicity nor faith nor national origin are racial markers. About 2-5% of European and Asian DNA is extinct ancient Neanderthal Denovisan Hominid. That tiny legacy is the only extant remaining biological bi-racial left.
What we call race aka color is an evolutionary fit pigmented response to differing levels of solar radiation at altitudes and latitudes primarily related to the production of Vitamin D and protecting genes from damaging mutations. What we call race aka color is a malign socioeconomic political educational historical white supremacist American myth meant to morally and legally justify humanity denying African enslavement and separate and unequal African Jim Crow.
Hispanic/Latino is a Spanish language and cultural designation that has nothing to do with race, color or national origin. Being Muslim, like being Jewish and Christian, is a faith but it is not a race nor color. Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Australia are geographic destination designations. Being American, British, French or German is nationality. Being a minority is a quantitative population definition.
4
Keep in mind that the entire Republican Party silently and with extreme cowardice concedes to the Trump agenda.
10
It would be a tremendous service if NYT would publish the requirements for DACA recipients. Many people seem to believe that all need be done is present oneself to an Immigration office and fill out a bit of paperwork. Here is a website listing a comprehensive list of the requirements:
www.immigrationequality.org.
www.immigrationequality.org.
4
A sadist. A racist. A misogynist. A compulsive liar. A malignant narcissist.
Maybe we shuold look at a system that could elevate a man so evil he embodies all those descriptors. Whatever the founders thought they were doing, they certainly thought tey were designing a system that would prevent a Trump form gainging power. They failed.
Now we must use our passion and creativity and persistence to fix it. And we need heros to emerge, in politics, to oppose the evil and represent the best we can muster in these dark times. It's an apocalypse story (more in the "disaster" meaning of the word rather than the "revelation" meaning)--Evil has emerged and ascended, and the Good must be equally evoked.
The concept of a human "Anti-Christ" may be entirely fictional, but there could hardly be a more apt character for the label than the one in question. Maybe not "The...", but most obvioulsy "An...".
Maybe we shuold look at a system that could elevate a man so evil he embodies all those descriptors. Whatever the founders thought they were doing, they certainly thought tey were designing a system that would prevent a Trump form gainging power. They failed.
Now we must use our passion and creativity and persistence to fix it. And we need heros to emerge, in politics, to oppose the evil and represent the best we can muster in these dark times. It's an apocalypse story (more in the "disaster" meaning of the word rather than the "revelation" meaning)--Evil has emerged and ascended, and the Good must be equally evoked.
The concept of a human "Anti-Christ" may be entirely fictional, but there could hardly be a more apt character for the label than the one in question. Maybe not "The...", but most obvioulsy "An...".
10
I believe the word fungible does not mean what you think it means.
3
Aside from any intellectual interest Mr. Trump may have had in the psychology of the man or the history of the times in which he lived and from which he emerged, and--if the anecdote is in fact true, and it probably is, I recall that the admission came from Mr. Trump's own unleashed mouth--we should not overlook that a book he perused occasionally was a collection of Hitler's speeches, or Mein Kampf itself. If so, 'nuff said. In those pages there's plenty of grist for the mill on the manipulation of crowds, the inherent gullibility of the masses, and how to nurture a core group of true believers. Either Mr. Trump is dumber than a bag of rocks and is just stumbling along like a drunken high wire performer, or he knows exactly what he is doing.
1
Mr. Blow is right, and I think what the Trump victory shows is the various flavors of racism, that go from the neo-Nazi-White supremacist end of things, to those who claim not to be racist but are.. The overt racists, the yahoos with the Confederate flags, the Neo Nazis, etc, are easy, and they feed on Trump's claims that Mexicans are rapists, that immigrants are responsible for job losses and the problem with drugs. Then we have the white working class, who supposedly voted for Trump because of economics, who still support him even though it has become apparent he cares only about himself and the rich, but they continue cheering him, seemingly more the more horrible the man is.
Then we have the more well off Trump supporters, the suburban white collar republicans, the upper income supporters, and the claim there is economics, yet despite the fact that Trump is espousing things far removed from what they espouse or claim to believe, they support him....which means basically that they can support someone doing horrible things, ignore them, which means deep down that doesn't matter to them, and that is racism, too, when you ignore the hurt and pain someone is inflicting on others, it means you think those 'others' are not worth supporting, are somehow less deserving of your support, and that is a form of racism.
Then we have the more well off Trump supporters, the suburban white collar republicans, the upper income supporters, and the claim there is economics, yet despite the fact that Trump is espousing things far removed from what they espouse or claim to believe, they support him....which means basically that they can support someone doing horrible things, ignore them, which means deep down that doesn't matter to them, and that is racism, too, when you ignore the hurt and pain someone is inflicting on others, it means you think those 'others' are not worth supporting, are somehow less deserving of your support, and that is a form of racism.
1
Trump is a reflection of the society he governs. He is holding up a mirror for all to see - the raw truth of a country who has very deep unresolved racial wounds. His sadistic vengeful nature is targeting those who do not reflect his white privilege. Trump is really the poster boy for all the ugliness that whiteness symbolizes. No wonder the white supremacists love him...what an idol.
BUT beware of worshipping false idols.
Thanks Charels for continuing to call things as they are.
BUT beware of worshipping false idols.
Thanks Charels for continuing to call things as they are.
3
Thank you, Mr. Blow. I have grappled with the question of who Donald Trump really is for quite some time now. This article is the best answer to that question I have found so far. Let me just quote a small part that has the ring of truth and the stamp of genuine insight: "After spending a life catering to the appetites of the greedy and gauche, he realized that there was an exponentially larger market of white nationalists and neo-Nazis. To the aspirational he could be landlord, but to the racists he could be overlord."
2
Trump is actually xenophobic to the nth degree. It is even worse than his overt racism, which is really a symptom and manifestation, not a cause.
Consider his Cabinet and others with whom he surrounds himself. If you are not the “right” (= white) skin color, not male, not of the Protestant (or comparable) persuasion, not wealthy, not powerful – well, you are out of luck. A loser. No holds barred. What Trump supports, and what he does not support, can all be traced directly back to this fundamental aspect of his persona.
He is incurable in this regard. His personality traits make him malevolent, malicious, and malignant. It is pointless to try to attempt using reason with him – or to attempt to rationalize or parse his words or actions. He exists only for himself. To win at all costs. To vindicate himself, always, as vindictively as need be.
Every moment he occupies the presidency is another moment in our race to the bottom, into the abyss, into oblivion, into obliteration. That is all there is for us now. That is all we have left. But it is not nothing – because it is already less than zero – and it continues to sink, and sink fast.
Why bother with Trump? Whatever it is, it will reflect on whatever he is: hateful, spiteful, solipsistic, pathological. Vote his cronies out; vote him out. At least these are real rays of hope – no matter how far away on the horizon they may appear right now.
Consider his Cabinet and others with whom he surrounds himself. If you are not the “right” (= white) skin color, not male, not of the Protestant (or comparable) persuasion, not wealthy, not powerful – well, you are out of luck. A loser. No holds barred. What Trump supports, and what he does not support, can all be traced directly back to this fundamental aspect of his persona.
He is incurable in this regard. His personality traits make him malevolent, malicious, and malignant. It is pointless to try to attempt using reason with him – or to attempt to rationalize or parse his words or actions. He exists only for himself. To win at all costs. To vindicate himself, always, as vindictively as need be.
Every moment he occupies the presidency is another moment in our race to the bottom, into the abyss, into oblivion, into obliteration. That is all there is for us now. That is all we have left. But it is not nothing – because it is already less than zero – and it continues to sink, and sink fast.
Why bother with Trump? Whatever it is, it will reflect on whatever he is: hateful, spiteful, solipsistic, pathological. Vote his cronies out; vote him out. At least these are real rays of hope – no matter how far away on the horizon they may appear right now.
4
Remember what the Supreme Court ruled on Pornography; "You know it when you see it"
Well, apply this principle to DJT and his racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.
Well, apply this principle to DJT and his racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.
4
Trump was and forever shall be a racist. This fact was hardly hidden when he attempted to prevent minorities from purchasing his properties.
He lost lawsuits over this.
He lost lawsuits over this.
1
I applaud Mr. Blow for once again so poignantly exposing the disastrous impact the current administration is wreaking on the nation.
4
Charles, could you write a column about Bernie Sanders and call it Inner Sexism Revealed?
As is often the case, Blow is hysterical - and not in the good way.
Even Obama conceded - before ignoring his own standard - that he had no power to override the law on immigration. He did it anyway because he has contempt for the constitution whenever it conflicts with amassing power for the left. He turned a blind eye to the fact that fully half of the female illegal immigrants - including little girls - were suffering sexual assault on their way to the US. But he encouraged the stream to continue, because it profited him and his party. There's a word for someone who profits from the sexual conquest/use of women, I'll let you figure out what it is.
Even Obama conceded - before ignoring his own standard - that he had no power to override the law on immigration. He did it anyway because he has contempt for the constitution whenever it conflicts with amassing power for the left. He turned a blind eye to the fact that fully half of the female illegal immigrants - including little girls - were suffering sexual assault on their way to the US. But he encouraged the stream to continue, because it profited him and his party. There's a word for someone who profits from the sexual conquest/use of women, I'll let you figure out what it is.
5
Great thinking there! So, following that "logic", president Obama and ALL Democrats who stood by while Cubans were sent back home should be called out and berated for their abject, obvious racism. Oh yeah, people still remember when truly oppressed people were kicked out only because they have a tendency to vote the "wrong" way.
1
Those who can pay will not be subject to Trump's draconian laws. He's setting up a system of bribery. Mexico will "pay" to avoid Trump's wall, but they will pay through a money-laundered bribery system to Trump Enterprises. Those who do not want to be deported can contribute to Trump's campaign or pay for several nights in his taxpayer-supported D.C. hotel. Those who cannot pay will be consigned to private gulags, whose owners have paid Trump the appropriate sums for the privilege of stealing taxpayer dollars. It's a system designed to "Make America Grift Again."
1
Thank you, Charles, for pointing out how DJT sent out his minion/hatchet man Sessions to outline the policy on DACA. This way it allowed trump to set Sessions up for the fall after inevitable backpedal that will come (already has come). Expect that to be included next time Don needs to sharpen his claws on Jeff's back.
In discussing him, I find the word "Coward" to be most appropriate when describing the current POTUS.
In discussing him, I find the word "Coward" to be most appropriate when describing the current POTUS.
3
Donald Trump's behavior as President has led me to conclude that racism is a bigger part of his worldview and his appeal than I had realized. That said, I do not for one second believe that Donald J. Trump's bluster will stop the tide of diversity and multiculturalism. He may say and do some obnoxious and hurtful things, but he will not win in the long run.
4
If black turnout in 2016 had not declined while white turnout increased, the Democrats probably would have won. This was documented in a Washington Post article a couple of months ago. Too bad.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/05/08/why-did-tr...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/05/08/why-did-tr...
When this type of deportation occurs in other countries, we call it "ethnic cleansing" and condemn it . Deporting thousands of young people that only know America as home is absolutely crazy. There is no upside to this issue. Americans do not act this way and it is time these Trump supporters get that through their heads. A minority of voters elected Trump; 54% of the voters voted against him. He has no mandate and does not represent the wishes of Americans. Allowing a small minority of haters to control U.S. policy is criminal, and the Republican Party needs to be ashamed of itself for providing a platform for this bile. This man should have never been anywhere near the Republican nomination, let alone the Presidency of the United States. It is past time to end this silliness and get on with America's future.
4
Remember the good old days when "Trump tacky" referred merely to an architectural style and mode of interior "decorating"? Back when the phrase did not apply to the Office of the President and to America's international reputation?
6
What will you write when DACA in made into law by congress? As it's supposed to be.
And Trump is the reason.
DACA was about to be struck down by the courts.
If you weren't so blinded by rage because of the election lose this would be clear.
And Trump is the reason.
DACA was about to be struck down by the courts.
If you weren't so blinded by rage because of the election lose this would be clear.
6
Mr. Blow, reading the reactions to your piece today leaves me worried for your safety, and deeply shocked. godspeed
2
Reading these comments makes me very sad and not very hopeful for America's future. The level of hate contained in them is astounding. I think many people know that Trump's decision was the most compassionate one for the dreamers. But in their blind hatred for anyone the media and their leaders tell them to hate, they ignore the fact that this move helps dreamers, they just want to vent their hate.
Liberalism has become an ideology of hate.
Liberalism has become an ideology of hate.
5
Absolutely agree with you.
2
"Liberalism has become an ideology of hate."
No offense. But for someone who is supposed to be reasonable, you certainly use the word 'hate' a lot.
And just for the record.
There is nothing "compassionate" about Trump's decision to end DACA -- either with or without Congress.
No offense. But for someone who is supposed to be reasonable, you certainly use the word 'hate' a lot.
And just for the record.
There is nothing "compassionate" about Trump's decision to end DACA -- either with or without Congress.
4
There once was a President immersed
In ugly convictions that he nursed
From a time long ago
That were held in escrow
Instantly showing him at his worst
In ugly convictions that he nursed
From a time long ago
That were held in escrow
Instantly showing him at his worst
3
>Trump’s outrageous decision this week to end DACA, the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which allowed many young people brought to this country as children to stay and work here, is just the latest expression of Trump’s growing intolerance and his growing adoption and internalizing of white nationalist ideology.
***Really?
Well, another way of looking at it is that he is leaving it up to Congress to enact laws that would enable the DACA people to stay.
Because DACA was originally an Executive branch initiative under the Obama administration, it is prone to being abolished under future presidents. By turning it into laws passed by Congress, it is unlikely to be abolished in the future.
And Mr. Blow, you didn't mention that Trump is letting DACA stay in place until March of next year. That is, he is giving Congress until March to come up with something. DACA the way it was, wasn't meant to last forever anyway. It had time limits on certain things which would affect the DACA people's status in this country. I mean the DA in DACA does stand for Deferred Action, n'est ce pas?
As for the rest of your article, I agree with you, but as we all know your disdain for Trump, you should be careful in presenting your case, lest you be written off simply as someone who doesn't like Trump, so all you write may be questionable.
***Really?
Well, another way of looking at it is that he is leaving it up to Congress to enact laws that would enable the DACA people to stay.
Because DACA was originally an Executive branch initiative under the Obama administration, it is prone to being abolished under future presidents. By turning it into laws passed by Congress, it is unlikely to be abolished in the future.
And Mr. Blow, you didn't mention that Trump is letting DACA stay in place until March of next year. That is, he is giving Congress until March to come up with something. DACA the way it was, wasn't meant to last forever anyway. It had time limits on certain things which would affect the DACA people's status in this country. I mean the DA in DACA does stand for Deferred Action, n'est ce pas?
As for the rest of your article, I agree with you, but as we all know your disdain for Trump, you should be careful in presenting your case, lest you be written off simply as someone who doesn't like Trump, so all you write may be questionable.
3
Unhinged, def: mentally unbalanced; deranged.
Time for a check up Blow. Because your rhetoric is not merely absurd to the crowd that defines itself as conservatives, but to moderates as well.
Barack Obama, who knew better, usurped the role of Congress in establishing our immigration laws. He has no authority to do this, and we can only hope the lawsuits of the 10 states against this policy will go forward to prove it.
Mr. Blow, answer this:
a) Which laws does the president of the United States have the unilateral authority to ignore or violate? Can Trump claim that "prosecutorial discretion" permits him to fire IRS tax auditors?
b) How will the DACA program stop illegal immigration? Indeed, how will it not incentivize it? If these young people are eligible for amnesty, will the next 2 million kids not be?
c) How about a deal Mr. Blow? Have Congress propose to legalize the "dreamers" in exchange for a bullet-proof e-verify system that shuts down illegal employment. Are you ready to cut a deal? Or...
d) Are you just part of the Democratic scam for more voters?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Time for a check up Blow. Because your rhetoric is not merely absurd to the crowd that defines itself as conservatives, but to moderates as well.
Barack Obama, who knew better, usurped the role of Congress in establishing our immigration laws. He has no authority to do this, and we can only hope the lawsuits of the 10 states against this policy will go forward to prove it.
Mr. Blow, answer this:
a) Which laws does the president of the United States have the unilateral authority to ignore or violate? Can Trump claim that "prosecutorial discretion" permits him to fire IRS tax auditors?
b) How will the DACA program stop illegal immigration? Indeed, how will it not incentivize it? If these young people are eligible for amnesty, will the next 2 million kids not be?
c) How about a deal Mr. Blow? Have Congress propose to legalize the "dreamers" in exchange for a bullet-proof e-verify system that shuts down illegal employment. Are you ready to cut a deal? Or...
d) Are you just part of the Democratic scam for more voters?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
8
Or maybe double/triple FICA taxes for all immigrants, but deny them access to benefits funded by payroll taxes? I'm pretty sure a lot of countries have this kind of arrangement, and it would help with the debt.
I'm reading in parallel: "Stamped from the Beginning" and "Labor:the Untold Story." Many similarities between the fights for racial justice and workingmen justice. Both punctuated with violence initiated by the powers-that-be. Activists labeled as Communists, foreigners, murderers, terroorists in both struggles. Both continue today. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.
2
Ahhhhh .... what humans do to other humans. Exclusivity and preference toward people who look like themselves is something that has been happening since humans developed thought. We (well some of us) hope that our leaders don't exhibit these traits, but by having these traits in leaders, bad treatment of those that don't look like themselves is legitimized and glorified. Today POTUS is legitimizing racism ... and many Republicans are implicitly agreeing. Yes some denounced racism and Nazi's but few denounced Trump by name. They attempt to walk both sides of the line to keep the support of the base and hope moderates don't notice they still support the president, racism and all.
Our only hope is to elect leaders that have a moral compass and some form of empathy but in the Internet age many voters don't seem to be able to sort this out. In some recent door to door canvasing I had an infrequent voter proclaim .... they did not vote in 2016 because they did not see enough commercials to help them make up their mind. Whaaaaaat?
In the end Mother Nature will solve the problem of humans on the planet who don't have any moral compass or empathy. Mother Nature is not a racist. She won't discriminate against those that do or don't have empathy. Every human will get the same treatment. Global warming will be the fix ... unless nuclear holocaust happens first.
Our only hope is to elect leaders that have a moral compass and some form of empathy but in the Internet age many voters don't seem to be able to sort this out. In some recent door to door canvasing I had an infrequent voter proclaim .... they did not vote in 2016 because they did not see enough commercials to help them make up their mind. Whaaaaaat?
In the end Mother Nature will solve the problem of humans on the planet who don't have any moral compass or empathy. Mother Nature is not a racist. She won't discriminate against those that do or don't have empathy. Every human will get the same treatment. Global warming will be the fix ... unless nuclear holocaust happens first.
2
Trump has publicly condemned white supremacy for decades. Please, refer to the compilation video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlOH_iKxPus
There's only maybe a couple thousand white supremacists in America. Only 100 showed up to their own rally. It's obviously not a large market that can help him. You appear to be living in a fantasy world if you think he is catering to them. If you go around calling someone a racist just because you don't like him, that makes you a bad person.
There's only maybe a couple thousand white supremacists in America. Only 100 showed up to their own rally. It's obviously not a large market that can help him. You appear to be living in a fantasy world if you think he is catering to them. If you go around calling someone a racist just because you don't like him, that makes you a bad person.
4
For every one remark where trump seems to be condemning white supremacy, there are a hundred where he is supporting it either openly or with do whistles. The sum of his life deeds and words lean strongly on the side of bigotry. Cherry picked videos do not work.
4
It's not just Trump's opponents who think that the white supremacists are wrong in thinking they have an apologist in Donald Trump. It's the white supremacists, too.
Your compilation video is about Trump denouncing David Duke. You know who Duke endorsed? Trump. You know who was thrilled with Trump's statement on Charlottesville? Duke.
I'm pretty sure Duke knows who his friends are, and it's Trump.
Notably, when Trump was first asked in 2016 to disavow Duke, he said didn't know who David Duke was so of course, he couldn't.
But your compilation video shows that Trump did in fact know who Duke was from years ago.
Your compilation video is about Trump denouncing David Duke. You know who Duke endorsed? Trump. You know who was thrilled with Trump's statement on Charlottesville? Duke.
I'm pretty sure Duke knows who his friends are, and it's Trump.
Notably, when Trump was first asked in 2016 to disavow Duke, he said didn't know who David Duke was so of course, he couldn't.
But your compilation video shows that Trump did in fact know who Duke was from years ago.
2
THANK YOU. I lived through the Arpaio era and suffered him along with many of my Hispanic and Latino co-workers. Now, to have this thing in the White House foment violence, racism, and disregard for our Nation's children is horrifying. We area heading back into Fascism with a new face.
7
"He has in the course of his life been on all sides of many issues, although he was always a liar, bully, misogynist, opportunist and economic isolationist."
You forgot to add that he has always been a crook and a cheat.
You forgot to add that he has always been a crook and a cheat.
8
Yesterday I had a long conversation with a Trump supporter who detailed for me the wisdom of rescinding DACA. DACA is, according to this woman, illegal and unconstitutional. She went on to describe how American taxpayers are burdened by the Dreamers and their families who are all on welfare. Worst of all illegal immigrants in general and Dreamers specifically, are the beneficiaries of a special fund that allows them to attend college free. In her thinking, "it's unfair, just not right".
After asking, how do you know this and what's your news source, it was extremely difficult not to laugh no her face must less scream, "you're an idiot."
I came of age in the Jim Crow South. I had the dubious privilege of hearing on a routine basis public officials lament the dangers and stress of race mixing. It was a burden to watch and wonder which act would percepitate a deadly event.
Yet, there was hope reason would save us, the nation from self destruction.
Now, in 2016 the unthinkable has has happened. America has as its President a man who is clearly obsessed exacting pain on specific segments of society. Trump's amorality, his bigotry is the nightmare most Americans thought would not come.
So, as I sat and listened to a passionate Black supporter of Trump, I see the embodiment of the great lie, artful propaganda that sustains the persecution of targeted groups. This young Black woman can't imagine how the actions of her hero will touch her life. At least, not yet.
After asking, how do you know this and what's your news source, it was extremely difficult not to laugh no her face must less scream, "you're an idiot."
I came of age in the Jim Crow South. I had the dubious privilege of hearing on a routine basis public officials lament the dangers and stress of race mixing. It was a burden to watch and wonder which act would percepitate a deadly event.
Yet, there was hope reason would save us, the nation from self destruction.
Now, in 2016 the unthinkable has has happened. America has as its President a man who is clearly obsessed exacting pain on specific segments of society. Trump's amorality, his bigotry is the nightmare most Americans thought would not come.
So, as I sat and listened to a passionate Black supporter of Trump, I see the embodiment of the great lie, artful propaganda that sustains the persecution of targeted groups. This young Black woman can't imagine how the actions of her hero will touch her life. At least, not yet.
7
Nothing exemplifies his racism more than his efforts to negate President Obama's legacy.
9
Aside from being a self indulgent rant in identity politics, this column is a gross misrepresentation of Trump's policies and a shameful condemnation of his supporters. Mr. Blow's false narrative that there are enough Neo-Nazis in this country to tilt a presidential election is an absurd charge. There aren't even enough to swing a local election. Sir, the fantasy world you live in where the moral high ground is populated exclusively by the left is not only delusional, but divisive. Trump is president. If you want that to change, come up with something besides insults.
6
I also think that Charles is a bit hyperbolic here, but mostly because I, like others, have long seen Trump for exactly what he is; his racism and misogyny do not surprise me at all. That said, it is amazing how defenders of Trump like you can entirely overlook the list of Trump's actions, words, and deeds. From the lies, which he never takes back, apologizes for, etc. (Obama's birth certificate; Obama wire-tapped me and is a sick man, etc.), to the pandering to the worst fears and instincts in people, entirely over-looked. Convenient... Many of us are neither blind nor deaf, and we sure are not forgetful.
3
You don't have to be a Neo-nazi to hold racist views. Studies consistently show that Trump supporters have white nationalist views, specifically that they think white people are the most oppressed segment of society. This is a ridiculous notion only held by racists.
6
There is no getting around the fact that racists do feel emboldened and validated by this monstrosity that they elected as President. As a black woman what I find most astounding is the depth of the racism. People are so deeply racist that they will put themselves in far worse economic positions (i.e. Trump's billionaire cabinet will NEVER advocate for them) as long as their racism is espoused and promoted. We are in an ideological death spiral in this country and yes..it's true people of color are experiencing a surge in racist behavior. I certainly have: evil glares in stores,
dismissive behavior when shopping. You can't put the Henie back in the bottle: welcome to the "new" America... goose stepping in the capital, a President defending Nazis and the KKK. Here's what's also going on: Trump and his miscreants Luke to keep the races at each other's throats so that we won't notice how they're fleecing us right under our noses.
For reference: read the article about Carl Ichan that was in the New Yorker. There has been a corporate takeover of the American government.
dismissive behavior when shopping. You can't put the Henie back in the bottle: welcome to the "new" America... goose stepping in the capital, a President defending Nazis and the KKK. Here's what's also going on: Trump and his miscreants Luke to keep the races at each other's throats so that we won't notice how they're fleecing us right under our noses.
For reference: read the article about Carl Ichan that was in the New Yorker. There has been a corporate takeover of the American government.
4
Let’s see. Birther, DACA, travel ban, build a wall, Charlottesville, all seem to have one thing in common.
He is a racist and despicable empty shell of a man. The people in power who know better and don’t stand up to him, are worse.
He is a racist and despicable empty shell of a man. The people in power who know better and don’t stand up to him, are worse.
5
I was stunned a few days ago to learn on from Rachel Maddow on MSNB how strong and old albeit undeground is the racist current is in the USA. Now I understand, Trump tapped into it and whoosh! He got a gusher and now we have to deal with it. I am specially concerned with what to do with people I called the ORFs (0ut of Reach of Facts).
4
Michelle Obama is correct -- "Being president doesn’t change who you are. No, it reveals who you are.” And Trump has clearly revealed who he is. A liar, bully, misogynist, white supremacist and, despite his "reputation," terrible businessman and deal-maker.
And now it is the responsibility of all decent human beings to do everything in their power to remove this demagogue from office. The sooner, the better.
And now it is the responsibility of all decent human beings to do everything in their power to remove this demagogue from office. The sooner, the better.
6
My view of DJT has changed from overrated play boy who destroyed works which he had promised to the MMA to a dangerous man who was not as rich as he claimed.
When he said he was running for the presidency I thought it was laughable. Yet his birtherism lie persisted and his rallies seemed to bring out more and more violence and his election by the electoral college and the loss of the popular vote was a shock. Then we learned about his Russia aided victory and how he was dealing with Russian banks as he praised Putin.
It is September 2017 and Trump is still in power and as this excellent oped points out at lists he has systematically acted as a racist and a sadist and an autocrat. Yes, he is still a greedy, bully who requires constant stoking.
There is no question that he is a fascist and he has surrounded himself with other fascists, bigots, and people who are hostile to all that America has stood for. What does their America look like? Nazi Germany or the Confederate States of America? Is DJT a mentally sick man with great power or is this man evil and treacherous and vindictive.
A sick man might be pitied but this man has no pity. Hitler was evil, Stalin was evil and they killed millions and surrounded themselves with generals. Is Trump a new Jefferson Davis or another Hitler. I see both swazikas and the Confederate battle flag at Trump rallies. It one or the other.
When he said he was running for the presidency I thought it was laughable. Yet his birtherism lie persisted and his rallies seemed to bring out more and more violence and his election by the electoral college and the loss of the popular vote was a shock. Then we learned about his Russia aided victory and how he was dealing with Russian banks as he praised Putin.
It is September 2017 and Trump is still in power and as this excellent oped points out at lists he has systematically acted as a racist and a sadist and an autocrat. Yes, he is still a greedy, bully who requires constant stoking.
There is no question that he is a fascist and he has surrounded himself with other fascists, bigots, and people who are hostile to all that America has stood for. What does their America look like? Nazi Germany or the Confederate States of America? Is DJT a mentally sick man with great power or is this man evil and treacherous and vindictive.
A sick man might be pitied but this man has no pity. Hitler was evil, Stalin was evil and they killed millions and surrounded themselves with generals. Is Trump a new Jefferson Davis or another Hitler. I see both swazikas and the Confederate battle flag at Trump rallies. It one or the other.
3
People who look for hidden racism are those who almost always see race as the primary motivation for everything they disagree with, especially when more obvious and plausible causes are beyond their capacity to examine. It's a sad and mean-spirited, not to mention fundamentally impaired way to go through life. Every instance of Trump's actions in this article has reasonable explanations outside of 'hidden racism'. Lazily throwing out the race card isn't journalism, it's race-baiting.
7
Nothing hidden about Trump's racism. It's been out in the open since the 1970s when he and his father were caught refusing to rent to black people, marking their apartment applications with a "C" for "colored.
4
Excellent point.
2
"People who look for hidden racism are those who almost always see race as the primary motivation for everything they disagree with"
Well, Blow is actually talking about just one man, not everything and not everybody. Blaming racism for everything is tiring, but you blaming blaming racism is also tiring.
Well, Blow is actually talking about just one man, not everything and not everybody. Blaming racism for everything is tiring, but you blaming blaming racism is also tiring.
2
Trump and his Republican sycophants are ruining this country's reputation and its values. Their greed and power-mongering are blatant and disgusting. Tax reform only means a cut for the rich, not any real reform. Racism is rampant. Grotesque and unacceptable groups such as neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and KKK members are not just tolerated, but encouraged by Mr. Trump. Education, the single most important non-home-based experience for children, is being gutted for the poor and middle class in order to fund "private" schools for the well-healed. The environment is being pummeled, and fossil fuels are being touted even though renewable energy is cleaner and safer. Programs meant to help the poor, disabled, disadvantaged, and vulnerable are being gutted or terminated.
The uber-rich benefit and the rest of us barely get by. The president and the Republicans in Congress are failing the American people in their unrelenting efforts to enhance the lives of the rich and, incidentally, themselves.
The uber-rich benefit and the rest of us barely get by. The president and the Republicans in Congress are failing the American people in their unrelenting efforts to enhance the lives of the rich and, incidentally, themselves.
4
The curtain has been lifted, on the entire GOP. Thanks, Trump. The dog whistle is now loud and clear, for all to hear. Personally. I'm DONE. I will no longer attempt to " understand " GOP voters, or to respect their " feelings". They are racists, OR they are allies of racists. Period.
They deserve nothing but scorn. They should be shunned by any, and all, decent people. Wallow in the slime, alone.
They deserve nothing but scorn. They should be shunned by any, and all, decent people. Wallow in the slime, alone.
9
"Trump has called Mexicans criminals and rapists....has attacked a federal judge of Mexican descent, has pardoned the racist Joe Arpaio and has now rescinded DACA."
"He has declared a ban on transgender men and women in the armed services" and "revoked the 2014 Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces order under then-President Obama."
Oh...and Fivethirtyeight.com just told me that his approval rating went from 36.8% to 38.2% in the past 15 days. I report....you decide.
"He has declared a ban on transgender men and women in the armed services" and "revoked the 2014 Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces order under then-President Obama."
Oh...and Fivethirtyeight.com just told me that his approval rating went from 36.8% to 38.2% in the past 15 days. I report....you decide.
Have you read Robin DeAngelo's essay "White Fragility"? You might want to check it out because its thrust is far greater than the brittle racism you describe.
Trump is think skinned, raised by a racist parent, hates 'other', and is directed by Stone, Bannon, Gorka, Miller - who being Jewish is deeply racist. Bannon and Gorka are gone but they left the playbook on Trump's desk. Their influence will never go away. Bannon continues to speak out thru his Breitbart media, using it to speak to Trump. He was hated by everyone in the house. It sounds like Ivanka is barely tolerated as well. She is used by daddy to either signal the end of meetings or distract from discussion. the fact she allows herself to be used by daddy is ridiculous. She is what, 30 something, and letting daddy use her!? She had ONE responsibility - equal pay for women - and she failed miserably. She should be gone. This whole family should be gone. His TWO visits to Texas were failures. Trump couldn't care less about the people and their enormous losses. He trashed the media - who were in the thick of the storm all along - and barely talked with victims of the storm. What a travesty. Two trips costing millions that accomplished nothing.
3
i have spent most of my life in the 20th Century......therefore I am
not equipped to know how to use this most brilliant commentary
on what this sick, vengeful president has done......but these words of Charles Blow must reach every person in this country with a moral compass to make absolutely clear that we are under the thumb of a twisted, cruel mentality.
Blow has made a list....that list should flood every communication feed
known to the tech savvy and it should be repeated over and over until it makes
the impression it should on those Americans who are too busy to pay attention
to the real hurricane of hate which no amount of bailing can overcome.
We are on the verge of truly losing everything we say we hold dear.
not equipped to know how to use this most brilliant commentary
on what this sick, vengeful president has done......but these words of Charles Blow must reach every person in this country with a moral compass to make absolutely clear that we are under the thumb of a twisted, cruel mentality.
Blow has made a list....that list should flood every communication feed
known to the tech savvy and it should be repeated over and over until it makes
the impression it should on those Americans who are too busy to pay attention
to the real hurricane of hate which no amount of bailing can overcome.
We are on the verge of truly losing everything we say we hold dear.
3
Trump wants to be idolized.
He gets this immature need filled by the people on his payroll.
He gets this immature need filled by his money-hungry family.
And he gets this immature need filled by his racist, sexist supporters.
What Trump knows most wants, though, is to be respected by the people he respects.
But they do not respect him, and he knows it.
Hence, his growing rage and irrationality.
He gets this immature need filled by the people on his payroll.
He gets this immature need filled by his money-hungry family.
And he gets this immature need filled by his racist, sexist supporters.
What Trump knows most wants, though, is to be respected by the people he respects.
But they do not respect him, and he knows it.
Hence, his growing rage and irrationality.
2
Well, you really need not write a column explaining Mr. Trump's racism. David Duke said it very simply and plainly for any rational and fair American to judge for him- or herself: "We are carrying out Trump's agenda," he said during the Nazi march in Charlottesville last Month. The racists gathered there in such overwhelming force BECAUSE they finally had one of them in the White House. This cannot be construed in any other way.
7
The truly sad thing, is that the racism isn't hidden. Trump displays it proudly. He revels in the overtness of his prejudice.
I continue to be amazed that his father's participation in a KKK march in the 1920's gets so little coverage.
He is more dangerous than all of the David Duke's out there, as he has more power, and is more brazen in his use of it.
As to Sessions...an evil man with an evil agenda.
I continue to be amazed that his father's participation in a KKK march in the 1920's gets so little coverage.
He is more dangerous than all of the David Duke's out there, as he has more power, and is more brazen in his use of it.
As to Sessions...an evil man with an evil agenda.
3
DACA was an extralegal edict Obama created out of thin air rather than leave the job to congress. The war on drugs benefits the black community by putting drug selling criminals behind bars, Trump didn't "try to ban Muslims" but sought a temporary restraint on immigration from six specific countries while anti terrorism measures were instituted. Finally if you think opposing BLM is racist you haven't been reading Heather McDonald
2
All one needs to do is look at his cabinet. Sessions, Pruitt, Price, Mnuchin, Tillerson, Carson, DeVoss, Ross and on and on. Not one person has compassion for the poor, the minorities, the suffering in this country. They are the 1 percent or the right wing racists of the country. And Trump is the antichrist.
4
Mr. Blow. There is a lot what the NYT wants people to know.
However, there are a lot of people who do not have access to your esteemed journal. Either people are not subscribers, or cannot afford. What is your strategy to reach all people?
However, there are a lot of people who do not have access to your esteemed journal. Either people are not subscribers, or cannot afford. What is your strategy to reach all people?
I don't care about Charles Blow's name-calling. And the main problem for Mr. Blow is that there seem to be a lot more like me.
I want the laws enforced, I want the borders closed, I want illegals out, and I will vote accordingly. Mr. Blow's comments simply mean nothing to me.
I want the laws enforced, I want the borders closed, I want illegals out, and I will vote accordingly. Mr. Blow's comments simply mean nothing to me.
5
No presidential candidate could win an election by catering to white nationalists, white supremacists or neo-Nazis. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the United States currently has a total of 917 hate groups, including black separatist as well as white nationalist, white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups. The SPLC estimates the Ku Klux Klan has 5,000 to 8,000 members, but most of the 917 hate groups have only a few dozen or a few hundred members. But even if all hate groups were as big as the KKK, the United States would have only about 4.6 million to 7.3 million hate group members. The hate groups don’t see eye-to-eye on many issues, but even if a presidential candidate took 100 percent of the hate group, it wouldn’t win him any electoral votes. The hate groups are dispersed across the nation California ranks No. 1 in the nation with 79 active hate groups, and all it electoral votes go to the Democratic candidate.
2
I am white, I agree, and I am ashamed to be associated with racist Trump and his legions of backward thinking racists based on the color of my skin. How does our system of government allow 30% of the population to dominate the other 70%?
Now that Mr. Trump is working with the Democrats (and has been a Democrat for most of his life) will Mr. Blow change his tune?
1
Just the other day a young woman sadly exclaimed, " Why does he hate us Mexicans so much?" I replied that she need understand that Trump actually hates all people of color, who are not white, as well as, I feel, non-Christians. He, to me, is no better than a Nazi. The difference is that his devastation of the "other" is insidious, covert; but it still is his reality, his goal.
And to draw a comparison with a now-atoned Germany of over 75 years ago, we who are mouthing the words, This man is terrible, are complicit if we do not take action. Words are cheap. Our numbers are greater than the rabid followers of this president. It is our responsibility to be proactive. The buck will stop with us if bigotry and racism are victorious.
And to draw a comparison with a now-atoned Germany of over 75 years ago, we who are mouthing the words, This man is terrible, are complicit if we do not take action. Words are cheap. Our numbers are greater than the rabid followers of this president. It is our responsibility to be proactive. The buck will stop with us if bigotry and racism are victorious.
2
Most excellent!
If it quacks, waddles, has a bill and webbed feet it is a duck. A Donald Duck. There has always been a concerted effort, after the end of the Civil War, to ensure white supremacy in America and Donald isn't the first. Woodrow Wilson signed a law that forbade a black person from supervising a white person in federal jobs. You can legislate behavior but you can't change people's hearts. And now we have a POTUS, without pretense, legislating white, male Christian dominance. This is what keeps America from being great.
1
This is all so depressing
White folk who still think they are superior to black folk, are fools if they think that Trump makes their point. History is recording. . .it's not a look that will wear well.
2
All Lives Matter - fixed it for 'ya Chuckles; no charge.
3
To Richard Luettgen: It's "not a nice thing" to be a racist either.
Despite your assertions about "opinion" and that "Trump isn't a racist," please try reading the long and horrifying list of actions and plans that Charles Blow lays out. If it's not "racism," what is it?
Trump basks in adoration of "the white guy's in 'charge.'" And those doing the adoring, soil our streets and country with their racist impulses which they now feel free to publicly express through Trump and through their own actions. What a relief of stress it must be!
Despite your assertions about "opinion" and that "Trump isn't a racist," please try reading the long and horrifying list of actions and plans that Charles Blow lays out. If it's not "racism," what is it?
Trump basks in adoration of "the white guy's in 'charge.'" And those doing the adoring, soil our streets and country with their racist impulses which they now feel free to publicly express through Trump and through their own actions. What a relief of stress it must be!
4
I always thought Trump was a jerk (living in NY for years will do that), but I didn't think he was a racist. I do now. A deep core, world view racism. Michelle Obama is right. He has been reveal as to his true nature.
4
Keep up the good work, Mr. Blow. Sound your trumpet, those walls must come down!
1
Sorry. I have to respectfully disagree if your premise is that Trump actually has belief tenets that are racist, bigoted etc. He actually has NO tenets of belief. He is totally set on saying anything that brings him adulation, agreement and praise. So this week he doesn't like Black Lives Matter because the alt right will praise him. Then he supports Neo Nazis and White Supremacists because David Duke would go on line to praise him and then his "base" of racists and bigots will stand behind him. His views are really easily swayed to any statement that fulfills his deep seated need for praise. So, is he a racists? Nah. Maybe for this week, just for the needed response.
A white male Christian ex-military friend explained to me over the weekend how this liberal idea of racism and white male privilege is nothing but lies. You see, he was at one point in his life down on his luck; lost a job, had to sell possessions to eek by, and he is white and male. His health insurance doesn't cover as much as it used to, so it's Obamacare's fault. Women have always had the upper hand because with what they have between their legs, they've always had the power and didn't use it. Blacks are only hired less because they are lazy, and threatened more by law enforcement because they commit more crimes, killed more often because they don't follow orders.
So this is exactly his base. Those who only see the world as their tiny little sphere, unwilling to understand the big picture. They see things in black and white.
I have one less person on this planet I call a friend.
So this is exactly his base. Those who only see the world as their tiny little sphere, unwilling to understand the big picture. They see things in black and white.
I have one less person on this planet I call a friend.
3
Mr. trump was trained to be a racist by his slumlord father. This is well known. The even more disturbing part is that GOP has now proved that they are all racists as well. As a woman with stunning, brilliant, Black god children, one of whom is attending Yale without help from affirmative action, and who has a Beautiful Persian sister in law, I find the president revolting. Because no one is realizing with any seriousness that the woods are now full of armed white men posing as trump's thugs and waiting for his command, big problems loom. None of this will improve while jeff beauregard sessions holds the mic and parrots his leader's misguided and frankly putrid rhetoric and paul ryan fakes surprise at that leader's bizarre behavior. The stinking, steaming swamp has shown itself and clean landfill is needed in order to rebuild our sagging democracy. Everyday that this president continues is a day wasted.
2
Donald J. Trump is a racist. He is the embodiment of the hatred and ugliness that has engulfed our country. This isn't something that occurred over night, it has been there from birth with him. His father was a racist and there is documentation of his father's racism. Some children rise above their parents, but not Donald J. Trump. It is in his genes and soul. Like father like son. I am sure it is being passed on down to his children. The children of Trump pretend to being more aware but don't be fooled. They are an extension of their father.
2
And your response to Trump's racism is..... To borrow a phrase from Lenin (that he borrowed from Chernyshevsky) What is to be done?
I was called a racist because I did not agree with many of Mr. Obama's policies. Now Mr. Blow doesn't agree with Mr. Trump's , therefore Mr. Blow is the racist.
sorry , I just remembered , racism is exclusive for white male conservatives.
sorry , I just remembered , racism is exclusive for white male conservatives.
2
What trump is says more about us than fifty columns about him.
2
Trump's bigotry is amoral. He is what we have always known he was. He has never been intellectual enough to be immoral. He has become a beacon, a siren's call, a focal point for the truly immoral. The quislings, the sycophants, the toadies. Those who knew what he was and continue to support him for their own cynical agenda. The Ryans, McConnells, Mnuchins, Devoses, Sessions, Pruitts, and all the basket of deplorables. The Republicans are the party of immorality
1
We elected Trump because we are TIRED of being called racist. It is NOT racist to protect US citizens from unlawful immigration. Obama's DACA was illegal and would be thrown out by the courts.
Trump did the right thing here. Congress represents all of America and can act - or not.
NYT racism dog whistle makes me ill
Trump did the right thing here. Congress represents all of America and can act - or not.
NYT racism dog whistle makes me ill
4
You are out of touch with reality. My parents were immigrants and gave much to the country. People like you take away from what makes our country great. And you make me ill.
1
As I walked my children into their school this week I was happy to see that President Obama's portrait still hangs in the classrooms or our school and not the cowardly racist soiling the White House.
4
President was class, intelligence, integrity, honesty and truly a great American. Donald Trump is crass, lacks intelligence, lacks integrity, lacks honesty and is am embarrassment to our country.
1
In 2016, a video showed a young black student at a Trump rally in North Carolina approached by officers, manhandled, forced to the ground, handcuffed, then thrown out. A group of black men near him had been protesting.
“At first I refused to leave because it was all just a product of being black at a Trump rally,” the student said later. “Basically in that environment I’m guilty by association. But common sense told me to just listen to the cops and move along.
“These are presidential rallies. I’m not at a KKK rally. The fact that I experienced hate at a candidate's rally tells you everything you need to know about Donald Trump and the people that support him.
People will act more hateful and racist in environments that they feel not only encouraged to do it, but accept it as normal.”
After a fight erupted between protesters in 2016 in Birmingham, Trump said: “‘Maybe he should have been roughed up.” Of a black protester in Nevada the month before Trump said: “I’d like to punch him in the face.”
In Kentucky, he said: “Get him out. Try not to hurt him. If you do I’ll defend you in court. … Are Trump rallies the most fun? We’re having a good time.”
“At first I refused to leave because it was all just a product of being black at a Trump rally,” the student said later. “Basically in that environment I’m guilty by association. But common sense told me to just listen to the cops and move along.
“These are presidential rallies. I’m not at a KKK rally. The fact that I experienced hate at a candidate's rally tells you everything you need to know about Donald Trump and the people that support him.
People will act more hateful and racist in environments that they feel not only encouraged to do it, but accept it as normal.”
After a fight erupted between protesters in 2016 in Birmingham, Trump said: “‘Maybe he should have been roughed up.” Of a black protester in Nevada the month before Trump said: “I’d like to punch him in the face.”
In Kentucky, he said: “Get him out. Try not to hurt him. If you do I’ll defend you in court. … Are Trump rallies the most fun? We’re having a good time.”
1
sessions is the devil whose hand sits solidly on the lumpy shoulder of trump.
The irony is that his miserable, hate-filled supporters think that Trump 'has everything'.
The reality is that he is a miserable, unhappy person, just like them.
The reality is that he is a miserable, unhappy person, just like them.
1
Trump is a racist, Sessions is a racist, many Republicans are closet racists and many of Trump's supporters are racists. That said they're a minority in this country; the younger generation is less racist and the older racists will eventually die out. But, with help from Trump, Sessions et al they're not doing it gracefully while tearing our nation apart.
3
"Sometimes you simply have to call a thing a thing..."
Let's retire the euphemism "white nationalism." What we are talking about here is "white supremacy." Why should these racists get to choose the language that we use to describe their policies? "White nationalism" obscures the hatred, enmity, and the desired ends of the white supremacists.
Name it and shame it: White supremacy is alive and on the rise in the USA.
Let's retire the euphemism "white nationalism." What we are talking about here is "white supremacy." Why should these racists get to choose the language that we use to describe their policies? "White nationalism" obscures the hatred, enmity, and the desired ends of the white supremacists.
Name it and shame it: White supremacy is alive and on the rise in the USA.
195
I'm not sure in which America you live. I guess I live in a different America. I think I'd agree much more with Chriva than with Charles and/or Mark Smith.
Call it what you might, but please give some examples of how it's manifested itself, anymore so in white people, than it is in black people, or Hispanics. I don't know what world you're living in Mark, but personally, I've seen racism directed at whites, by blacks and Hispanics, far more so than the other way around. And virtually every credible crime statistic, clearly shows that to be true, each and every year.
The fear of the white, Christian sector of this country that their kind will be in the minority in another 20-30 years is driving them and lead, in part, to the election of Donald Trump. Trump is so dangerous to the basic principles of this country he must be removed from office hopefully before his term is up, All these investigative committees ned to hurry up before it's too late.
1
This is one of many articles in the NY Times that decry a resurrectionection of racism in the US. It has become part of the conventional wisdom that racism is still a problem 150 years after the Civil War erased slavery.
But is it really racism that motivates those who voted for Trump?
Not everybody sees it that way of course.
Many pundits would agree that since 2000, inequality within the US has grown. But the poor cut across all racial lines.
Instead of saying the needs of the Blacks have been neglected, a more inclusive message would recognize the needs of ALL of the poor.
We have a choice: Tear down the statues of Robert E Lee or focus on the fact that unlike Canada and the UK, the US has no universal health care, and even Obama when president did not propose a path to universal coverage.
Perhaps Obama was not radical enough.
The real problem with Trump is that he is turning his back on those who voted for him, particularly those who are poor. Trump ran as a populist.
Why doesn't he take on the insurance lobby and propose a path to universal health care coverage? Perhaps it would be more productive to nudge him in that direction than simply call Trump a racist.
Conventional wisdom is often recognized as wrong long after the fact.
We now see that McCarthyism was an overreaction to communism. In time, we may also recognize that our fears of the neo-Nazis and white supremacists were overblown.
Real problem such as providing health care need solutions.
But is it really racism that motivates those who voted for Trump?
Not everybody sees it that way of course.
Many pundits would agree that since 2000, inequality within the US has grown. But the poor cut across all racial lines.
Instead of saying the needs of the Blacks have been neglected, a more inclusive message would recognize the needs of ALL of the poor.
We have a choice: Tear down the statues of Robert E Lee or focus on the fact that unlike Canada and the UK, the US has no universal health care, and even Obama when president did not propose a path to universal coverage.
Perhaps Obama was not radical enough.
The real problem with Trump is that he is turning his back on those who voted for him, particularly those who are poor. Trump ran as a populist.
Why doesn't he take on the insurance lobby and propose a path to universal health care coverage? Perhaps it would be more productive to nudge him in that direction than simply call Trump a racist.
Conventional wisdom is often recognized as wrong long after the fact.
We now see that McCarthyism was an overreaction to communism. In time, we may also recognize that our fears of the neo-Nazis and white supremacists were overblown.
Real problem such as providing health care need solutions.
2
Charles Blow, you have been right on target since day one. I couldn't understand the folks who kept writing that Trump should be given a chance or that he might do the right thing in one instance or another. To those who saw who that man is from the start, your columns and consistency have been invaluable. Thank you.
1
The seeds of our own destruction were planted in the compromise made with the South over slavery at the founding of the nation, and in the First Amendment.
The racism nurtured by over two centuries of slavery continues to fester another century and a half after the Civil War was "won," passed down in families from one generation to the next and nurtured in Southern nostalgia for Dixie, a culture poisoned at its inception. It's like bamboo in the garden, deep-rooted, invasive, and impossible to kill without digging it out to the last rhizome.
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech; we've since limited that right in that you can't cry fire in a crowded theater, incite to riot, or advocate violent overthrow of the government. But there's nothing to stop the acid drip, drip over many decades of outright lies, speech that encourages hatred of others, and propaganda that distorts and delegitimizes the very concept and purpose of government. Our current situation reminds me of an episode of House of Cards in which then-Vice-President Frank Underwood is slowly, carefully, but surely undermining the sitting President by spreading fake news, his goal being to become President himself. An aide wonders if what they're doing is treason. "Just this side," says Frank.
IMHO, what Fox and their ilk have done is "just this side."
The racism nurtured by over two centuries of slavery continues to fester another century and a half after the Civil War was "won," passed down in families from one generation to the next and nurtured in Southern nostalgia for Dixie, a culture poisoned at its inception. It's like bamboo in the garden, deep-rooted, invasive, and impossible to kill without digging it out to the last rhizome.
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech; we've since limited that right in that you can't cry fire in a crowded theater, incite to riot, or advocate violent overthrow of the government. But there's nothing to stop the acid drip, drip over many decades of outright lies, speech that encourages hatred of others, and propaganda that distorts and delegitimizes the very concept and purpose of government. Our current situation reminds me of an episode of House of Cards in which then-Vice-President Frank Underwood is slowly, carefully, but surely undermining the sitting President by spreading fake news, his goal being to become President himself. An aide wonders if what they're doing is treason. "Just this side," says Frank.
IMHO, what Fox and their ilk have done is "just this side."
1
Why Color should matter in our life at all? Enjoy the rainbow at it's evening's best on a misty summer evening. Live and let others live.
2
Mr. Blow,
Thank you for your accurate and concise description of the Trump Administration and it's supporters. Everyone in America who disagrees with the direction that the country is taking, must take a stand and educate, organize and mobilize the resistance.
Thank you for your accurate and concise description of the Trump Administration and it's supporters. Everyone in America who disagrees with the direction that the country is taking, must take a stand and educate, organize and mobilize the resistance.
"the spirit of the base commands the presidency..."
I'm not so sure that the base commands the presidency as I am that its spirit has found a soul mate in the president. Like calls to like. The scattered groups of white supremacists, by the various names they go by, have lacked a tangible rallying point to bring cohesion to their efforts. This presidency has provided that and has been rewarded with glowing reviews and applause as long as it continues to fulfill the agenda toward a Great, Straight, White State. Any deviation or weakening of the effort brings the threat of abandonment. The spectre of lost love, approval and loyalty commands this presidency.
I'm not so sure that the base commands the presidency as I am that its spirit has found a soul mate in the president. Like calls to like. The scattered groups of white supremacists, by the various names they go by, have lacked a tangible rallying point to bring cohesion to their efforts. This presidency has provided that and has been rewarded with glowing reviews and applause as long as it continues to fulfill the agenda toward a Great, Straight, White State. Any deviation or weakening of the effort brings the threat of abandonment. The spectre of lost love, approval and loyalty commands this presidency.
1
Cecilia, You shared my thoughts so beautifully that I needn't write further! This is a tragic time for our country. Let us hope that before our lifetimes come to an end Trump will be gone, and that our next president will once again return this country to a modicum of sanity and decency!
Confederate statues, Trump, blatant racists making the headlines move the racism needle in the US a few points above the high baseline. There are so many other more important topics that need to be addressed but the reading public really doesn't care, I guess because it doesn't allow them to throw stones.
https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/at-the-edge/2015/05/06/institutional-r...
Institutional Racism Is Our Way of Life
"What they all point to quite clearly is that institutional racism exists in nearly ever corner of American society today, and is what is driving the tension we are seeing on the streets in urban cities. The root causes are what we must deal with, not the symptoms."
https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/at-the-edge/2015/05/06/institutional-r...
Institutional Racism Is Our Way of Life
"What they all point to quite clearly is that institutional racism exists in nearly ever corner of American society today, and is what is driving the tension we are seeing on the streets in urban cities. The root causes are what we must deal with, not the symptoms."
1
Here's a thought:
What if we all have impressions or thoughts about things that, while true and real, would be inappropriate to say out loud? For example, we listen to a person with poor grammar and think 'He's not very well educated.' That kind of impression happens without any effort from us. But we would be rude to say that out loud. And we would be malicious to purposely draw attention to the speaker's poor grammar. Similar thoughts might happen along the lines of, "He's not very attractive," or "That woman sure is overweight," or "I hope that guy walking down the aisle of the airplane right now doesn't have the empty seat right next to mine."
We also are race conscious. It is a primitive survival instinct, to alert us when we see someone from a different tribe. When we see a man who is six feet tall approaching us from a distance, we notice his color before we notice his gender or his height. It would be rude, however, to make an issue of that fact.
Donald Trump, by contrast, makes issues out of every single thought that enters his head. At our basest level as human beings, we look to endear ourselves to our tribe, and to separate those who are not in our tribe. The easiest way for Trump and his followers to do that is to appeal to prejudices against race, national origin, religion, and gender -- all the immutable characteristics protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, also called "Title VII." And disabilities.
Trump and his followers are a plague.
What if we all have impressions or thoughts about things that, while true and real, would be inappropriate to say out loud? For example, we listen to a person with poor grammar and think 'He's not very well educated.' That kind of impression happens without any effort from us. But we would be rude to say that out loud. And we would be malicious to purposely draw attention to the speaker's poor grammar. Similar thoughts might happen along the lines of, "He's not very attractive," or "That woman sure is overweight," or "I hope that guy walking down the aisle of the airplane right now doesn't have the empty seat right next to mine."
We also are race conscious. It is a primitive survival instinct, to alert us when we see someone from a different tribe. When we see a man who is six feet tall approaching us from a distance, we notice his color before we notice his gender or his height. It would be rude, however, to make an issue of that fact.
Donald Trump, by contrast, makes issues out of every single thought that enters his head. At our basest level as human beings, we look to endear ourselves to our tribe, and to separate those who are not in our tribe. The easiest way for Trump and his followers to do that is to appeal to prejudices against race, national origin, religion, and gender -- all the immutable characteristics protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, also called "Title VII." And disabilities.
Trump and his followers are a plague.
2
Scott got any DIRECT quotes from President Trump advancing his supposed racist agenda? Fascist agenda? I'd call disingenuous innuendo a plague... a vague plague. A mob of ill informed nabobs just say what they like and reinforce each other's babble. The Civil Rights Act doesn't give you the right to be a liar. Preach to your dwindling choir.
1
Following the 9/11 attacks, we all witnessed a coming together of Americans that, in my life anyway, was unprecedented. I witnessed something similar when I attended Barack Obama's first inauguration, only this time what I experienced was a coming together of Americans that wasn't as much a patriotic uniting as it was a uniting over the American ideal of "all people created equal." To me, the extinction of racism was almost palpable in the euphoric mood of the huge and diverse crowd. It was as if a bonfire had been extinguished and only smoldering embers remained. Now, it seems as if the ill wind that has blown through our country has ignited those embers and an accelerant fuel has been poured on. It only takes one idiot to start a forest fire, but we must not give up hope. Hate and fear is empty. Love is real.
3
Mr. Blow, these are scary times, but there is hope.
You wrote a piece a few weeks ago about latent racism that I thought was incredibly brilliant. Sadly, I realized you were describing me when I was younger, parroting the ideas of my conservative parents. I've changed radically since then, trying to increase my education of white privilege and matters I've never known by reading writers like James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and more. But there's obviously so much more to learn, including the fact that such ignorant, disgusting thoughts once had a home in my head.
It's terrifying to see Nazis marching in the streets and see Michiganders sporting Confederate flags like we were in Georgia. It's horrible to hear respected people around you suddenly declare themselves racist. But it's good we're having these discussions. Awareness is the beginning.
I have to believe sunlight is the best disinfectant. Only when we drag the nasty, divisive thoughts from our attics and basements, will we be able to eradicate them from our lives.
The United States has presented itself as a righteous nation, an example to everyone else, but we have an evil past and present and will have an evil future if we don't work to prevent it. We have to hope that the shock of having elected such an evil person as POTUS will motivate apathetic Americans to vote and be active for decades to come.
It gets darker before it gets brighter. Let's be the light for each other.
You wrote a piece a few weeks ago about latent racism that I thought was incredibly brilliant. Sadly, I realized you were describing me when I was younger, parroting the ideas of my conservative parents. I've changed radically since then, trying to increase my education of white privilege and matters I've never known by reading writers like James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and more. But there's obviously so much more to learn, including the fact that such ignorant, disgusting thoughts once had a home in my head.
It's terrifying to see Nazis marching in the streets and see Michiganders sporting Confederate flags like we were in Georgia. It's horrible to hear respected people around you suddenly declare themselves racist. But it's good we're having these discussions. Awareness is the beginning.
I have to believe sunlight is the best disinfectant. Only when we drag the nasty, divisive thoughts from our attics and basements, will we be able to eradicate them from our lives.
The United States has presented itself as a righteous nation, an example to everyone else, but we have an evil past and present and will have an evil future if we don't work to prevent it. We have to hope that the shock of having elected such an evil person as POTUS will motivate apathetic Americans to vote and be active for decades to come.
It gets darker before it gets brighter. Let's be the light for each other.
2
Article reveals your inner ignorance, bias etc. The courts were going to end the program abruptly since it's unconstitutional, (residents can't make law only Congress can) if Trump hadn't of ended it gently, leaving congress plenty of time to fix the program with no effect on the 800K plus effected. Rather than honestly criticize congress for its inability to get things done you choose to do what most liberals have begun doing, throwing the racism label around to the point that no one pays it any attention anymore. No wonder the only party detested more than congress is the media.
1
An essential element of racism is a lack of empathy - an inability to even consider mentally walking in the other man's shoes for a while.
Trump is a poster boy for that attitude. Born a privileged white kid with an expectation of material success that came with the silver spoon, he was one of those who stayed strictly on track in pursuit of ego enhancement as measured in dollars. DACA people and disadvantaged minorities have no place in his life formula.
Empathy. When Robert Kennedy was campaigning for the presidency in 1968, he called the poverty he saw in East LA "obscene", and there was no doubt that the sentiment came from the heart. JFK knew of the elderly poor resorting to eating pet food to make ends meet on meager Social Security checks, and the drive toward Medicare began.
They were rich kids too, but somewhere along the line they incorporated empathy into their psyches, and their words and actions clearly demonstrated that. They saw... and they *felt*, and put deeds behind their words.
If empathy takes the form of a gland, Trump was born without one.
Trump is a poster boy for that attitude. Born a privileged white kid with an expectation of material success that came with the silver spoon, he was one of those who stayed strictly on track in pursuit of ego enhancement as measured in dollars. DACA people and disadvantaged minorities have no place in his life formula.
Empathy. When Robert Kennedy was campaigning for the presidency in 1968, he called the poverty he saw in East LA "obscene", and there was no doubt that the sentiment came from the heart. JFK knew of the elderly poor resorting to eating pet food to make ends meet on meager Social Security checks, and the drive toward Medicare began.
They were rich kids too, but somewhere along the line they incorporated empathy into their psyches, and their words and actions clearly demonstrated that. They saw... and they *felt*, and put deeds behind their words.
If empathy takes the form of a gland, Trump was born without one.
2
If truth takes the form of a vapid analogy, there isn't any there.
The arrogance of the left knows no boundaries.
If America/the West attracts the best and brightest from around the world...who is left in other countries to develop and build their societies.
We are draining the brain power of the world...and it has to stop.
If America/the West attracts the best and brightest from around the world...who is left in other countries to develop and build their societies.
We are draining the brain power of the world...and it has to stop.
2
I think Trump has attracted and what I thought you were going to write about, "those quiet racists". Trump has certainly marshalled the "alt-right", "neo-nazis" but he has ,also, marshalled the quite proper, outwardly a good citizen, quiet racists who live in the upper middle class suburbs. I grew up with them. They are people who are plugged into business and their communities. They would not outwardly say or do anything indicating they are racist. However, inwardly, I think the protests over "Black Lives Matter" last year really scared them. It is not that they thought black lives don't matter but it was the violence that scared them. Obviously the domestic terrorist neo nazis are worse. But I think last year in 2016 there were incidents all across the country with the Black Lives Matter movement. I would not rule out, the alt-right inciting violence to make the Black Lives protesters look bad. I think those protests put fear in the hearts of these quiet racists and made it easier for them to vote Trump.
I think these Trump has supporters are happy he is taking a strong tone and standing up for white people. Trump has marshalled their inner racists. It is those people that for me is disheartening that they support him. There are a lot of people in this country and the population grows each year and I think those quiet racists are scared of their nice bubbles they live in bursting. Trump is making them feel more secure despite all the horrible things he is doing and saying.
I think these Trump has supporters are happy he is taking a strong tone and standing up for white people. Trump has marshalled their inner racists. It is those people that for me is disheartening that they support him. There are a lot of people in this country and the population grows each year and I think those quiet racists are scared of their nice bubbles they live in bursting. Trump is making them feel more secure despite all the horrible things he is doing and saying.
1
I don't think this is the place for corrections, but the word should be "province" below:
"power and privilege in America is primarily the provenance of people who are white, male, Christian and straight"
"power and privilege in America is primarily the provenance of people who are white, male, Christian and straight"
Hateful, divisive and wrong. Your identity politics aren't going to work any more. The people are catching on.
1
Recall the nativist "Know Nothing Party of the 1840's? eerily similar antecedents of the Republican know nothing supporters of Trump today.
2
Never knew what Trump was about, never watched his shows or anything about the man.
But his racism was apparent every since Donald Trump started his fake news on our popular President Barack Obama and his birther movement. This a Country of immigrants, equal right for all, blacks, yellows, browns and whites.
This an old man 71 years of age, he could have done something creative to make the World a better place but Trump will be remembers as a corrupt, hateful man trying to take the Country to a path of destruction.
But the Cycle of life every one when come goes at a certain time, no one is for ever..
President Barack Obama is not done at all, he is 56 healthy , full of energy and let me tell you Charles, we have not heard the last word from him.
But his racism was apparent every since Donald Trump started his fake news on our popular President Barack Obama and his birther movement. This a Country of immigrants, equal right for all, blacks, yellows, browns and whites.
This an old man 71 years of age, he could have done something creative to make the World a better place but Trump will be remembers as a corrupt, hateful man trying to take the Country to a path of destruction.
But the Cycle of life every one when come goes at a certain time, no one is for ever..
President Barack Obama is not done at all, he is 56 healthy , full of energy and let me tell you Charles, we have not heard the last word from him.
2
Unfortunately he is a good talker, but an ineffectual doer.
1
Trump's racism has been on full display all along--at least for those who know the code. From the get-go he used the same dots and dashes the GOP used in its Southern Strategy--"law and order," "war on drugs," "welfare queens," "voter fraud," "affirmative action 'victimization'"--capped off with his own multi-year "quest" for Obama's supposed Kenyan birth certificate and the demonization of Mexicans and Muslims.
The only thing that has changed is his increasing willingness to drop the code. Anyone watching his "both sides" speech could see how liberating it was for him to say out loud, in front of God and everybody, that those "peaceful" marchers, with their Nazi flags and T-shirts, their white-supremacist and antisemitic chants, were "good people" defending their "beautiful" statue. And so he followed with his forthright defense of confederate monuments more generally, rallying his white-privileged base with vows to defend "our heritage."
We may not want to believe that that kind of racist mentality still exists in our country--much less in the presidency. But to those who know the code it's been clear from the outset that Trump's white male privilege is probably the only thing (beyond his greed for money and adulation) he's truly passionate about. What's been more eye-opening is how far and wide that passion resonates with the electorate--and how liberating it has been to so many to cheer their "heritage" while, like Trump himself, still denying their racism.
The only thing that has changed is his increasing willingness to drop the code. Anyone watching his "both sides" speech could see how liberating it was for him to say out loud, in front of God and everybody, that those "peaceful" marchers, with their Nazi flags and T-shirts, their white-supremacist and antisemitic chants, were "good people" defending their "beautiful" statue. And so he followed with his forthright defense of confederate monuments more generally, rallying his white-privileged base with vows to defend "our heritage."
We may not want to believe that that kind of racist mentality still exists in our country--much less in the presidency. But to those who know the code it's been clear from the outset that Trump's white male privilege is probably the only thing (beyond his greed for money and adulation) he's truly passionate about. What's been more eye-opening is how far and wide that passion resonates with the electorate--and how liberating it has been to so many to cheer their "heritage" while, like Trump himself, still denying their racism.
1
Reading a column of Mr. Blow is like a breath of fresh air. Many others in the liberal media seem to try to water down their opinions to avoid appearing angry and because they want to project a detached neutrality. Something can be so plainly wrong and undeniably offensive that one must just name it as such. "Sometimes you simply have to call a thing a thing..." says Mr. Blow. I couldn't agree more.
Charles you have an exceedingly dark and distorted view of America if you really feel that there is an "exponentially larger market of white nationalists and neo-Nazis" than 'the greedy and gauche'. Do you know any white nationalists or neo-Nazis personally or from work? I sure don't and I've been around 45 years. I'm certain that these neo-Nazis exist but their numbers are very very small while I see the greedy and gauche in profusion in both my social circles and at work.
65
I, too, see greedy and gauche in my circle of acquaintances (note I didn't say friends, although some actually are friends.. But i also personally know white nationalists in this circle, including some members of family as well as people I work with. They made themselves known upon the election of President Obama, growing more vocal after his re-election, and yet even more vocal now that "one of our own" is in the White House.
The white nationalists exist, and they are demanding their "rights" regardless who it may inconvenience or harm. They refuse to see that white male only policies are detrimental to the nation as a whole, not just to themselves and their families. Not until the man in the White House "Makes America White and Male Again" will they be satisfied. After all the progress made since the 1960's, it saddens me to see we are on the brink of self destruction.
The white nationalists exist, and they are demanding their "rights" regardless who it may inconvenience or harm. They refuse to see that white male only policies are detrimental to the nation as a whole, not just to themselves and their families. Not until the man in the White House "Makes America White and Male Again" will they be satisfied. After all the progress made since the 1960's, it saddens me to see we are on the brink of self destruction.
There is nothing dark nor distorted about his views. Witness men, women, and children being murdered by licensed police officers (recorded no less), yet cops still get off without even a slap on the wrist, 99 percent of the time. And do not make comparisons of garden-variety criminals in high crime areas to cops; cops are supposed to be the good guys.
Of course he doesn't know any white supremacists personally or from work. He is a imposing looking Black man, and he works at the NY Times--I don't think he's going to bump into many. As an opinionatedly liberal person, I am not the most likely bff of a white supremacist, but I know they exist. I have seen their websites, I have former students who have heard them at their colleges, and I used to hear from them when I was an elected official. Oh, and I regularly visit an old friend in a small town back east in a community where a man routinely drives in circles around a Black church with a Confederate flag attached to his pickup. Very strange--and we have to keep our voices down in the local coffee shop. You never know who might be listening. Pretending these misguided people don't exist won't make them disappear. Quite the opposite, I fear.
1
Trump is a back-stabbing egomaniac. As soon as he professes "love" for something or someone, they're assuredly in his cross hairs. He seems to lack emotions restraining bad behavior and is ruled by impulse. Sadistic. Cruel. Willing to stoop down to the gutter to garner applause and votes from bigots and Nazis. Thank you for naming it publicly, Mr. Blow — Trump is a racist, feeding off an ugly resurgent strain of racism that he readily stokes. Pardoning Arpaio was a gift to them and a middle finger to decency and equality. Trump is a daily offense to everything good about our country. Our sorry GOP Congress enables him, may Mueller's investigation be the counter we require.
144
Trump is the bubonic plague on our country.
Trump is a simple man.
The presidency has NOT revealed him, he was/is an easy read. The presidency has revealed the racism of the U.S.
What HAS been revealed is the fragility of Democracy and the need for quality, secular role-model teachers in our pitifully mediocre schools. Society is threatened because our weak-minded, money mongering president has been convinced by the mental genius (by comparison), Putin that democracy is not the best form of government. Best is a CEO-like oligarchy, HE rules; HE makes a lot of money. Putin has made MILLIONS, Trump knows, he wants in.
GOP “Trickle Down’ mentality fit Trump’s (temporary) means; he duped a lot of smarter people than he, probably because a lot of those “smarter” people are closet racists; they bought in on the pretense that Trump is a republican who will foster the TD economic scheme, ha. Trump is more “me-oriented” and ‘tell ‘em to pull themselves up by their bootstraps,’ than the average republican.
Tillerson-Exxon and the Ruskies: a link in Trump's dog-lead chain, teased Trump with the millions to be made, recall his quote regarding Iraq, "I’ve always said -- shouldn’t be there, but if we’re going to get out, take the oil" $ to be made, $imple.
Trump is simple minded, with a simple view of human nature: #1 first, do what you have to, say what you have to. Morality matters not, humanity matters not; end justifies means. The end is HIS profit margin and power to increase that profit margin. Pretty simple, $imple.
The presidency has NOT revealed him, he was/is an easy read. The presidency has revealed the racism of the U.S.
What HAS been revealed is the fragility of Democracy and the need for quality, secular role-model teachers in our pitifully mediocre schools. Society is threatened because our weak-minded, money mongering president has been convinced by the mental genius (by comparison), Putin that democracy is not the best form of government. Best is a CEO-like oligarchy, HE rules; HE makes a lot of money. Putin has made MILLIONS, Trump knows, he wants in.
GOP “Trickle Down’ mentality fit Trump’s (temporary) means; he duped a lot of smarter people than he, probably because a lot of those “smarter” people are closet racists; they bought in on the pretense that Trump is a republican who will foster the TD economic scheme, ha. Trump is more “me-oriented” and ‘tell ‘em to pull themselves up by their bootstraps,’ than the average republican.
Tillerson-Exxon and the Ruskies: a link in Trump's dog-lead chain, teased Trump with the millions to be made, recall his quote regarding Iraq, "I’ve always said -- shouldn’t be there, but if we’re going to get out, take the oil" $ to be made, $imple.
Trump is simple minded, with a simple view of human nature: #1 first, do what you have to, say what you have to. Morality matters not, humanity matters not; end justifies means. The end is HIS profit margin and power to increase that profit margin. Pretty simple, $imple.
2
"Inner racism"? Well, just below the surface at best.
The reeking racism of Donald Trump began with the reeking, overt and cruel KKK costumed racism of his father, which probably started way back when with the father's father. Trump's pathetic attempts at refuting what is as plain as the nose on his orange face are not working. Of course they're not. He says, "I'm not racist," and then hands bouquets to the murderous Charlottsville pack of rabid supremacists, racists, KKKers and other disagreeable sorts who don't like anything not them.
2
He "handed them bouquets"? Do tell. Do you have the video of that? I could have sworn I heard him denounce them. Would you have a direct quote? You know something you didn't make up?
You can ignore and apologize for the Trumps all you want but no one has to make up anything at all. The videos and photos are all over the place and not doctored. Perhaps you'd like to Google them. The "bouquets" is "both sides". It's all apparently which side of the fence you're on. So take the racists' side and you won't see much wrong with mace and rants about Jews and the pass Trump gave to all of it that enraged the entire country -- with the exception of the side who did it.
1
You lose the argument when you brand someone a racist. But then again, Mr. Blow no longer puts forward arguments, relying instead on mere vitriol, with each column lowering himself further to the level of the man he so reviles. What a loss.
4
This may be an uncomfortable concept but it is definitely a facet these days. Studies showed the most common determinants of Trump voters were sexism and racism. Most of the racism during President Obama's terms was not even hidden but advertised through many, many signs, emails, references, "jokes", etc., including the racist birther lie that the majority of Trump voters believed in.
There is a reason that many principled conservatives left the Republican Party with the election of Trump. It is no longer the Party of Lincoln. As Colin Powell said, there is a dark vein of intolerance running through the GOP now.
(Blaming one columnist for this doesn't work, by the way.)
There is a reason that many principled conservatives left the Republican Party with the election of Trump. It is no longer the Party of Lincoln. As Colin Powell said, there is a dark vein of intolerance running through the GOP now.
(Blaming one columnist for this doesn't work, by the way.)
2
And God said, "Let us make man in our own image,
after our likeness: and let them have dominion
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and
over every creeping thing that creepeth upon
the earth". (Gen 1:26-31).
God created "All the Races" and it was "Very
Good".
So, for all those who harbour negative thoughts
and feelings towards non white people's, I
suggest you take it up with the Lord of hosts.
after our likeness: and let them have dominion
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and
over every creeping thing that creepeth upon
the earth". (Gen 1:26-31).
God created "All the Races" and it was "Very
Good".
So, for all those who harbour negative thoughts
and feelings towards non white people's, I
suggest you take it up with the Lord of hosts.
2
Never mind the program is illegal, unconstitutional, and temporary by those 2 standards.. Nope.. cry racist trump.. More ridiculous bias from the Times.. How about bashing the democrat controlled government who instead of tackling this gave us the wonders of the ACA and cash for clunkers..
How about giving credit to trump to force congress to work together for a solution.. Nope.. easier again to bash trump.. This was bar far the best solution to this problem left to him by the previous administration.. Lets not forget, I sure dont remember Obama approaching congress with an attempt to sell an immigration plan.. HIS solution was an illegal executive order. But this is trumps fault..
(hint.. trump bashing, it isnt working.. )
How about giving credit to trump to force congress to work together for a solution.. Nope.. easier again to bash trump.. This was bar far the best solution to this problem left to him by the previous administration.. Lets not forget, I sure dont remember Obama approaching congress with an attempt to sell an immigration plan.. HIS solution was an illegal executive order. But this is trumps fault..
(hint.. trump bashing, it isnt working.. )
2
Blow still leads the leftist charge off the cliff.
Mark my words: the progressive left has no moral authority.
Blow's platform rests entirely upon the illusion that that progressive left has moral authority. The progressive left still imagines that it has the moral authority to accuse, convict, and punish anyone who violates its fantasized laws defining "racist" behavior.
Well, there is only one moral authority in US of A. That is the Christian world view. No, NYT, no, CNN, you cannot and will not usurp the moral authority that the USA was founded upon and continues to provide the moral foundations for this country.
Of course, the NYT is a business. To make money. And as long as the progressive left's illusion of moral authority has life, the NYT will make money expounding upon it. And Blow will continue.
But the bubble, the illusion of moral authority that the progressive left pretends to, is shrinking and breaking apart. Driven off the cliff by articles of hatred such as this one.
And the NYT, being a business, will simply fire these pundits, and replace them with pundits who (hopefully) acknowledge the one moral authority, Christianity.
The sooner the better, as far as I am concerned. And this one thing, returning to the true moral authority, will Make American Great Again.
Mark my words: the progressive left has no moral authority.
Blow's platform rests entirely upon the illusion that that progressive left has moral authority. The progressive left still imagines that it has the moral authority to accuse, convict, and punish anyone who violates its fantasized laws defining "racist" behavior.
Well, there is only one moral authority in US of A. That is the Christian world view. No, NYT, no, CNN, you cannot and will not usurp the moral authority that the USA was founded upon and continues to provide the moral foundations for this country.
Of course, the NYT is a business. To make money. And as long as the progressive left's illusion of moral authority has life, the NYT will make money expounding upon it. And Blow will continue.
But the bubble, the illusion of moral authority that the progressive left pretends to, is shrinking and breaking apart. Driven off the cliff by articles of hatred such as this one.
And the NYT, being a business, will simply fire these pundits, and replace them with pundits who (hopefully) acknowledge the one moral authority, Christianity.
The sooner the better, as far as I am concerned. And this one thing, returning to the true moral authority, will Make American Great Again.
Interesting. Please tell us what is so Christ-like about Trump. What is Christ-like about denying refugees, taking away support for the poor, and advocating violence in a justice system that is already fraught with racism? What is Christ-like about denying racism? What is Christ-like about defending the party of Pharisees and money-lenders?
Thank you for at least being up front about your disdain - dare I say revulsion - at any religious body other than your own. Thank God - and I mean that with no sarcasm - that we have a constitution that doesn't allow you to proclaim one religion over another. Our diversity in ethnicity and religion is what has already made America great. Your vision of America is one that is strikingly similar to that of DAESH, the Taliban, Al Quaeda, the Crusades. the Inquisition, just to name a few over the centuries. Be careful sir or madam; you may find that your so-called leader will hone his targets onto your Christian morality if it suits his power grabs.
1
Hei Jeremy -
Thanks, I did not make it clear that I did not vote for Trump for Son of God (position permanently taken), but for president of the United States. As for your following lies about Trump, I would rest on the moral authority of Christianity and say that lying, slander, back-talking, and intrigues are signs of this morally debased world, and are not based on Christian moral values (as is United States).
Thanks, I did not make it clear that I did not vote for Trump for Son of God (position permanently taken), but for president of the United States. As for your following lies about Trump, I would rest on the moral authority of Christianity and say that lying, slander, back-talking, and intrigues are signs of this morally debased world, and are not based on Christian moral values (as is United States).
Mr. Blow, your job is not done yet, and your opinions are subject to change, unless, they are written in stone. The Irish can talk the hind-legs off a donkey and reveal only what they wish to be known. Some of our finest novelists started a career in journalism. I always find it easier to take a mental pen and delete vocations where my qualifications and background, temperament and nature are not suitable.
Trump has always bored me. Maybe I have met people like him on this long journey in life, but he always left me indifferent and now he is impacting on US in his presidential role. Much worse than anything I could have anticipated and it is to America that I find myself wondering. Where is our Spine, for one, and why can we not have a competent President and a functioning G.O.P. to keep moving US ahead.
The White Christian movement sends chills down my back, and I remember an exchange with an African friend, a devout Muslim, where I opined that Catholics have this strange compulsion to convert her Country to 'Baby Jesus', causing her to smile with her usual grace. Can you not read the news, she once asked. Can you not say prayers. I prefer to see the World through your eyes, I replied, and please include me in yours when you go to the Mosque. We were working together in The Humanitarian Community for Water and I miss her tremendously.
We are all racists. We are in the same boat. Fascism is here. Are We going to remain lame. Keep on writing, Mr. Blow.
Trump has always bored me. Maybe I have met people like him on this long journey in life, but he always left me indifferent and now he is impacting on US in his presidential role. Much worse than anything I could have anticipated and it is to America that I find myself wondering. Where is our Spine, for one, and why can we not have a competent President and a functioning G.O.P. to keep moving US ahead.
The White Christian movement sends chills down my back, and I remember an exchange with an African friend, a devout Muslim, where I opined that Catholics have this strange compulsion to convert her Country to 'Baby Jesus', causing her to smile with her usual grace. Can you not read the news, she once asked. Can you not say prayers. I prefer to see the World through your eyes, I replied, and please include me in yours when you go to the Mosque. We were working together in The Humanitarian Community for Water and I miss her tremendously.
We are all racists. We are in the same boat. Fascism is here. Are We going to remain lame. Keep on writing, Mr. Blow.
1
If you didn't think Trump was a racist that would lynch you in a heartbeat, just ask the central park five.
5
Blow has trivialized the term "rascist" beyond recognition. To him, its just anyone who disagrees with liberal orthodoxy on any matter involving race. It's hard to tell whether he really believes the drivel he writes, or is just part of the NYT business model to appeal to "progressives." In either case, he does tremendous harm to those he professes to champion with excuse-mongering that amounts to nothing more the, "If I could just get the Man's boot off my neck." I've yet to read the first word from Mr. Blow that speaks to the personal responsibility and accountability that is needed within minority communities vs. more pandering from progressives designed to sell newspapers and get votes every election cycle.
3
As President Obama called America's racist-slavery past our "original sin," it is clear that it has never really gone away. It flourished in the post-Civil War era of Jim Crow, the Chinese Exclusion Act, "manifest destiny," and both Woodrow Wilson's and Calvin Coolidge's embrace of Ku Klux Klan white supremacy. Now the darkness has once again been openly embraced and exploited by Donald Trump. But, of course, the entire Republican party has been doing the same for the past 50 years since the Nixon Southern strategy with code words like Ronald Reagan's "welfare queens" and dog whistles like George H. W. Bush's Willie Horton campaign ad and policies like the "War on Crime" and voter suppression. We need to shine the antiseptic light of truth on this dark "thing" and call it out for what it really is: neo-fascist, white nationalist racism. Millions of our fathers and grandfathers fought and died to defeat it abroad in World War II, we must not allow this disease to take root once again on our soil.
2
He is undoing so much accomplished by the previous administration because Obama was a black man; that is the only reason.
Trump is the first president to find good Nazis.
As a business man, he was a racist. In his presidential announcement, he made racist statements. He said them because a] he is ignorant and b] he believes them and thinks that a majority of the country agrees.
Don't need to know anything more about the man. Mr. Blow, keep up the good fight, only 3.5 years to go and then he will be out.
Trump is the first president to find good Nazis.
As a business man, he was a racist. In his presidential announcement, he made racist statements. He said them because a] he is ignorant and b] he believes them and thinks that a majority of the country agrees.
Don't need to know anything more about the man. Mr. Blow, keep up the good fight, only 3.5 years to go and then he will be out.
3
In the interest of historical accuracy, Mr. Trump was not the first president to find good Nazis. Herbert Hoover met with Chancellor Hitler numerous times and was a quiet supporter of both him and the Lindbergh led America First party, which advocated closer German-American ties in the 1930's.
1
As a Jew whose dad escaped Nazi Germany and who lost many relatives there, trump's racial views are reminding me more and more like Hitler's, who, in case we forget, was elected too! Sessions 2015 interview with Bannon spells their racial view out, they want to restore whites to power again, yes make America white again. Like did they forget the American Indian? What about African-Americans brought over as slaves who built the South, or the Chinese who were brought over to build the railroads? We are in a dangerous place and Congress is wimping out!
3
I'm white, male and straight and I'm not priviledged. In the same way I can see Trumps racism I can see yours. Blow writes for the nytimes and he is not priviledged? Wouldn't he be in favor of systemic discrimination against white people as retribution for the past? Blow is smart enough, he writes for the nytimes, to know people with true power and priviledge will go about their business unaffected his racism because of money. It's those without power affected by Blows rascism.
2
In my 80 + years I have seen many changes - some for the better, some for the worse. Generally speaking I think the Democrats, as a group, have favored the better changes and the Republicans, as a group have favored the worst. I favor a two-party system in so far as one party can be a "check" on the other party thereby stemming the excesses a one-party system usually becomes guilty of.
Alas! the Republican Party has long since abrogated any usefulness it may have had as a check on the Democrats. With the passage of the Civil Rights Act the once Solid South of Democrats has become the Solid South of white supremacist bigots. These pathetic creatures have taken over the Republican Party associated with Abraham Lincoln and turned it into the opposite of everything Lincoln stood for.
It's time the Republican party either cleanse itself of its KKK aspirations or go the way of the Whigs. We need a two-party system and, I believe, the Republican Party no longer is adequate to fulfill this role properly.
(The TV image of little Jeffie Sessions smiling at the prospects of a new immigration act resembling the horrendous immigration act of 1924 is giving me night mares.)
Alas! the Republican Party has long since abrogated any usefulness it may have had as a check on the Democrats. With the passage of the Civil Rights Act the once Solid South of Democrats has become the Solid South of white supremacist bigots. These pathetic creatures have taken over the Republican Party associated with Abraham Lincoln and turned it into the opposite of everything Lincoln stood for.
It's time the Republican party either cleanse itself of its KKK aspirations or go the way of the Whigs. We need a two-party system and, I believe, the Republican Party no longer is adequate to fulfill this role properly.
(The TV image of little Jeffie Sessions smiling at the prospects of a new immigration act resembling the horrendous immigration act of 1924 is giving me night mares.)
2
Another day, another columnist calling Trump a racist, bigoted, misogynistic, white supremacist. Oh, and Russia! My question is, Charles, whom are you trying to convince? That's the thing...I don't think you know. You're just screaming into the wind. The fact is that you still cannot fathom the support Trump has, nor its composition. I, for example, am a college-educated, upper middle class, socially moderate individual who works in education. I am also an enthusiastic Trump supporter who happens to like the idea of the Dream Act. I simply think the way Obama did it was completely illegal and an affront to our Democracy. The point is that Trump's support is much more deep and complex than you (and seemingly anyone else in the liberal media) realizes. Let me ask: Calling his supporters Nazis and racists and bigots and morons...what is that about? You DO realize that such tactics only broaden and strengthen his support and the Democrats continued destructive path, right? No. Probably not.
4
I don't think it took the election to reveal Trump's racism: he's been revealing it for years. Wasn't his first mention in the NYT over discrimination against renting to Black tenants in the 1970's? How about the Central Park Five? And Trump personally kept the racist Obama birther lie alive for years. No, his racism has been pretty obvious for years and millions of Americans agree or just don't care. As the Racist-in-Chief himself might say, "Sad!"
2
In his efforts at promoting white supremacy Trump is aided and abetted by the GOP which since Nixon's Southern Strategy has sought to disenfranchise and marginalize blacks, Hispanics, women and the LGBTQ community among others. Voter suppression, gerrymandering and intimidation are just some of the weapons in its aresenal. Trump has put the cherry on top with his open support of neo-Nazis, the KKK, and the alt-right fascists. That the GOP tolerates him with only a few weak sporadic demurrals speaks volumes about what the Republican Party is really about.
2
It is not just his hands that are small -- his brain is small and his heart is small and black. He attracts others with small minds and small hearts, like Sessions. The only things large about Trump is his ego and his insecurity.
1
I was unaware that Islam (whose members are of all colors and shapes) was a Race.
If he had said the current political order was bigoted I would not say a word. But what do you call Progressive Liberals who will not send their kids to black majority public schools and opt for private schools?
If he had said the current political order was bigoted I would not say a word. But what do you call Progressive Liberals who will not send their kids to black majority public schools and opt for private schools?
2
In Trump's dream Amerika, you would be imprisoned or 'disappeared' for writing something so scathing. so pointed, and so true.
Thank you, and keep on writing.
Thank you, and keep on writing.
Nazism in a different form is still Nazism. The thing is the thing. Policies, walls, travel bans, government anti-affirmative action suits; actions instead of bullets. Nazism is still Nazism. The thing is the thing.
Perhaps the worst thing about Trump being elected is that Black voters decided it didn't matter to them a year ago, as reported by the New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/21/us/many-in-milwaukee-neighborhood-did...
This is a white majority country so get over it. You are the one constantly shows bigotry and racism, not Trump. This is a democracy if your ideas are better then wait for the next elections and we shall see. I have a feeling you will be spouting same nonsense again.
3
"Fungible" but not worth much.
Trump remains the blowhard huckster he was, but Hillary couldn't blow as hard and lost. As usual, the people picked the bigger (but not by all that much) liar. H.L. Mencken understood that almost a century ago.
Trump remains the blowhard huckster he was, but Hillary couldn't blow as hard and lost. As usual, the people picked the bigger (but not by all that much) liar. H.L. Mencken understood that almost a century ago.
In 2011 Obama clearly stated enacting DACA was unlawful but then did it anyway. He created this mess. The left lacks basic objectivity, a simple principle we learn in elementary school. Trump is using this emotionally charged legislation to get congress to do it's job, it's smart politics. He's also stated that if they did not come up with a solution he'd step in. He's not going to let any dreamers get deported, this is just another opportunity for the left to throw out the word, RACISM. An opportunity to disregard the fact the Clinton's crushed the minority population with the 94 crime bill, or the fact Hilary called them super predators, or the fact blacks were the only demographic to become poorer during Obama's presidency, or the fact Obama deported the most immigrants of any president, or the fact a race comprising of 13% of our population is committing 50% of the murders and 25% of the racially charged hate crimes and has for 20 years but is claiming everyone else to be racist. WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THOSE POINTS LIBERALS? There are only 6,500 hate crimes committed each year and have been for about 20 years.... 6,500. 70% are intimidation. Meanwhile 60,000 people die each year from opioid overdoses. Socrates one said " When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser" It's evident this is the position the left is in. No policy talk, just name calling. No solutions, just calling everything they don't like racist. Be objective, think for yourself.
2
Someone once said “When (note: not if…but WHEN) Fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross. That “when” arrived in early November, 2016.
The importance of opposing, of resisting, of defying with our every word and waking moment the palpable danger of Donald Trump efforts to devolve us into grievance-fueled warring tribes increases with each hour.
Tangible examples are often more powerfully communicative than written concepts, and such is the case here. In 1930’s Germany the late Martin Niemöller was a Lutheran minister and supporter of the ascending Nazi wave, who later himself was imprisoned in concentration camps for coming to oppose the true horror of what he had initially supported.
Best known for his tragically true statement now on display at the US Holocaust Memorial, it reads:
“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 was SOOOOO right! Charles Blow is SOOOO right. Trump is a corrosion of our national metal that MUST be opposed!
The importance of opposing, of resisting, of defying with our every word and waking moment the palpable danger of Donald Trump efforts to devolve us into grievance-fueled warring tribes increases with each hour.
Tangible examples are often more powerfully communicative than written concepts, and such is the case here. In 1930’s Germany the late Martin Niemöller was a Lutheran minister and supporter of the ascending Nazi wave, who later himself was imprisoned in concentration camps for coming to oppose the true horror of what he had initially supported.
Best known for his tragically true statement now on display at the US Holocaust Memorial, it reads:
“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 was SOOOOO right! Charles Blow is SOOOO right. Trump is a corrosion of our national metal that MUST be opposed!
He did not need to be president to "reveal himself". He has been a blatant misogynist racist evil thieving useless destructive person his entire life. What are you thinking USA - it is not pretty the suicide of a formerly pretty OK country.
1
Hi racism is not "inner", it's exposed for all to see. America is now being run by the 20% minority angry white voters.
2
Trump is surely a racist. More disturbing still is his legion of followers lead by Nazis and the KKK. That his TOP priority is racism is shocking - the Muslim gold star family affair and the "many good people" among those Nazis comment.
And just look Fox News, right wing talk radio and right online news-like sites. Diversity? Not so much.
Is all this new? No. Is it disturbing? Very much yes. Even to me - a very WASPy WASP. It is disgusting.
And just look Fox News, right wing talk radio and right online news-like sites. Diversity? Not so much.
Is all this new? No. Is it disturbing? Very much yes. Even to me - a very WASPy WASP. It is disgusting.
1
Trump and the idiots who support him won't be happy until they've destroyed the country. Bannon said as much early on, and is now trying to get the 'Freedom Caucus' in the House to unseat Paul Ryan and install him as speaker. Never in our history has an outsider been elected speaker, but it's possible. I couldn't care less if Ryan is ousted, but unless the GOP stops them, they're going to end democracy before we can vote them out.
The Left isn't doing itself any good by labelling anything and everything they don't like as "racist." It is, I suppose, intended to be an unanswerable insult--since it generally can't be proven it equally generally can't be defended against, and even trying to defend yourself against a charge of "racism" just proves, in the minds of the Left, that you're a "racist."
Regarding Trump:
"He has sought to ban Muslims."
Well, yeah, and in recent years we've sought to ban possible carriers of the Ebola virus. What's wrong with being careful about importing known potential dangers?
"He has defamed Black Lives Matter..."
Yeah, and BLM has threatened violence and is more and more acting like a terrorist organisation.
“The Trump administration is preparing to redirect resources of the Justice Department’s civil rights division toward investigating and suing universities over affirmative action admissions policies deemed to discriminate against white applicants.”
So it's okay to discriminate against whites but not against blacks?
Regarding Trump:
"He has sought to ban Muslims."
Well, yeah, and in recent years we've sought to ban possible carriers of the Ebola virus. What's wrong with being careful about importing known potential dangers?
"He has defamed Black Lives Matter..."
Yeah, and BLM has threatened violence and is more and more acting like a terrorist organisation.
“The Trump administration is preparing to redirect resources of the Justice Department’s civil rights division toward investigating and suing universities over affirmative action admissions policies deemed to discriminate against white applicants.”
So it's okay to discriminate against whites but not against blacks?
2
President Trump is forcing congress to work together to write a law that constitutionally upholds DACA. He is actually making them for once do their jobs. President Trump is not a racist however Blow you clearly are.
4
I agree with Mr Blow...but his stuff and everyone elses whining is not moving the needle. Theres nothing truly being done by the whining Anti Trumpers.
Just a lot of smug insight. The only ones apparently working to save the Republic are those like the Dreamers. Putting their skin and necks on the line. While White white middle class whites who start their sentences with "Im not a racist..." are mostly doing nothing and proving nothing...
Change wont come till the streets are filled with regular white folks demanding it...
Just a lot of smug insight. The only ones apparently working to save the Republic are those like the Dreamers. Putting their skin and necks on the line. While White white middle class whites who start their sentences with "Im not a racist..." are mostly doing nothing and proving nothing...
Change wont come till the streets are filled with regular white folks demanding it...
The racist white supremacist has always been lurking in Trumps background. All that has changed is that now it is ok by conservative standards to practice racism, hatred, misogyny, bigotry etc etc etc fully in the open without fear of consequential retribution. The regressive party via their white nationalist leader is fully living up to its namesake.
This exact column needs to be on the front page every day.
2
Mr. Blow, you as a black person need to know of the inner racism of your fellow white liberals:
"Why affirmative action failed black families where it matters most" http://malemattersusa.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/why-affirmative-action-ha...
This is not what you think it is. It may be too shocking for many whites. Those who denounce me without reading it will make themselves look foolish.
"Why affirmative action failed black families where it matters most" http://malemattersusa.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/why-affirmative-action-ha...
This is not what you think it is. It may be too shocking for many whites. Those who denounce me without reading it will make themselves look foolish.
Mr. Blow seems to believe that Trump has revealed his inner racism because Trump believes in following the constitution and that we are a nation of laws. Our founders set up our government in such a way as to require building consensus. They took great pains to "separate" the powers and have 3 "co-equal" branches of government. The president is not allowed to legislate. That is reserved for the congress. Apparently, this is lost on Mr. Blow. So Trump is asking congress to sit down and work out a consensus around immigration. If they don't, it is not the fault of the executive branch. If a consensus is not come to, the law stays as it is on the books and should be enforced. Maybe, Mr. Blow is actually revealing Obama's inner "Despotism" where Obama ruled like Hitler, simply using his phone and his pen. Maybe Mr. Blow is also revealing his inner ignorance of our country, our government and our history as well.
Trump is and always has been despicable and now that he is President, the whole world can see what a liar, racist, misogynist he is and has always been. An under reported story is the slow down in foreigners vacationing and doing business in America. NYC foreign tourism way down.
Agree, Charles Blow. DJT, Racist in chief. One positive: the covert is now overt. It is much more ingrained and widespread than many of us had hoped or suspected. We have our work cut out for us.
Mr. Blow, EVERYONE is a little racist, even people of color. It is not just a trait of white people alone. Most of us hide it very well, other do not. But it is true we all have our biases and generalizations of others. It's called being human.
Also, I don't believe that Trump is as big of a racist as he is made out to be by the media. Comparing him to the Nazis and Hitler is over the top extreme.
Also, I don't believe that Trump is as big of a racist as he is made out to be by the media. Comparing him to the Nazis and Hitler is over the top extreme.
48
Jim, to quote the great Yogi Berra, "It ain't over till it's over."
Increasingly, as we allow Trump to get away with what he is doing, the foulness and utter lack of any moral fiber will only blossom more. He must be stopped because he is evil. It wasn't as evident when he was pulling his shenanigans in the private sector but now that he has reached the pinnacle of power (which he perceives he has) there is no telling where his heart of darkness will lead him - and us.
We seem to have a supine electorate and an carcinogenic party, the GOP, who will not reign him in. Let us see in 2018 and 2020 if Americans truly understand the danger they are in and avert it.
Increasingly, as we allow Trump to get away with what he is doing, the foulness and utter lack of any moral fiber will only blossom more. He must be stopped because he is evil. It wasn't as evident when he was pulling his shenanigans in the private sector but now that he has reached the pinnacle of power (which he perceives he has) there is no telling where his heart of darkness will lead him - and us.
We seem to have a supine electorate and an carcinogenic party, the GOP, who will not reign him in. Let us see in 2018 and 2020 if Americans truly understand the danger they are in and avert it.
It's true, we all have our biases, and even race prejudices. But when these biases and prejudices serve as the foundation of laws and policy, those racist thoughts (which you seem to think are innocuous) go beyond an individual's immediate jurisdiction and negatively impacts others who not only don't deserve it, but are simply trying to find their own "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" to which we are ALL entitled.
1
Jim,
Trump is typical of many Americans. They say they are not racists but will laugh at a racist joke or call someone an ethnic slur. They will then say I am not a racist.
You are wrong about Trump Trump is a racist by his comments and his actions toward minorities. He was raised by a racist, his father. This is all he knows. Trump is like those Americans who say they are not racists but will laugh or make fun of minorities. In his case, not rent or sell to them but use them to do the gardening for his many properties.
Trump is typical of many Americans. They say they are not racists but will laugh at a racist joke or call someone an ethnic slur. They will then say I am not a racist.
You are wrong about Trump Trump is a racist by his comments and his actions toward minorities. He was raised by a racist, his father. This is all he knows. Trump is like those Americans who say they are not racists but will laugh or make fun of minorities. In his case, not rent or sell to them but use them to do the gardening for his many properties.
And God said, "Let us make man in our own
image, after our likeness: and let them have
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over
the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and
over all the earth, and over every creeping
thing that creepeth upon the earth".
(Gen 1:26-31)
God created "All the Races" and it was
"Very Good".
So, if you're harbouring negative feelings
and thoughts towards non white people's,
I suggest you take it up with the Lord of
hosts.
image, after our likeness: and let them have
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over
the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and
over all the earth, and over every creeping
thing that creepeth upon the earth".
(Gen 1:26-31)
God created "All the Races" and it was
"Very Good".
So, if you're harbouring negative feelings
and thoughts towards non white people's,
I suggest you take it up with the Lord of
hosts.
6
And God said, "Let us make man in
our image, after our likeness: and let
him have dominion over the fish of
the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the
earth, and over every creeping thing
thar creepeth upon the earth".
(Gen 1:26-31)
God created "All the Races" and it
was "Very Good".
So, if you're harbouring negative
feelings and thoughts towards non
white people's, I suggest you take
it up with the Lord if hosts.
our image, after our likeness: and let
him have dominion over the fish of
the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the
earth, and over every creeping thing
thar creepeth upon the earth".
(Gen 1:26-31)
God created "All the Races" and it
was "Very Good".
So, if you're harbouring negative
feelings and thoughts towards non
white people's, I suggest you take
it up with the Lord if hosts.
1
Baloney. Lots of it.
Examples (some, but certainly not all):
a) "Trump’s outrageous decision this week to end DACA, the Obama-era ... ... is just the latest expression of Trump’s growing intolerance and his growing adoption and internalizing of white nationalist ideology."
No, what he is doing is kicking the process back to Congress where it belongs, and eliminating yet another one of Obama's unconstitutional actions. Period.
P.S. The dreamers were not born here. They are, illegal immigrants. Kids or not, they do not belong here. Their presence is an insult to all the hundreds of thousands of applicants who wait for years, for legal immigration status.
b) "He has sought to ban Muslims."
This is a simple lie. It requires no further comment, other than, Blow lies with regularity in this column and here's another example.
c) "...encouraged the police to physically assault suspects under arrest."
See (b) above
d) "Trump’s base may be relatively small, but he keeps reinforcing its power and reminding us of the magnitude of that power, because the spirit of the base commands the presidency."
Dream on, Blow. Denial is one of your hallmarks. Trump's base is big, a big as Hiillary's, and growing as the fascist Antifa and BLM activists riot in the streets.
Last: "...white racism is ascendant; it is reclaiming a space many had hoped was shrinking. That is a plain and obvious truth."
Baloney. Another lie.
4
By the way, I adore the fact that the Right is cheering for Trump's doing exactly what that mean old President Obama did...issuing an executive order that defers action on the Dreamers, in order to give Congress time to act.
Be nice if you folks knew what was actually In DACA, though, since there's this weird habit of yellng about people who aren't even in the darn program, then complaining that DACA doesn't have provisions that DACA actually does.
Oh, well. I guess we all got used to the Right howling like this back when the PPACA got passed, given that they couldn't so much as explain what "PPACA," meant.
Be nice if you folks knew what was actually In DACA, though, since there's this weird habit of yellng about people who aren't even in the darn program, then complaining that DACA doesn't have provisions that DACA actually does.
Oh, well. I guess we all got used to the Right howling like this back when the PPACA got passed, given that they couldn't so much as explain what "PPACA," meant.
2
Mr. Blow, you regularly exhibit your outer racism in your weekly rants. That's fine. That's your career. That's why The Editorial Board hired you. That's what the choir pays to read.
But, when your rant about DACA misses the salient issue, it is disgusting. You apparently have never bothered to read up on the history of DACA, its rationale and whom is actually impacted by it.
Your paper estimates that as many as 1.7 million people may be covered by its authority. That's 1.7 million people who are essentially in political limbo. 1.7 million who have no country to officially call home. That should disturb you. That it doesn't is disturbing.
Instead, your hatred of Trump blinds you. Trump said he passed the ball to Congress to enact DACA into LAW. Not an executive order. A bona fide, constitutionally based LAW that would give as many as 1.7 million an opportunity to achieve citizenship in the only country that most of them know.
Why don't you put the welfare of 1.7 million ahead of your racism, Mr. Blow? Write the right thing.
But, when your rant about DACA misses the salient issue, it is disgusting. You apparently have never bothered to read up on the history of DACA, its rationale and whom is actually impacted by it.
Your paper estimates that as many as 1.7 million people may be covered by its authority. That's 1.7 million people who are essentially in political limbo. 1.7 million who have no country to officially call home. That should disturb you. That it doesn't is disturbing.
Instead, your hatred of Trump blinds you. Trump said he passed the ball to Congress to enact DACA into LAW. Not an executive order. A bona fide, constitutionally based LAW that would give as many as 1.7 million an opportunity to achieve citizenship in the only country that most of them know.
Why don't you put the welfare of 1.7 million ahead of your racism, Mr. Blow? Write the right thing.
6
Inner racism "is ascendant" to the extent Mr. Blow expands the definition to include every white person that struggles to read his column. Would it be uppity to suggest that Mr. Blow has no idea what racism is?
6
If it walks like a racist, and talks like a racist, and acts like a racist, it's a racist. Happy to see someone actually use the term. Most of the MSM talks around it.
And this is Tom Brady's very close friend he supported for President, when the NFL players are overwhelmingly African-American. Yet no one will print that.
And this is Tom Brady's very close friend he supported for President, when the NFL players are overwhelmingly African-American. Yet no one will print that.
1
I agree with you. But the real problem is that so many white people agree with Trump. 60 million racists is a lot. And a big portion of them are Nazis or KKK, way more than anyone wants to believe.
GOOD GRIEF - PLEASE shut up about "racism"
the RELENTLESS POLITICAL RACE BAITING from the left has rendered the word MEANINGLESS and has done untold damage to those suffering ACTUAL RACIAL BIAS...
ENOUGH!
the RELENTLESS POLITICAL RACE BAITING from the left has rendered the word MEANINGLESS and has done untold damage to those suffering ACTUAL RACIAL BIAS...
ENOUGH!
9
This may be naïve—apologies right off the bat if it offends—but I’m not sure that Donald Trump is a racist. Racism requires a coherent—if vile—point of view, and Donald Trump has no point of view. There is nothing inside him but raw appetite on the prowl for new satisfactions. That’s the only consistent gauge of his personality. If it suits him to be racist he will be racist; if it suits him to “love everybody” he will “love everybody.” Neither is true because neither is attached to an inner self that would construct a value system of principles and beliefs. Trump wants only what he wants, when he wants it, whatever it is, now now now now now. He is the completely malleable empty man.
His only constant at the moment is that he wants to undue everything that President Obama did because Obama was respected in a way that he is not. All throughout history petty tyrants have tried to erase the achievements of the predecessors, because they too were empty men. He is not banning Muslims or Mexicans or transgenders, he is banning Obama. Whatever Obama was for, he is against. Whatever he is told he shouldn’t do, he will do.
And so President Toddler tantrums on.
His only constant at the moment is that he wants to undue everything that President Obama did because Obama was respected in a way that he is not. All throughout history petty tyrants have tried to erase the achievements of the predecessors, because they too were empty men. He is not banning Muslims or Mexicans or transgenders, he is banning Obama. Whatever Obama was for, he is against. Whatever he is told he shouldn’t do, he will do.
And so President Toddler tantrums on.
9
I think reversing President Obama is a very large part of what Trump is attempting to do. However, his policies also continually attack minorities such as LGBT, Muslims, black people, Hispanics, and other groups. It seems to be instinctive, a knee jerk reaction. This has been true of his background back to his 20s with the housing racism that his firm had to pay millions in fine for, and also his billboard attacking the Central Park 5 teenagers, advocating their execution and even recently - despite absolute DNA proof and a confession by the actual criminal proving that they did not commit the crime, he still claimed that they did. They were much like the Dreamers, in fact, dark-skinned teenagers.
This is just a situation where it coincides with his hatred or jealousy of President Obama (and remember the years-long racist birther lie about him).
This is just a situation where it coincides with his hatred or jealousy of President Obama (and remember the years-long racist birther lie about him).
I think that the evidence shows that Donald has always been an economic racist: not someone who believes that various ethnic groups are necessarily inferior, but bad for his business. If he feels that their presence is detrimental to his bottom line, he will seek to eliminate them as he did in his early real estate career. As a candidate, and now as president, he has discovered that the persecution of minorities is advantageous to the odious trump brand, while a disaster for the country that he does not love. While this sort of despicable behavior might be unfathomable to most of us, for a greedy, narcissistic sociopath it is fairly run of the mill.
The twenty five percent of deplorables that he caters to will be a gold mine after he is removed from office. Follow the money.
The twenty five percent of deplorables that he caters to will be a gold mine after he is removed from office. Follow the money.
3
The Republican Party is the carcinogen with money being the medium in the crucible and the result is that Trump is the malignant tumor that seems to be thriving. Racism is one of his opportunistic means of survival.
If the carcinogen in not destroyed in 2018 and 2020, we will have died as a country, at least the one we all knew but obviously not loved.
If the carcinogen in not destroyed in 2018 and 2020, we will have died as a country, at least the one we all knew but obviously not loved.
4
White folks who continue to pretend that electing Trump's opponent- Clinton- was "worse than Trump" need to quit fooling themselves and look at this article carefully. Trump's attitudes are/were a package deal. When people tried to tell you that the impact to their lives would be huge and you chose a blind eye because those issues are an abstraction for you, then you are part of the problem.
3
True. It got old fast back during the campaign when some tried to mask their sexism or whatever by claiming that voting for the lesser of two evils was still evil. They ended up supporting the greater evil. One courageous vote by Sen. McCain was the only barrier that saved tens of millions of Americans from losing their healthcare. The almost one million DACA kids are more victims. Official policies against Muslims and transgender and affirmative action also were very quickly enacted. These are all evil in a way that Hillary Clinton would never ever have done.
1
Charles, you say that "power and privilege in America is primarily the provenance of people who are white, male, Christian and straight." I submit that Christian should be left out of that list; those people profess Christianity but don't follow Christ's teaching of unboundless love for all of God's creations.
5
Eloquently said, Mr. Blow. You have covered just about everything Trump has done to harm people other than the wealthy power grabbers.
3
[[[ We are witnessing the boot come swiftly down on the necks of women and minorities. We are seeing a program of minority removal — from the free population, from the work force, from the dole (as they see it), from the country itself. We are seeing an uplifting of whiteness to the detriment of non-whiteness. We are seeing the end of unity and the rise of factions and fascism. ]]]
Mr Blow, you've done it again! Your eloquent words tell America exactly how she has been duped by a dangerous maniac.
I am horrified by the turn of events since the Electoral College destroyed the greatness of America as we knew it. All of the above, as you wrote it, are tearing at the very fabric we sought to knit in the '50s and '60s. There is no longer love and respect for neighbor; there is greatly diminished housing opportunity for the low and middle income families in urban areas. Commutes are lengthening as those who can least afford them are pushed farther away from their workplaces.
We have become a nation of cannibals, killing and burying those thought to be "undesirable" in our neighborhoods, denying them access to the American dream of life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, and home-ownership. It is truly sad, what we have become.
Pray we restore our government of the people, by the people, and for the people, as it was so intended when we created a once great country.
"God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her through the night....."
Mr Blow, you've done it again! Your eloquent words tell America exactly how she has been duped by a dangerous maniac.
I am horrified by the turn of events since the Electoral College destroyed the greatness of America as we knew it. All of the above, as you wrote it, are tearing at the very fabric we sought to knit in the '50s and '60s. There is no longer love and respect for neighbor; there is greatly diminished housing opportunity for the low and middle income families in urban areas. Commutes are lengthening as those who can least afford them are pushed farther away from their workplaces.
We have become a nation of cannibals, killing and burying those thought to be "undesirable" in our neighborhoods, denying them access to the American dream of life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, and home-ownership. It is truly sad, what we have become.
Pray we restore our government of the people, by the people, and for the people, as it was so intended when we created a once great country.
"God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her through the night....."
4
His racism isn't inner and wasn't revealed. It's been right there all along beginning in the 70's and through the Presidential campaign. The GOP has been running on racism since Nixon except they called it the "Southern Strategy". This level of Op-Ed needs to pick up its game. You seem to be pulling your punches.
1
Mr. Blow:
All that glisters is not gold, nor is evil confined to racism. Your identity politics betray you: Mr. Trump, though evil, is no racist; he enthusiastically embraced his daughter’s conversion to Orthodox Judaism because it brought a useful alliance with a rich and powerful family. The result would assuredly have been the same had Jerrod Kushner been black, as long as he remained rich, powerful and useful.
Mr. Trump’s evil is unconstrained opportunism together with a bad child’s delight in hurting people. He will use anybody, including vile white supremacists, to advance himself. They are racists; he is not. Both are equally bad.
You do yourself and the rest of us a disservice by conflating everything disagreeable with racism. For example, this conflation unfortunately legitimates the argument that there is wrong on both sides, notwithstanding the disproportion between those wrongs. Michael Brown was not Emmett Till, and Mr. Trump is not George Wallace. Yet Trump is no better, and he may be even worse.
All that glisters is not gold, nor is evil confined to racism. Your identity politics betray you: Mr. Trump, though evil, is no racist; he enthusiastically embraced his daughter’s conversion to Orthodox Judaism because it brought a useful alliance with a rich and powerful family. The result would assuredly have been the same had Jerrod Kushner been black, as long as he remained rich, powerful and useful.
Mr. Trump’s evil is unconstrained opportunism together with a bad child’s delight in hurting people. He will use anybody, including vile white supremacists, to advance himself. They are racists; he is not. Both are equally bad.
You do yourself and the rest of us a disservice by conflating everything disagreeable with racism. For example, this conflation unfortunately legitimates the argument that there is wrong on both sides, notwithstanding the disproportion between those wrongs. Michael Brown was not Emmett Till, and Mr. Trump is not George Wallace. Yet Trump is no better, and he may be even worse.
2
Although you are writing opinion, your article contains the facts of what Trump has done and is doing to America and Americans. My interpretation of these facts coincides with your opinion. I wouldn't want toxic Trump, the universal hater, for a neighbor never mind a president.
He is taking America backwards with the help of Sessions, McConnell and other Cabinet members, not to mention his group of Clan Trump "advisors", probably the most flagrant abuse of nepotism ever perpetrated by a WH administration to date. Their total ignorance of their jobs is mind boggling as well as frightening. They are hunkered down in our WH changing the American destiny to suit their purposes. The Trump cabal.
Trump is deliberately taking America down the path of destruction of our values, our Constitution, our laws, our morals, our ethics, our humanity, and our democratic process. It is almost an ethnic cleansing leaving only a small group of extremely wealthy and white elites left in power. No more America.
And yes, there is a method to his madness at times, but let us not forget he is still a mad man who must be removed from office in order for us to survive. He is stripping away our freedoms, threatening our medical care, and attacking our household budgets.
Let the Trumps live in Trump World. The majority of the rest of us want to live in America. He has effectively turned the American dream into an American nightmare.
He is taking America backwards with the help of Sessions, McConnell and other Cabinet members, not to mention his group of Clan Trump "advisors", probably the most flagrant abuse of nepotism ever perpetrated by a WH administration to date. Their total ignorance of their jobs is mind boggling as well as frightening. They are hunkered down in our WH changing the American destiny to suit their purposes. The Trump cabal.
Trump is deliberately taking America down the path of destruction of our values, our Constitution, our laws, our morals, our ethics, our humanity, and our democratic process. It is almost an ethnic cleansing leaving only a small group of extremely wealthy and white elites left in power. No more America.
And yes, there is a method to his madness at times, but let us not forget he is still a mad man who must be removed from office in order for us to survive. He is stripping away our freedoms, threatening our medical care, and attacking our household budgets.
Let the Trumps live in Trump World. The majority of the rest of us want to live in America. He has effectively turned the American dream into an American nightmare.
4
A far better means of evaluating one's racist tendency is beginning with one's intellectual capacity, the I.Q. A person of, at least average I.Q. is capable of basic understanding and making corrections to their thoughts and actions, if they wish to. The definition of racism is essentially promotion of supremacy of one race above all others.
Is Trump a racist? Trump is, at the least, of average intellectual capacity; therefore, he has the capability to learn and correct himself. His comments have been exposed to him by his closest staff members to be providing support to racist groups, and two racist groups (Neo-Nazi's - Spencer, KKK- Duke) have stated that Trump's words show he supports them (specifically, the understanding of two racist groups, listening to Trump, find him supportive of them).
Trump's continuing ambiguous comments and actions about this topic, comments that change with the crowd and often are in support of persons convicted of racism (AZ's Apaoi) lead a rational person to find Trump is a racist, despite his never using epithets to describe minorities.
Is Trump a racist? Trump is, at the least, of average intellectual capacity; therefore, he has the capability to learn and correct himself. His comments have been exposed to him by his closest staff members to be providing support to racist groups, and two racist groups (Neo-Nazi's - Spencer, KKK- Duke) have stated that Trump's words show he supports them (specifically, the understanding of two racist groups, listening to Trump, find him supportive of them).
Trump's continuing ambiguous comments and actions about this topic, comments that change with the crowd and often are in support of persons convicted of racism (AZ's Apaoi) lead a rational person to find Trump is a racist, despite his never using epithets to describe minorities.
2
Charles, you have not called out the most apparent driving force to Trump's cruel and thoughtless agenda. That driving force, his only true motivation, is actually President Obama. Trump is hell-bent on doing everything he can to dismantle and discredit the Obama legacy. He was ridiculed by Obama at the annual Washington Correspondents Diner and during the campaign and by his own admission he is a vindictive person who cherishes revenge. It's as simple as that. He also is apoplectic regarding the obvious fact that the majority of Americans and the majority of global citizens prefer Obama's demeanor, intelligence and articulate discourse to Trump's puerile, impetuous and incoherent tweeting. And don't even get me started on comparisons between this current FLOTUS and the gracious, kind and intelligent Michelle. If Obama had come out with an agenda to liberalize gun laws, shower benefits on evangelical white folks and give tax cuts only to those making over a million a year, Trump would be working to overturn it. His motive is revenge, not reason or ideology.
6
Add the enabling GOP, and their voters, to that list.
4
Charles, Have to disagree with you here. Remember the settlements with the feds in the 70's for refusing to rent to black people? Remember his attitude to the "Central Park Five"? If anything, his racism is something he has always been 100% consistent about. It may be his only core belief. (Well, other than his belief that Trump should always win, and everyone else should lose, of course.)
4
Remember the direct quotes that prove racism? Oh.
Thanks Mr. Blow another phenomenal opinion. We must constantly resist!
"The assaults on common decency in general, but on traditionally marginalized populations in particular, have come like an unending barrage of bullets."
"The assaults on common decency in general, but on traditionally marginalized populations in particular, have come like an unending barrage of bullets."
3
Every week Charles M. Blow writes so eloquently what I am thinking and/or feeling. Although I am not a minority, not underserved, just a white-haired senior lady I feel this man has become my voice. Thank you, Mr. Blow. Thank you.
10
Similar to the rescinding of DACA, there are several other policies initiated by former president Obama that have been systematically removed or reversed. The simple truth is that Mr Trump has had no respect for Mr. Obama. Whether it is because, Mr. Trump just cannot accept Mr. Obama was a black man is a question only Mr. Trump would know. Whether Mr. Trump hated Mr. Obama or just disliked him and his policies, is also a question for the current POTUS.
During the election campaign, in an interview with CNN, Mr. Trump said, he is the least racist person anyone would know.
When we look at the composition of the Trump Cabinet, we do not see diversity. Is it how it should be, or just that Mr. Trump cannot find suitable people from other sections of our great country?
White Nationalist groups are now reviving around the country. Where does this motivation come from, and who is responsible for this?
Today's article by Mr. Blow says a lot. Mr. Trump as our POTUS should come forward and tell the people what exactly he is thinking. One thing that has to be clear is that the US is no white man's country. To think or say so, would be an insult to the much respected Indian Tribe.
During the election campaign, in an interview with CNN, Mr. Trump said, he is the least racist person anyone would know.
When we look at the composition of the Trump Cabinet, we do not see diversity. Is it how it should be, or just that Mr. Trump cannot find suitable people from other sections of our great country?
White Nationalist groups are now reviving around the country. Where does this motivation come from, and who is responsible for this?
Today's article by Mr. Blow says a lot. Mr. Trump as our POTUS should come forward and tell the people what exactly he is thinking. One thing that has to be clear is that the US is no white man's country. To think or say so, would be an insult to the much respected Indian Tribe.
4
What is becoming clearer to me every single day under the Trump administration is that America no longer wants to be great. America no longer wants to lead. America no longer wants to stand for anything except racism and greed.
This is surprisingly soul crushing. I considered myself to be quit a person of the world. My husband and I travel a lot and enjoy other countries and cultures. I wasn't aware that I felt a sense of pride simply by being an American, although I did have a whiff of trouble brewing during the Bush years.
As Trump and his cronies, egged on by his minion, continue their attack on our values, our goodness, our rightness, I lose faith. I didn't think it would be this easy for someone to kill this country, but it apparently is. And as each day passes, I feel myself letting go of my regard for this country. America--great? No, America--meh.
This is surprisingly soul crushing. I considered myself to be quit a person of the world. My husband and I travel a lot and enjoy other countries and cultures. I wasn't aware that I felt a sense of pride simply by being an American, although I did have a whiff of trouble brewing during the Bush years.
As Trump and his cronies, egged on by his minion, continue their attack on our values, our goodness, our rightness, I lose faith. I didn't think it would be this easy for someone to kill this country, but it apparently is. And as each day passes, I feel myself letting go of my regard for this country. America--great? No, America--meh.
7
Trumps base are most often whites who don't get the preferential treatment such as access to superior education medical care networks etc that the upper middle class and very rich enjoy. Seems to me Trump supporters feel being an American born white should insure a leg up on immigrants and people of color not the other way round like when the democrats used government to pass laws seen as taking away white privileges and seeking to increase opportunities for "others" at their expense. Trump is their spokesperson
Charles, all your thoughts about Trump and his racists attitude are right-on. Problem is that a significant large number of Americans agree with him or at least don't find that his racists views objectionable. That to me is more troubling than anything else. Then there are those who will get affected by these racists attitudes and who just stayed out of the election. I hate to call out these groups but Hispanics and Asians mainly did not cast their ballot as much as white or black voters. Whether this would have made a difference is not definitely known but remember Trump won by 70,000 votes in the key states of Michigan, Penn and Wisconsin. Without these states he would not have won the WH. Yes Trump scares me but that he is actually getting a significant support in the US is even more scary.
3
It takes many decades and many generations within a society to progress towards equality and fairness. We started out as a nation that tolerated and turned a blind eye toward slavery. One can only imagine how gays and non Chritians were treated in our infancy as a nation. Women were consider a notch above cattle. We have come a long way only to have our progress stalled by the rich oligarchs who grew fearful of the rising power and equality of the working class. They have pulled out all of the stops with trump. Not content to suppress us with huge wage disparities, stagnant incomes, destruction of pensions and health care they are trying to drive a wedge between us by encouraging tribal warfare based upon race, gender, sexual preferences and religion. They have trump, a fellow 1% club member as their leader.
5
Nobody seems to get it. You can even see it in Trumps face. The most common symptom of paranoia is the sense that everyone is out to get you. That is the root cause of everything about Trump. He was born this way as were all conservatives. That means it is unconscious, automatic "thinking" and they aren't even aware of it, nor is anyone else it seems. It is from evolution when fear was necessary for survival. Racism is a conscious hatred, but most of it is unconscious. That does not make it acceptable, but we all need to understand how evolution affects the way people think. We all inherited fear in our DNA and it is on a continuum, we all have different amounts. The more you have, the further right on the political spectrum. Trump is the most paranoid President in our lifetimes, much more so than even Richard Nixon, the next more paranoid President. Everything Trump says and does reflects the sense that everyone is out to get him.
3
I disagree with Mr. Blow's interpretation of Michelle Obama's quote. Trump did not reveal himself to be a racist misogynist with a white supremacy complex by becoming president. He was a known media figure. All through the presidential elections, he already established himself to be a rallying force of white nationalism. His slogan Make America Great Again is synonymous with Make America White Again. Our country has had, and always will have a population of racists. His mission to reunify the country in a common goal gave a voice to those who were secretly harboring feelings of resentment against minorities in our country. His actions and policies are his attempt to reconstruct society in a radical nationalist way. Our country has always been one of progression which ultimately led to the election of President Obama back in 2008, the first African American president. Obama as president reached out to those underrepresented and minority communities, creating a unified country as a whole. The election of Donald Trump can be seen as the country’s backlash. Those who never thought Obama would win and disliked his presidency were seeking a return to normalcy. A return to what is very much considered normal in the US, a society dominated by those of the white race. With Trump’s radical ideas and his impulses to act on his dislike of minorities, other genders, and religious groups excluding Christianity, the future of the United States does not look promising.
2
Keep writing it like it is, Mr. Blow. I keep hoping that somehow we'll be spared a full four years of this man. I'd be happy with a resignation under pressure, impeachment, or removal from office via the 25th Amendment.
2
Why not tell Trump to follow Ronald Reagan instead of listening to the trio: Steve Miller, Steve Bannon, and Jeff Session.
Remind Trump to listen to his hero Ronald Reagan who signed the Amnesty Bill that had passed both Houses in 1986.
And meanwhile call up all your elected officials and remind them of the decency that both Reagan and US Senate and House were capable of doing in 1986.
Remind Trump to listen to his hero Ronald Reagan who signed the Amnesty Bill that had passed both Houses in 1986.
And meanwhile call up all your elected officials and remind them of the decency that both Reagan and US Senate and House were capable of doing in 1986.
2
Liberal here, but I do not think that Reagan and others who were responsible for passing the 1986 Amnesty Bill are any sort of American hero. What they promised along with amnesty to the people already here, was to stop illegal immigration in its tracks. That big business-- seeking to overturn labor unions and depress American wages forever-- conspired with the GOP to NOT do so, is a forever stain on our country. That the democratic party-- in a misplaced reach for new voters-- did not do so, is also a forever stain on our country. That the amnesty bill was a de facto welcome mat to ever more illegals from the south is the RCA of the mess we find ourselves in now. "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me" is a truism for a reason. The citizens of the USA were tricked, period, but we must accept some responsibility for letting this perfect storm of social and economic engineers completely off the hook.
2
Mmm so you think that citizens in the USA were tricked by the US Senate, US House and President Reagan?
Thank you , Charles Blow for having the courage and intestinal fortitude to tell the truth, week after week. The New York Times should be grateful to Mr Blow for shining a light on how immoral and malignant this presidency has become. At this time we need more journalists like this man, and although I have never met Mr Blow, I am nonetheless grateful to him for his tireless pursuit of truth in the face of an ocean full of lies ....
2
I am so grateful that Mr. Blow put in one article the multitude of bigoted and cruel words and executive orders issued by this president. Being 65, a female, Jewish, and the daughter of Holocaust Survivors, I have had my share of experiences of what it was like growing up before before Roe v. Wade, before there was a word for workplace sexual harassment, before there was a word for wage discrimination, before the word anti-semitism was universally in our lexicon. Consequently, I didn’t understand why I was called a “dirty Jew” on my first day of kindergarten. I didn’t have a voice when I was sexually assaulted by two bosses. I didn’t know who to turn to when I was paid less than my male co-workers. And my fear of pregnancy consumed me because abortion was not legal. Yet, my experiences paled compared to the civil rights violations in the south. I was too young to fight alongside Martin Luther King, but his image hung above my bed for me to wake up to for inspiration. Who can kids wake up to today? By the midterm elections, and by 2020, I hope that person emerges as we all continue to work to stop our president’s inhumanity.
2
I do not get this hysteria. This was a slick political move. He rescinded Obama's directive and now has asked Congress (which seems entirely willing here on both sides of the aisle) to send him legislation and he will sign it. He has sent a tweet as per Nancy Pelosi request re-assuring DACA enrollees that they have nothing to worry about and he has given an assurance that if Congress does not act in 6 months he will revisit the issue. Not sure what else you want from Mr. Trump Mr. Blow.
5
DACA was a Presidential decree, not a law passed by Congress. Any decree can be nullified or ignored by a succeeding President.
3
The pattern of racism, bigotry, and cruelty is unmistakable. If there is a vulnerable target, Trump and his GOP collaborators strike with venom.
The DACA decision is both racist and extraordinarily cruel. The intent to maroon 800,000 young people on a strange land they do not know, far from family, friends, schools, jobs and their futures is unfathomable. Brought as children they committed no crimes. They were raised as Americans and are Americans in all ways of life. Many serve in the military. Others are in school with 17% are pursuing advanced degrees.
Punishing children for the sins of the parents wasn't even permitted in the millennia of the Bible. Why is it happening in the 21st century? What urgency exists? What harm or danger do the DACA kids represent? They are young people and children.
The only possible reason is extreme racism and extreme cruelty. Mass deportation is a crime against humanity by international law. When the target is almost a million very young people, it is an atrocity. The white supremacists with their torches at Charlottesville and the Arpaio pardon were surface signals. This is a deep earthquake that creates a chasm in all basic American values.
This is the face of absolute evil.
The DACA decision is both racist and extraordinarily cruel. The intent to maroon 800,000 young people on a strange land they do not know, far from family, friends, schools, jobs and their futures is unfathomable. Brought as children they committed no crimes. They were raised as Americans and are Americans in all ways of life. Many serve in the military. Others are in school with 17% are pursuing advanced degrees.
Punishing children for the sins of the parents wasn't even permitted in the millennia of the Bible. Why is it happening in the 21st century? What urgency exists? What harm or danger do the DACA kids represent? They are young people and children.
The only possible reason is extreme racism and extreme cruelty. Mass deportation is a crime against humanity by international law. When the target is almost a million very young people, it is an atrocity. The white supremacists with their torches at Charlottesville and the Arpaio pardon were surface signals. This is a deep earthquake that creates a chasm in all basic American values.
This is the face of absolute evil.
1
Okay, all white people who oppose racism need to practice the following:
1) Whenever someone expresses a racist sentiment, simply say, "I disagree." You don't have to have a political/philosophical thesis ready to recite. Just say you disagree, you don't feel that way, from what you've observed that's not how things and people are, etc.
Don't wait for a snappy retort to come to mind either. Just express disagreement quietly and firmly and refuse to argue.
2) Never laugh or even smile when someone tells a racist joke. If you have the nerve (I've been blessed with plenty), look the "joke" teller in the eye as you remain silent. All you need to say, if asked, is that it wasn't funny.
1) Whenever someone expresses a racist sentiment, simply say, "I disagree." You don't have to have a political/philosophical thesis ready to recite. Just say you disagree, you don't feel that way, from what you've observed that's not how things and people are, etc.
Don't wait for a snappy retort to come to mind either. Just express disagreement quietly and firmly and refuse to argue.
2) Never laugh or even smile when someone tells a racist joke. If you have the nerve (I've been blessed with plenty), look the "joke" teller in the eye as you remain silent. All you need to say, if asked, is that it wasn't funny.
3
"Allow me a moment of personal indulgence..". As a reader I've indulged you for eight months. Your writing has to move beyond your obsession with Trump. We get it, his election is a tragedy for all Americans, but most of us found a way to continue to lead meaningful lives. Your column must find the same path. Move on man!
3
To ignore Trump is to enable Trump — witness our immoral GOP Congress. Moving on isn't an option for those of us negatively impacted by his unfit behavior and horrifying policies. Mr. Blow's contributions are necessary and meaningful.
Charles just want to call attention to the fact that Donald Trump's racism is not limited to so-called white on black racism but also includes white on white racism.
Asylum seekers from Iraq, Syria, Kurdistan, and perhaps Copts from Egypt are white by law also and Trump certainly has racist views about these people. It is unfortunately true that the USCB put out a trial proposal to create a new race or sub-race called MENA - descended from families in Middle East and North Africa - but set that aside when it discovered that the American White Nationalists were pleased with the proposal that would have identified a group with mostly Muslim roots if also including Assyrian and Syrian Christians.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
Asylum seekers from Iraq, Syria, Kurdistan, and perhaps Copts from Egypt are white by law also and Trump certainly has racist views about these people. It is unfortunately true that the USCB put out a trial proposal to create a new race or sub-race called MENA - descended from families in Middle East and North Africa - but set that aside when it discovered that the American White Nationalists were pleased with the proposal that would have identified a group with mostly Muslim roots if also including Assyrian and Syrian Christians.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
Thank you Charles Blow for your powerful, comprehensive analysis of our President's hateful behavior towards people of color and women. I was profoundly alarmed for our DACA youth by his repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. He has no capacity for love, care or empathy. He will find fault and refuse to sign legislation restoring DACA. Don't count on an impeachment or removal. As long as he is in power, Trump will take pleasure in doing as much damage as he can to our democracy. For now, your columns are a powerful weapon against the evils of Trump and his cronies.
1
Yes, racism and misogyny are alive and well in America and president Trump is nurturing both by word and deed.
The 2016 election was in many ways a 'perfect storm' but the principal drivers were racism and misogyny. The vote for Trump was really a vote against blacks/minorities and women. Every time Trump invoked Obama's name it was code for the 'N' word and every time he called-out Hillary it was code for misogyny.
Yes, there were other factors like fear that Hillary or any Democrat was going to take away their guns, their bible or their 'freedom' to express their bigotry or misogyny. 'Political correctness' was code that it was 'ok' to openly express your bigotry or misogyny.
We are transfixed on Trump's behavior and actions as president but his election was really a reflection of the bigotry and misogyny that continues to live in America. We have made progress since the Civil War but the reality is we still have a long way to go to achieve the stated ideals of: One Nation Under God, With Liberty and Justice For All or "All Men Are Created Equal' or that 'Justice Is Blind'.
The 2016 election was in many ways a 'perfect storm' but the principal drivers were racism and misogyny. The vote for Trump was really a vote against blacks/minorities and women. Every time Trump invoked Obama's name it was code for the 'N' word and every time he called-out Hillary it was code for misogyny.
Yes, there were other factors like fear that Hillary or any Democrat was going to take away their guns, their bible or their 'freedom' to express their bigotry or misogyny. 'Political correctness' was code that it was 'ok' to openly express your bigotry or misogyny.
We are transfixed on Trump's behavior and actions as president but his election was really a reflection of the bigotry and misogyny that continues to live in America. We have made progress since the Civil War but the reality is we still have a long way to go to achieve the stated ideals of: One Nation Under God, With Liberty and Justice For All or "All Men Are Created Equal' or that 'Justice Is Blind'.
1
Thank you. We need to leave our silos or comfy places and band together to save America. I believe there is a correlation between a predatory economy with a Dow at 22,000 and the race war trump/sessions is trying to ignite.
2
Yes, Trump is everything you say he is... but it is up to Congress to define the laws regarding immigrants and those here illegally. Congress has had years and years to address the immigration issue. Solve it!
Of course, it isn't so easy, solving the immigration mess when you are responsible for global warming and terrorizing civilian populations. Good luck solving the over population problem which is the biggest component or cause of illegal immigration.
Of course, it isn't so easy, solving the immigration mess when you are responsible for global warming and terrorizing civilian populations. Good luck solving the over population problem which is the biggest component or cause of illegal immigration.
2
And today he reaches out for bi-partisan action to pass the Dream Act. Coincidence? Today Donald Trump Jr. is going before senate committee to testify.
First, many legal scholars do not think DACA is unconstitutional. The right makes this claim without proof, as DACA has not been tested in the courts. DACA exists only because the right wing in Congress would not act. Now the same right wingers claim that Congress will address the problem. There is not much precedent for optimism. Thank you Mr. Blow for calling out our poor excuse for a president for what he is--a nasty piece of work who never thinks of right or wrong, and instead thinks only of winning or losing.
It doesnt matter what "legal scholars" think. The Supreme Court upheld an injunction to DAPA and was likely to do same for DACA if pressed, which many state AGs were going to do.
Just because Congress didn't act does not give a President (Obama) the right to sign an unconstitutional executive order.
Just because Congress didn't act does not give a President (Obama) the right to sign an unconstitutional executive order.
1
Make no mistake, Donald Trump is a major historical figure. He will be remembered as the first great internal attack on the "idea" of America since the civil war. He is the culmination of the failure of progressives to move the entire country, and not just our urban centers towards a fair and just society. These are dark days for America but moral people in this country must keep up the good fight and show that Trump and the GOP are on the wrong side of history.
1
By accusing the president of racism based on his stance on DACA, you are missing the point. He simply wants to get back to the principle of the rule of law. DACA, like sanctuary cities is an idea that actually negates the rule of law. That is very damaging to a society in the long run, because if we start only following those laws that we like, it is the end of the world as we know it. Trump is appealing to Congress to pass a workable law. That is exactly what I expect a president to do, because it id indeed up to the legislative branch to make the laws that the executive branch then acts upon.
3
Whenever anyone says that Hillary Clinton was a flawed candidate, that she was wooden, that she was destined to lose the Presidential election and her subsequent loss is proof of her failings, they are ignoring voter suppression in all the states controlled by Republicans, they are ignoring a massive disinformation campaign by Russian intelligence guided and aided by the Trump campaign, and they are ignoring a systemic and unrelenting critique by media of all things Hillary Clinton. Even now as people read this they conclude that I am just making excuses. But 77,000 votes across three states made the difference and three million more American voters wanted Hillary Clinton to be President than those who wanted Trump. This does not even consider those Berniacs who decided to toss their vote away or not vote at all out of pique. How is that working out for them now?
Keep preaching to the choir.
Let' see how far that will affect policy or power balance in DC.
Let' see how far that will affect policy or power balance in DC.
2
That Trump is a racist is not new. Trump was never very good at cloaking his racism and hate and back when he was a reality TV star nobody really cared.
Now he has the power and authority to act out his hate and bile on a daily basis.
Sure his "base" love him for it as he quietly conspires with Jeff Sessions to tear down any and all civil rights protections. Trump uses authoritarian means with lies to beat down objections and has not yet been able to fully shut down the free press or the courts.
What we need to worry about are the more routine actions Trump and Sessions are taking to advance the cause of white supremacy. Naming Federal judges in District Courts across our land would be a good place to start. They seek to fill these seats with like minded judges assuring that civil rights will no longer be upheld for the "unworthy" which is just about all of us.
Until voted out of office Trump remains a very real threat to all democratic norms, values and ideals which we strive towards. It will be a long three years of resistance and we must remain diligent. If our nation must use this time to once again try to rid ourselves of racism, Jim Crow, institutional embedded hate and bigotry so be it. We are ready, we just need the powers to do so. So vote like your country depended on it because it does.
Now he has the power and authority to act out his hate and bile on a daily basis.
Sure his "base" love him for it as he quietly conspires with Jeff Sessions to tear down any and all civil rights protections. Trump uses authoritarian means with lies to beat down objections and has not yet been able to fully shut down the free press or the courts.
What we need to worry about are the more routine actions Trump and Sessions are taking to advance the cause of white supremacy. Naming Federal judges in District Courts across our land would be a good place to start. They seek to fill these seats with like minded judges assuring that civil rights will no longer be upheld for the "unworthy" which is just about all of us.
Until voted out of office Trump remains a very real threat to all democratic norms, values and ideals which we strive towards. It will be a long three years of resistance and we must remain diligent. If our nation must use this time to once again try to rid ourselves of racism, Jim Crow, institutional embedded hate and bigotry so be it. We are ready, we just need the powers to do so. So vote like your country depended on it because it does.
15
Trump, Sessions, et al don't know any better. This is the world order that was passed down to them through the generations. Whiteness is the top of the heap. They must keep this holy "truth" going or else their concept of the order of things will come tumbling down, and they might just end up at the bottom scrubbing toilets or taking care of somebody else's children. They are very afraid, and willing to use all the power and weapons that they have to keep their privilege and entitlement intact.
19
A previous comment had it that "Trump, Sessions, et al don't know any better."
That only exposes their lignorance, lack of intellectual curiosity, and absolutely sheltered lives. Neither man is that much older than I am. I've managed to get around the attitudes of my parents' generation. These folks are too intellectually lazy to see beyond their upbringing, and "will not go behind his father's saying,"
That only exposes their lignorance, lack of intellectual curiosity, and absolutely sheltered lives. Neither man is that much older than I am. I've managed to get around the attitudes of my parents' generation. These folks are too intellectually lazy to see beyond their upbringing, and "will not go behind his father's saying,"
No offense. But this sounds like denial.
They all know what they're doing.
They all know what they're doing.
1
I agree. Trump is inherently racist; always has been. Sadly, too many people were hoping against hope that racism in America was on the decline instead of lying dormant, waiting for someone like this heinous president to reinvigorate it. On top of this, I really believe that Trump hates anything decent or moral or, for that matter, anything that smacks of humanity. He is a sad, tragic but unfortunately powerful person.
Calling a thing a thing is good, but fighting a thing like racism, especially as it is getting increasingly embedded in policy is quite another. But fighting is what decent human beings must be do.
Calling a thing a thing is good, but fighting a thing like racism, especially as it is getting increasingly embedded in policy is quite another. But fighting is what decent human beings must be do.
12
Ellen asks the rhetorical question, "Where u been?" It's the most important question Martin Luther King and Obama and us white folk, too, had to face: "What in God's good name are you and I going to do about racism when we see it?"
It challenges us to seek to heal, to fix educational biases, social histories, church sermons and choices, and Congers and the WHouse actions. Run for office, work for anti-racist candidates. Send bucks to hold off Citizens United's takeover of politics. Start the end of the Electoral College and the Texas racist school texts that excuse it. Remove every statute, street name, and building plaque honoring anyone who owned slaves - or add a clear statement about that fatal personality flaw, a loud "However,..." Let it all hang out.
And refuse to honor, excuse, tolerate, or elect sexists who brag about abusing women as a right for men. And, while you're at it, remove the simple-minded "under God" the GOP stole from the trash box of our first 200 years of democracy.
Do it all for black, brown, yellow kids. Do it for all kids, no matter whether they believe in a deity or not. Let 'em be free. Do it because it's the right thing to do, the democratic thing, the American thing, the human thing. Do it because we walk together holding hands with the past generations toward the future ones. So you're doing it for yourself.
It challenges us to seek to heal, to fix educational biases, social histories, church sermons and choices, and Congers and the WHouse actions. Run for office, work for anti-racist candidates. Send bucks to hold off Citizens United's takeover of politics. Start the end of the Electoral College and the Texas racist school texts that excuse it. Remove every statute, street name, and building plaque honoring anyone who owned slaves - or add a clear statement about that fatal personality flaw, a loud "However,..." Let it all hang out.
And refuse to honor, excuse, tolerate, or elect sexists who brag about abusing women as a right for men. And, while you're at it, remove the simple-minded "under God" the GOP stole from the trash box of our first 200 years of democracy.
Do it all for black, brown, yellow kids. Do it for all kids, no matter whether they believe in a deity or not. Let 'em be free. Do it because it's the right thing to do, the democratic thing, the American thing, the human thing. Do it because we walk together holding hands with the past generations toward the future ones. So you're doing it for yourself.
12
Two of the funniest jokes in the world.
1. Two Irishmen were seen walking out of a bar.
2. USA is the land of the free and the home of the brave.
1. Two Irishmen were seen walking out of a bar.
2. USA is the land of the free and the home of the brave.
8
Of the thousand hideous things that Trump has done the Republican Party has been unmoved to action but now he cooperated with Schumer and Pelosi on the debt ceiling. A bridge too far.
6
Thankfully, we still have Freedom of Speech in this country, so please, Mr. Blow, have your say.
Aside from the fact that I completely agree with you, I also have the fear that sooner or later, this president will try to tamper with the First Amendment as well.
That said, of course most New Yorkers already knew what the rest of the country is slowly finding out now when it comes to Donald Trump.
We already knew he was a racist. And an egocentric. And a liar.
That's why we didn't vote for him, and why he hates coming back here.
That's also why he finds comfort in the nearly all-white states that gleefully respond to his brand of dog-whistle bigotry.
No one should be surprised at his remarks after Charlottsville, Va.-- after all, as a candidate he was openly endorsed by the Ku Klux Klan; and his appointment of Jeff Sessions and other southerners to top positions in his administration only clarified where he stood, which is why his recent decision to end DACA was also not surprising.
In his seven months on office, Trump has proven himself to be nothing more than an equal-opportunity bigot; whether it's about race, ethnicity, religion, or gender, if it doesn't fit within his very small book of what is acceptable, it doesn't count.
This is hardly the trait one would wish to encounter in the leader of the most diverse and powerful nation on earth.
That's why if he is unable to rise up against ugly head of racism and bigotry, then We, the American People must.
Aside from the fact that I completely agree with you, I also have the fear that sooner or later, this president will try to tamper with the First Amendment as well.
That said, of course most New Yorkers already knew what the rest of the country is slowly finding out now when it comes to Donald Trump.
We already knew he was a racist. And an egocentric. And a liar.
That's why we didn't vote for him, and why he hates coming back here.
That's also why he finds comfort in the nearly all-white states that gleefully respond to his brand of dog-whistle bigotry.
No one should be surprised at his remarks after Charlottsville, Va.-- after all, as a candidate he was openly endorsed by the Ku Klux Klan; and his appointment of Jeff Sessions and other southerners to top positions in his administration only clarified where he stood, which is why his recent decision to end DACA was also not surprising.
In his seven months on office, Trump has proven himself to be nothing more than an equal-opportunity bigot; whether it's about race, ethnicity, religion, or gender, if it doesn't fit within his very small book of what is acceptable, it doesn't count.
This is hardly the trait one would wish to encounter in the leader of the most diverse and powerful nation on earth.
That's why if he is unable to rise up against ugly head of racism and bigotry, then We, the American People must.
11
The GOP is, by extension, racist as well. By going along with this man and not standing up to fight for the rights of Americans, they also reveal themselves.
Silence is consent.
Silence is consent.
9
As a retired elementary teacher, I call upon all public school and private school teachers to educate the children about the real history of the United States of American, utilizing the hate map of the Southern Poverty Law Center, showing Eyes on the Prize to all junior high school students, the entire series, please, and to not gloss over the Civil Rights movement by only teaching about Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. Then, we must include the history of the Indigenous peoples all across America. And the prejudice and discrimination against women. And the institutional white supremacy of the founding of the United States government that catered to white men. In Oregon, where I live the 1850 Oregon Donation Land Act, gave 320 acres to WHITE men and 320 acres to their wives. This does not mean we are teaching students to hate America, we are teaching truth to inform future citizens about the reality of white supremacy. "We have to constantly critique the white supremacist patriarchal culture because it is normalized by mass media and rendered unproblematic," bell hooks.
9
I don't hear any Libertarians complaining today about the impositions of the federal government on individuals either. So long as it reinforces their social and economic positions it appears that Libertarians are all down with the multitude of "new rules" that Trump wants. So much for lack of hypocrisy.
2
You can look at just about every domestic related decision or non-decision that Trump makes, and ask yourself... Has this made our country a little Whiter? DACA is just the most recent and glaring example.
5
The PLIC's inner racism resonates with the inner racism of a very large, and probably not a minority, part of the American populace. Implicit racism is much more widespread than the overt racism practiced by those in Charlotesville or the polite racism practiced by Mr. Sessions.
2
trump and Sessions have manufactured a crime wave in this country, that does not exist, to be used to incarcerate people of color. Additionally, they are proposing that our community police be further militarized. His base is convinced that Black Lives Matter is a terrorist organization.
The depth and breathe of racism has once again been exposed in our country.
And trump could not have done this without the help of the Evangelicals.
The depth and breathe of racism has once again been exposed in our country.
And trump could not have done this without the help of the Evangelicals.
9
BLM members carry signs calling for "more dead cops". Their members publish articles DEMANDING that white home owners GIVE their houses to African Americans. They have tweeted that whites need to be "eliminated". All of this seems harmless to you?
2
Thank you again, Mr. Blow, for your straight talk. There can be no doubt that what you write here is true. The power that seeps from the Presidency into the malignant while male mass you describe is more visible every day. I see it in the increasingly aggressive way some pick-up trucks are driven on the L.I.E. I hear a resurgence of words spoken today about women and minorities that I thought had been banished forever. Never mind the news. I believe that there is a sufficiency of decency out there to outweigh the slime, and I only hope it
prevails.
prevails.
6
This piece, Mr. Blow, reflects what I see every day in my small southwestern Ohio community. This town and its county are totally controlled by Republicans. Every elected office has a Republican in it. Since Trump's election, many people I know have come out of their self-imposed racist and bigot closets and are fully embracing their biases and hatreds. The KKK and the white supremacists groups here also feel that they now have a presidential mandate to bring their racism and bigotry into the open. Facebook posts from local residents are a revelation as they openly share their racism with anyone who reads their responses. White folks feel and act like they are in the driver's seat--and they are.
Those of us who did not vote for Trump are left trying to figure out how to best survive the months and years ahead. If we love those who aren't white--and most of my family is not--then we worry about how best to protect those that we love and go about living our lives safely. I mourn the loss of former friends who now see their support of Trump and his racism as the ultimate importance in their lives. You're right Mr. Blow, my opinions are clear. Trump's election has seen to that.
Those of us who did not vote for Trump are left trying to figure out how to best survive the months and years ahead. If we love those who aren't white--and most of my family is not--then we worry about how best to protect those that we love and go about living our lives safely. I mourn the loss of former friends who now see their support of Trump and his racism as the ultimate importance in their lives. You're right Mr. Blow, my opinions are clear. Trump's election has seen to that.
11
Sorry Mr. Blow, but Trump's " in your face" racism has been quite well for decades. Much of what Trump has been doing as President is also not new as he actually told us for two years what his agenda would be.
Respectfully, I find it difficult to accept that it is now only being fully "revealed" to you.
Respectfully, I find it difficult to accept that it is now only being fully "revealed" to you.
2
I would counter being a racist as a private person is not the same as being President of the USA and being a racist. On Long Island, racism has been veiled in the past, not now. I am amazed that even though trump lost NY, so many people in my neighborhood love him. And yes, because he is a racist.
From the first paragraph:
"When I began writing a column ... my opinions weren’t fully formed. ... many of us have areas in our lives where our opinions are fungible. It was only through my experience in this job that my own opinions became so clear to me. Doing the job honed me...."
Fungible? I doubt seriously that's what he meant. A bit more honing may be useful.
"When I began writing a column ... my opinions weren’t fully formed. ... many of us have areas in our lives where our opinions are fungible. It was only through my experience in this job that my own opinions became so clear to me. Doing the job honed me...."
Fungible? I doubt seriously that's what he meant. A bit more honing may be useful.
2
So acknowledging the primacy of the Constitution is "outrageous" and "racist."
That's one of the Left's greatest failings: a complete contempt for any law or any provision of the Constitution that stands in the way of whatever they want to do.
Here's the legal definition of an Executive Order:
"A presidential policy directive that implements or interprets a federal statute, a constitutional provision, or a treaty."
I.e., the use of EOs is not an unlimited grant of power. Every EO has to be backed up by "a federal statute, a constitutional provision, or a treaty."
So, what "federal statute, constitutional provision, or treaty" provided the basis for Obama's DACA EO?
Answer: None of them. There was no legitimate, Constitutional, basis for DACA, and Obama likely knew it, but his contempt for the Constitution was sufficient that he issued the order anyway.
And now Trump has remedied that unconstitutional order by rescinding it and has sent the issue to Congress where it should have been in the first place.
That Congress doesn't do what a President demands is no excuse for ignoring the Constitution, but that's exactly what Obama repeatedly attempted to do.
That's one of the Left's greatest failings: a complete contempt for any law or any provision of the Constitution that stands in the way of whatever they want to do.
Here's the legal definition of an Executive Order:
"A presidential policy directive that implements or interprets a federal statute, a constitutional provision, or a treaty."
I.e., the use of EOs is not an unlimited grant of power. Every EO has to be backed up by "a federal statute, a constitutional provision, or a treaty."
So, what "federal statute, constitutional provision, or treaty" provided the basis for Obama's DACA EO?
Answer: None of them. There was no legitimate, Constitutional, basis for DACA, and Obama likely knew it, but his contempt for the Constitution was sufficient that he issued the order anyway.
And now Trump has remedied that unconstitutional order by rescinding it and has sent the issue to Congress where it should have been in the first place.
That Congress doesn't do what a President demands is no excuse for ignoring the Constitution, but that's exactly what Obama repeatedly attempted to do.
9
While you may be correct, the cherry picking of constitutional precepts is clearly evident. Is suggesting that suspects (innocent until proven) should be handled roughly (i.e. punishingly) in the face of police brutality videos supporting the constitution? Is lying under oath constitutional? I think not, but no prosecution there.
I agree with you. DACA is just a particularly egregious case of prosecutorial discretion, but that doesn't make it right under less egregious circumstances. Though I have to observe that prosecutorial discretion as a result of things like insufficient resources to properly implement a statute isn't the same thing as prosecutorial discretion, with a political intent.
But what can good people do in these times to stop the rise of Trumpism? I agree 1000% percent with Mr. Blow but have absolutely no idea how I could contribute to stopping the careening decline of freedom in America.
3
And yet, despite all the outrageous things Trump has said and done, he remains more popular than Hillary Clinton?!? What does that say about our country?
4
She got more votes than he did and he is polling even lower now, so what is your basis for this claim?
Because most people don't really look into right and wrong, they only see their own lives and what they don't have. If white people realized how they have been manipulated to believe that they are superior to all other races, especially Black, they might sing a different tune. But that would require them to know their history, which, sadly, most do not.
Remember, trump's base are the descendents of the people who slaughtered the Native Americans and who hailed Jim Crow.
Remember, trump's base are the descendents of the people who slaughtered the Native Americans and who hailed Jim Crow.
Trump might be wishing for white ascendancy but many of these white appearing folks had their DNA analyzed and were shocked to have non white mixed in their DNA. That color is only skin deep and religion only a belief that can be changed or adopted by whim or marriage (how own daughter converted) are facts that Trump and many like him ignorantly dismiss.
Color is skin deep. If generations of trump were raised in equatorial regions they are sure to tan and become less pale.
Color is skin deep. If generations of trump were raised in equatorial regions they are sure to tan and become less pale.
2
If the men in Philadelphia in 1776 thought the tyranny of the majority needed to be reined in, what would their reaction be to the current roughshod riding over the majority by a minority that at most comprises less than 1/3 of the voting citizenry?
Of course, those wise men probably never dreamed a draft-evading coward would occupy the leather chair behind the desk of the highest office in the land. They were farsighted in many respects, myopic in others. And that poor vision (which has persisted through the intervening centuries) leaves us today with inadequate means as a citizenry to deal with a crisis of existential proportion. Why are we unable to confront this emergency with anything other than the ballot box? If you've been in a terrible car wreck, you don't scribble a note and crawl to the nearest mailbox to mail a request for an ambulance.
Oh, you say, we have the 25th amendment! A useless bit of verbiage and wasted ink when the "vice president and and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide" have been hand-picked by such a president, and the majority of Congress has the backbone of a worm.
Unless "The People" have the power to initiate the removal of a danger to the democracy we have developed when our "leaders" don't have the courage to do so, this will be neither the last time we find ourselves in this situation, nor will Trump be the worst president to ever hold office.
Of course, those wise men probably never dreamed a draft-evading coward would occupy the leather chair behind the desk of the highest office in the land. They were farsighted in many respects, myopic in others. And that poor vision (which has persisted through the intervening centuries) leaves us today with inadequate means as a citizenry to deal with a crisis of existential proportion. Why are we unable to confront this emergency with anything other than the ballot box? If you've been in a terrible car wreck, you don't scribble a note and crawl to the nearest mailbox to mail a request for an ambulance.
Oh, you say, we have the 25th amendment! A useless bit of verbiage and wasted ink when the "vice president and and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide" have been hand-picked by such a president, and the majority of Congress has the backbone of a worm.
Unless "The People" have the power to initiate the removal of a danger to the democracy we have developed when our "leaders" don't have the courage to do so, this will be neither the last time we find ourselves in this situation, nor will Trump be the worst president to ever hold office.
3
Thanks for your continued efforts to keep these issues in front of readers.
I would only argue with your statement that this is a program of minority removal.
I would call it a political pogrom of minority removal.
Do Congress and the citizenry have the fortitude to stop it?
I would only argue with your statement that this is a program of minority removal.
I would call it a political pogrom of minority removal.
Do Congress and the citizenry have the fortitude to stop it?
1
Unfortunately, Trump is just one of the symptom of an ill wind of racism and tribalism blowing across the world.
3
Let's not forget - much of it fomented by disinformation campaigns with deep and decades long roots, and funded by a small sect of American billionaires, and carried out by anti-democracy and foreign state actors.
Read Democracy in Chains by Nancy McLean,
Dark Money by Jane Mayer, or even today's NYT article ,The Agency, by Adrian Chen, reprinted from 2015.
Read Democracy in Chains by Nancy McLean,
Dark Money by Jane Mayer, or even today's NYT article ,The Agency, by Adrian Chen, reprinted from 2015.
2
Trump's inner racism is not only being revealed, it is being celebrated.
"Trump's base may be relatively small," but Trump has exposed the inner racism of a larger portion of America. White Republicans who would never march with white supremacists or neo-Nazis, nevertheless have harbored prejudices which they now feel free to express. You know the type, willing to quietly confide, "I'm not biased, I think blacks are equals, but they should stay in their own neighborhoods." Now these white Republicans can openly object to "Black Lives Matter" and rally behind rogue police. They don't feel shame to tolerate and enable Trump; instead making excuses for him because he voices and acts on their prejudices.
Trump has tapped into all of America's hate. He encouraged it in his campaign rallies (which he still conducts) and his "presidency" is nothing less than a seal of approval for whites to see and treat minorities, including women, as "other."
And one final point. Trump has exposed the ugliness and racism of white evangelicals and other white "Christians." These bible thumping hypocrites use religion as a cloak of decency and a means to spread their gospel of hate and white superiority.
If Trump has done America any good, it is to have raised our national consciousness and conscience. He has America focusing on who we believe we are, who we are discovering we are, who we want to be.
"Trump's base may be relatively small," but Trump has exposed the inner racism of a larger portion of America. White Republicans who would never march with white supremacists or neo-Nazis, nevertheless have harbored prejudices which they now feel free to express. You know the type, willing to quietly confide, "I'm not biased, I think blacks are equals, but they should stay in their own neighborhoods." Now these white Republicans can openly object to "Black Lives Matter" and rally behind rogue police. They don't feel shame to tolerate and enable Trump; instead making excuses for him because he voices and acts on their prejudices.
Trump has tapped into all of America's hate. He encouraged it in his campaign rallies (which he still conducts) and his "presidency" is nothing less than a seal of approval for whites to see and treat minorities, including women, as "other."
And one final point. Trump has exposed the ugliness and racism of white evangelicals and other white "Christians." These bible thumping hypocrites use religion as a cloak of decency and a means to spread their gospel of hate and white superiority.
If Trump has done America any good, it is to have raised our national consciousness and conscience. He has America focusing on who we believe we are, who we are discovering we are, who we want to be.
4
And all you have described, Charles, is just in the first seven months. Imagine the damage he will do in four years. Or eight.
1
DT was sued by the gov't several times for discrimination re: selling and renting properties; his father was arrested with the KKK and his methods were kept in place by his son.
4
It is much more simple than that, Mr. Blow. Mr. Trump's inner being is Mr. Trump. There is nothing to reveal, because nothing has ever been hidden. He has always known that he deserves power and privilege not because he's white, male Christian and straight, but because he is Donald Trump. No one else can be as mighty as he.
And he's never been on any side, on any issue, but his own. Mutable; but still his.
His racial hostility and white supremacy are no more, no less, than his loathing for anyone or anything that isn't Donald Trump.
He is unique in the universe.
And he's never been on any side, on any issue, but his own. Mutable; but still his.
His racial hostility and white supremacy are no more, no less, than his loathing for anyone or anything that isn't Donald Trump.
He is unique in the universe.
1
While I totally believe in Mr. Blow's perspective, I would like to call attention to a trend that I have noticed over the last 15 years or so. Full disclosure: I am white, I am 70, I grew up in Europe and the South. So, while public figures have helped the subliminal racism come to light in the entertainment industry, corporate hiring and other areas, the majority of blacks do not inhabit that strata. On a more populated level, where my kids went through high school and both they and I held jobs, I have seen something that I think needs to be addressed. I would like to see more real dialogue between blacks, browns, whites...all "races" (a term I truly dislike as I see us all homo sapiens). I realize that I live in a mostly white world. Not through choice, but it seems that circumstances often segregate us. My kids were seen as being "other" by the black cliques in high school. I made serious attempts to find a place to make a difference in voter accessibility and registration in the Black community, and tried for months to find anyone who was Black to help me...realizing that solo I would be perceived as just another old white lady who couldn't understand black issues. NO ONE returned my calls. And it it hard to have dialogue about racism unless you have people of all ethnicities who are open to that discussion. There are a whole lot of us "whities" out there who would like to break down the wall. This issue can be changed from the bottom up. Help us find the common ground.
2
Even though you didn't realize or intend it, your post illustrates that, in reality, ageism is much, much more prevalent and powerful than racism in the US today.
Trump's pathological solipsism was apparent long before he occupied the Oval Office. There were many warnings to not normalize his actions, all of which were ignored by the self-serving GOP. As president, every rally, tweet, and chaotic, contradictory action speaks to his pathology. Now that it's become clear to a growing majority of Americans that the president is hands-down unfit to lead, decisive steps must be taken to remove him from office before his vicious bigotry and mental instability cause even more discord and danger for all of us.
He is a menace on the national and world stage.
He is a menace on the national and world stage.
2
San Antonio's Travis Park monument to the Confederate Soldier came down this last week. Moved to a yet to be determined spot as a historical artifact. Hurricane Harvey assistance efforts emerged everywhere. Some of the most historically racist areas of Texas were submerged by the flooding. Hurricanes don't discriminate, people are helping each other because they need help. The incompetence and regressive white supremacist policies of Trump and his administration may delay the inevitable, but it won't be stopped. The racists were motivated by the emergence of a shift in national character demonstrated by the election, twice, of President Obama. People of good will are motivated in opposition to the evil currently oozing from the Republican pustule in our nation's Capitol.
1
I just watched the Times Talks interview with Paul Ryan. The discussion was all on Speaker Ryan's territory -- tax cuts for the rich. He was given every opportunity to expand on how the USA would benefit by shoveling large amounts of taxpayer dollars into corporations. Not one question was asked about the Russia probe, for instance how he condones the activities of Devin Nunes, nor was he confronted about his timid responses to Trump's racism, or the other issues. He was not asked about his condoning clear violations of public trust by the Trump administration, like the fact that the president continues to call the Russia probe "fake news" and "a witch hunt." Perhaps Mr. Blow should be given the opportunity to interview Speaker Ryan and other republican enablers of Mr. Trump's corruption, prevarication, and mendacity. Let Mr. Blow pose questions to these people.
1
Trumps made things "seem like law" with executive orders. He has acted no differently than Obama, save supporting only the privileged. Comparing Obama's executive orders to DJT is incomparable on its' face.
I lived abroad for a long time and only recently came back.
When I left, our white people seemed to be doing fine. We weren't fat, victimized, opiod addicted, angry. Maybe the green shoots were there, but it wasn't manifest. Whatever has happened, we/these are not the people to lead the country forward. Our white people, especially the men, are not doing well. We need the infusion of talent, energy, forward-looking optimism from others (as in other than just described, not the insular "other"), that's what started America and has kept her going. Shutting that out, stopping progress, and turning inwards - aah!
When I left, our white people seemed to be doing fine. We weren't fat, victimized, opiod addicted, angry. Maybe the green shoots were there, but it wasn't manifest. Whatever has happened, we/these are not the people to lead the country forward. Our white people, especially the men, are not doing well. We need the infusion of talent, energy, forward-looking optimism from others (as in other than just described, not the insular "other"), that's what started America and has kept her going. Shutting that out, stopping progress, and turning inwards - aah!
None of us are perfect. We have all grown up with different parents, homes, schools, families and friends. We have all learned about we we are and who other people are through our families and friends, our schools and our jobs, and our places of worship. We are all imperfect and struggling to find the truth and morality.
Donald Trump has grown up and learned his own lessons about who he is and who others are. My sense is that he has absorbed too many lessons from his racist father, and has done far too little to challenge those lessons in his later life.
For his sake, and for the sake of the country, I hope that he finds the courage to face up to who he has become and starts to challenge his own beliefs.
We cannot afford to lose hope that each one of us can grow and learn, no matter how old and no matter how repugnant they seem to be.
Donald Trump has grown up and learned his own lessons about who he is and who others are. My sense is that he has absorbed too many lessons from his racist father, and has done far too little to challenge those lessons in his later life.
For his sake, and for the sake of the country, I hope that he finds the courage to face up to who he has become and starts to challenge his own beliefs.
We cannot afford to lose hope that each one of us can grow and learn, no matter how old and no matter how repugnant they seem to be.
Thank you Mr. Blow for your insightful commentary on a very disturbing time in American history. I do a agree with many of the previous writers who have noted that this racism and xenophobia has always existed - Trump's presidency has just given such people license to speak out and by their actions betray their true natures. I also believe that much of this is a reaction to Barak Obama's presidency - that is the true racist objective of Trump's presidency. However, when I think more deeply about Mr. Trump (yuk), I come the conclusion - that he may not be a racist - I don't think he thinks very deeply about such matters. However, I do believe he is xenophobic and opportunistic. He is very uncomfortable with people who do not come from the same social class, speak the same language, share the same capitalistic, self-serving, other-oppressing values as he, or eat the same foods, or wear the same clothes. In his followers, he sees an opportunity to feed his dark and corrupt ego and consolidate his power. His behaviours and his attitudes are not about ideals, they are about an opportunity to make himself feel more powerful. I believe that to his supporters - this presidency has an almost 'cult following' type appeal. It is not really about ideals, or ideas, or policy or anything so intellectual. It is about being adored. That is what Mr. Trump has always sought.
1
Excuse me, but two of his wives were people who "did not speak the same language". They aren't Americans, yet he married them. So much for xenophobia. Also, a POTUS is SUPPOSED to put Americans' needs and interest FIRST. Obama did not appear to do that - witness TPP, H1b Visa expansion, importing ebola patients, expanding war in Afghaniston, etc. His apparent lack of interest or even antipathy towards ordinary Americans paid a large role in Trump's election, imo.
Some people never change-Donald J Trump.
Some people never learn-Republican voters.
Some people never count-Nonvoters.
Some people never matter-the lower 99%.
Some people never learn-Republican voters.
Some people never count-Nonvoters.
Some people never matter-the lower 99%.
3
Racism has always flowed through our society, from those with revolutionary war roots looking down on "newcomers" to first generation immigrants taking on the robes of the elite and attempting to block others from entering.
But racism has been relegated to the shadows in times of plenty. Now that the typical family is struggling for food, shelter, healthcare, education and a full time job we have a breeding ground for racists and demagogues who would leverage our tribal instincts to gain power and wealth.
We have no hope of healing our nation until our leaders once again fight to restore the American Dream. Neither our democracy or economy will survive the abandonment of our families by our elected representatives.
But racism has been relegated to the shadows in times of plenty. Now that the typical family is struggling for food, shelter, healthcare, education and a full time job we have a breeding ground for racists and demagogues who would leverage our tribal instincts to gain power and wealth.
We have no hope of healing our nation until our leaders once again fight to restore the American Dream. Neither our democracy or economy will survive the abandonment of our families by our elected representatives.
2
I have questions regarding the people identified by DACA. Where are they supposed to go? Why would any of them identify with a country they never lived in? They have been raised here in this country by family that brought them here to live a better life. How do we now tell them to "go home"? Dreamers have been thoroughly vetted and of the 800,000 that have sought inclusion in our democracy, a minute number have committed a crime. How do we now tell these American educated and gainfully employed citizens that they do not belong here? This is not the America of my Italian immigrant grandparents. This is not the America that I defended in the Army! This is not my America! I want MY America back!
1
For decades now, there is a segment of the American electorate who wanted Archie Bunker as our president. Reagan-Bush Jr. were really Bunker lite. Now we have a full throated Bunker in the White House---remember those good old days (when America was great).
All true. An excellent excitation of events. Lashing out in your column may make you feel good, but what are your suggestions to change this? I feel your anger and resentment. Perhaps a more positive column in the future would be more helpful.
Because Trump wears his views on his sleeve, it is safe to assume that everyone who voted for him - more or less - agrees with him, and wants the same ends as he does. And that looks pretty much like an apartheid state, where those living behind barbed wire cannot even breathe free.
It is foolish to wonder whether, if everyone voted, he would still win. He would. I guess the media is doing what it can do: calling it out, documenting everything objectionable and wrong. While this is riling up some people, a majority of Americans respond with a mix of apathy and unmitigated delight.
Democrats, with non-stop whining - are failing to connect with a reality. First off, only about 30% of whites have overcome prejudice in a significant way nationwide. In the south, that is only 10%. The largest voting block in America is firmly against them.
Democrats have championed women's rights, can't get white women to vote for their female candidate. They have championed immigration, and 30% of Hispanics voted for Trump. They have historically attracted African Americans; 6% (i.e., a decisive number) voted for Trump. Democrats think we are good guys, but religion, morality, patriotism - are all owned by republicans. While Fox appeals to base instincts 24-7, MSNBC is given to reasoned whining - speaking only to the dyed in the wool.
Charles, you are right. Inner racism is revealed. Here is my question: so what?
How could Trump not prevail again?
Kalidan
It is foolish to wonder whether, if everyone voted, he would still win. He would. I guess the media is doing what it can do: calling it out, documenting everything objectionable and wrong. While this is riling up some people, a majority of Americans respond with a mix of apathy and unmitigated delight.
Democrats, with non-stop whining - are failing to connect with a reality. First off, only about 30% of whites have overcome prejudice in a significant way nationwide. In the south, that is only 10%. The largest voting block in America is firmly against them.
Democrats have championed women's rights, can't get white women to vote for their female candidate. They have championed immigration, and 30% of Hispanics voted for Trump. They have historically attracted African Americans; 6% (i.e., a decisive number) voted for Trump. Democrats think we are good guys, but religion, morality, patriotism - are all owned by republicans. While Fox appeals to base instincts 24-7, MSNBC is given to reasoned whining - speaking only to the dyed in the wool.
Charles, you are right. Inner racism is revealed. Here is my question: so what?
How could Trump not prevail again?
Kalidan
Blow is one of the few Times editorial writers that gets it. Many marched, protested and cried out for change in the sixties. A few even died. All, however, believed that people's minds were changed with regard to issues of race, civil rights, women's rights, globalism and the American ideal in general. Nothing really changed. Polls showed Clinton winning because many whites would not publicly admit they supported Trump but in the secrecy of the polling place voted for him. Many white voters could never stomach the fact that we had a black president. It is all about race, and, as Blow implies, may always be about race.
This is one of your best, if not the best article you've written. If people look but do not see then the evolution to fascism will become more overt..
It's happening now and Donald Trump is the fuel.
It's happening now and Donald Trump is the fuel.
In my view, Trump's vilification of the media and even attacking individual journalists as "dishonest", "lying" and of course his favourite -"fake"- warrant loud and vocal condemnation because of the clear and present danger it represents to democracy. You don't need to look too far to see where this may well lead. Trump's putative friend Putin has murdered journalists who oppose him and the NYT reports that several Indian journalists have been murdered recently because they wrote about the rise of Hindu right wing militant nationalists, the latter situation being a frighteningly similar scenario to the U.S. - just like Trump the Indian prime minister has catered to the right wing nationalists to consolidate his hold on power. And in India it's harder to get your hands on a gun whereas the U.S. is a gun culture where any whako who gets riled up reaches for his gun. The White nationalists in the U.S. are even more hateful, and violent than average. Trump's attack on the media and the judiciary as being dishonest and his violent gestures towards the "lying media" in his rallies may well eventually reap a horrible result. Meanwhile the silence in the GOP congress is contemptible. The very notion of democracy is under assault and may well lead to murder and mayhem, particularly if Trump fails to be re-elected. This is of course his game plan - and it's a frightening scenario no American can ignore
Trump has ripped the facade of civility off the face of the GOP, exposing what was there all along. The only thing positive to come out of this fiasco is that it forces us to confront our original sin of enslaving Africans. America was build on their sweat and blood. We will never overcome our systemic racism until we acknowledge it, openly discuss it, and work hard to root it out. Otherwise, the rot pervading this nation's soul will eventually destroy us.
2016 Democratic Presidential primaries: 0 minority candidates.
2016 Republican Presidential primaries: 2 minority candidates--and Trump beat them all, just another example of his inner racism.
2016 Republican Presidential primaries: 2 minority candidates--and Trump beat them all, just another example of his inner racism.
2
You speak with courage and precision Mr. Blow, for us who are minorities, on the racism of our POTUS and the often eager support of the Republicans in power at this time. I would also mention Charlottesville, the abhorrent march of Nazis and white supremacists, and the ugly resurgence of antisemitism which was condoned by Mr. Trump in his refusal to condemn. This certainly indicates a clever strategy to attempt a blatant effort to introduce Fascism to the American public, sugar-coated with dollops of sweets to the top 1%. The attack on transgender individuals is a severe ploy, and frightening. Thank you for bringing to public attention.
1
Once again, Charles Blow expresses my concerns and opinion 100%. Thanks for doing what I cannot.
2
Trump's racism was pretty obvious from the announcement of his candidacy. We've had many racists in power in this country for a long, long time, but we've still managed to make progress.
It is an enormous mistake to assume that all of his base is racist, or that their primary motives are racist. I don't think it helps undermine him or improve the other party's chance of winning to continue pointing out the obvious correlations. The reality is that the Democratic party uses this issue in unethical and underhanded ways, and it tries to avoid criticism by trying to shut down the freedom of speech.
I view the current Democratic party as an essentially evil force in this country. I see it as just as evil as the other party. It is hostile to real democratic ideas, it is hostile to sovereignty and it is becoming hostile to white Christians. The only unifying forces in the elite circles of this disgrace of a party are economic elitism and condescending, delusional visions of a world without borders.
Viewing the world through racism-colored glasses is not helpful. The lies of the Democratic party have caught up with it. The narrative is elitist and delusional. The party is failing for very good reasons. If the Democratic party were a person it would be diagnosed as sociopathic and narcissistic.
Looking back at the election of 2016, it has become clear that voters had no good choice in the general election. This random outcome was no worse than the alternative.
It is an enormous mistake to assume that all of his base is racist, or that their primary motives are racist. I don't think it helps undermine him or improve the other party's chance of winning to continue pointing out the obvious correlations. The reality is that the Democratic party uses this issue in unethical and underhanded ways, and it tries to avoid criticism by trying to shut down the freedom of speech.
I view the current Democratic party as an essentially evil force in this country. I see it as just as evil as the other party. It is hostile to real democratic ideas, it is hostile to sovereignty and it is becoming hostile to white Christians. The only unifying forces in the elite circles of this disgrace of a party are economic elitism and condescending, delusional visions of a world without borders.
Viewing the world through racism-colored glasses is not helpful. The lies of the Democratic party have caught up with it. The narrative is elitist and delusional. The party is failing for very good reasons. If the Democratic party were a person it would be diagnosed as sociopathic and narcissistic.
Looking back at the election of 2016, it has become clear that voters had no good choice in the general election. This random outcome was no worse than the alternative.
1
Trump and so many of his appointees are just plain evil. Forget the psychology and all the search for why he, Sessions, DeVos, Miller, etc. act. Chalk it up to what it is: evil.
Inner racism has been surging back over the past years. It isn't just the advent of Trump. Trump has made things worse but that trend has always been there. During the previous administration a neighbor informed me that he wanted to take his massive delivery truck and smash it into any cars with an Obama bumper sticker. He moved out of California because he felt the state had too much "dark meat". I'm now living in a new home in a red county next to a set of neighbor who are even more blatantly racist.
People don't just wake up evil. They get a license to behave that way from leaders like Trump and entities like Fox. It's going to get worse before it gets better. I'm choosing to confront these new neighbors. I'm tired of being polite. I'm not going to smile politely and walk away.
People don't just wake up evil. They get a license to behave that way from leaders like Trump and entities like Fox. It's going to get worse before it gets better. I'm choosing to confront these new neighbors. I'm tired of being polite. I'm not going to smile politely and walk away.
1
Trump's character was no secret, being mad at him is like being mad at a hurricane. I'm more angry at Trump's varied enablers, that include Republicans that know better but are cowards, they ratify his worst appointments on party line loyalty; those in the international community that know what a wretched creature he is but show deference because he is the American President or because they want him to give them something, instead of calling him out as is done to Putin; the so-called progressives that undermined Clinton as being too "corporate" or engaged in false equivalents about a duopoly that both enabled him to in in the first place and now divide and confuse the resistance.
There is no question that Trump is contributing to the crystallization of a nationalist, populist, racist ideology in this country. All too often, racism is represented as mere "prejudice", a moral failing rather than a political worldview. But in fact, one can personally dislike blacks or Jews and yet not be a political racist. I don't care if you like me as long as you don't try to discriminate against me. Racism and antisemitism become truly dangerous when they animate a political agenda, and this is what we see happening now. This said, I don't like seeing religion rolled into the list of racial and ethnic groups that are the target of political racism. Islam is not a race. I have heard conservatives ask why radical Islam that calls for violence against infidels and relegates women to a secondary place should not be seen on the same spectrum as Christian Identity or any other hate ideology. And of course, they have a point. It'd be better for liberals to be clear about this point, lest we be accused of hypocrisy by the right.
2
I just want to add one thing Mr. Blow forgot in his list of Trump's and the GOP's "program of minority removal" which is removal from voter rolls.
2
There is an inner Trump racist. There is an inner racist in many of us, including those who claim to be champions of all minorities. For inner racism to become transcendent requires an enormous change in thinking. For a standard closet racist to become the grand wizard of the KKK is a monumental change that is probably well beyond possibility, particularly for a 70 year old man.
Closet racism is largely a product of one's upbringing. Systematic racism reflects an ideology that is pervasive, and is a product of organized, thought. Trump is neither organized or systematic, and he does precious little thinking. He may have become something more of a racist since being elected, but the notion that he is consistently motivated by racist intent, and that he aspires to become the grand wizard is unconvincing to me.
A spontaneous, self-contradictory, and non-ideological leader is incapable of devising a far-flung racist strategy that reaches across multiple policy decisions. Mr. Blow suggests otherwise. But he mostly describes acts of a closet racist, and fails to show an array of acts of intentional hatred that would reveal an aspiration to head the KKK.
Closet racism is largely a product of one's upbringing. Systematic racism reflects an ideology that is pervasive, and is a product of organized, thought. Trump is neither organized or systematic, and he does precious little thinking. He may have become something more of a racist since being elected, but the notion that he is consistently motivated by racist intent, and that he aspires to become the grand wizard is unconvincing to me.
A spontaneous, self-contradictory, and non-ideological leader is incapable of devising a far-flung racist strategy that reaches across multiple policy decisions. Mr. Blow suggests otherwise. But he mostly describes acts of a closet racist, and fails to show an array of acts of intentional hatred that would reveal an aspiration to head the KKK.
1
Mr. Blow is following the liberal playbook perfectly by exclaiming "racism" at every twist and turn by President Trump. And the liberal readers just love it, except it continues to drive a wedge between America - one that President Obama started years ago by speaking out before any facts were uncovered.
What Mr. Blow fails to acknowledge is that President Trump has the maturity and wisdom to force the issue on Congress where it rightfully belongs - rather than usurping that authority and issuing administrative action. If the progressive liberals are not happy with the law, do what you were taught in school....contact your representative. If a majority of Americans want the law changed, then Congress will enact legislation. If a majority doesn't then the law will remain the same. Unfortunately, progressive liberals have learned that by misbehaving and throwing temper tantrums they sometimes get their way...much like unruly children of ill prepared parents.
What Mr. Blow fails to acknowledge is that President Trump has the maturity and wisdom to force the issue on Congress where it rightfully belongs - rather than usurping that authority and issuing administrative action. If the progressive liberals are not happy with the law, do what you were taught in school....contact your representative. If a majority of Americans want the law changed, then Congress will enact legislation. If a majority doesn't then the law will remain the same. Unfortunately, progressive liberals have learned that by misbehaving and throwing temper tantrums they sometimes get their way...much like unruly children of ill prepared parents.
4
As I'm sure many have noted, the pOTUS [sic] seems committed to replacing The Statue of Liberty (and particularly Emma Lazarus's poem) with some grander monument to his ego. And the Glory that is Trump, taking precedence over the interests of the people of the U.S. and what it has stood for for over 200 years.
I'm hoping he'll eventually tire of commentators like Charles Blow (and others), so eloquently calling him out and speaking truth to power, wearing down his ego and his tolerance for the office in the process. And we can only hope he'll resign and retire to Mar-a-Lago, taking VP Pence with him, and leave the country to ponder its mistake, heal its wounds, and move on.
In the meantime, keep up the good work, Mr. Blow. And don't let up!
I'm hoping he'll eventually tire of commentators like Charles Blow (and others), so eloquently calling him out and speaking truth to power, wearing down his ego and his tolerance for the office in the process. And we can only hope he'll resign and retire to Mar-a-Lago, taking VP Pence with him, and leave the country to ponder its mistake, heal its wounds, and move on.
In the meantime, keep up the good work, Mr. Blow. And don't let up!
1
A minority party cant protect minorities. Not in this country where the campaign by frustrated whites and white, moneyed vested interests has elected an ignorant misanthrope, taken over Government and is wreaking havoc on the rest.
Follow the money. It pays for all manner of polarization from white supremacists firming up the Trump base to knocking off the tops of mountains and climate change denial for big energy --all hiding behind the 'more jobs for Trump's blue collar voters' trope. An entire Evangelical movement purchased for a Supreme Court nomination and a mouthful of LGBT and religious ugliness, a paean to racism and bigotry.
This is the quintessential mercantile presidency. Everything is for sale. Real bargains on ethics and morality. The coin of the realm is racism, bigotry, misogyny and coin. Next on the docket--a deal to save 800,000 dreamers at the bargain basement cost of $25 billion for a wall?
A minority party cant defend minorities or America. We had better change that before there is nothing left worth of preserving.
Follow the money. It pays for all manner of polarization from white supremacists firming up the Trump base to knocking off the tops of mountains and climate change denial for big energy --all hiding behind the 'more jobs for Trump's blue collar voters' trope. An entire Evangelical movement purchased for a Supreme Court nomination and a mouthful of LGBT and religious ugliness, a paean to racism and bigotry.
This is the quintessential mercantile presidency. Everything is for sale. Real bargains on ethics and morality. The coin of the realm is racism, bigotry, misogyny and coin. Next on the docket--a deal to save 800,000 dreamers at the bargain basement cost of $25 billion for a wall?
A minority party cant defend minorities or America. We had better change that before there is nothing left worth of preserving.
1
I noticed that in all of the comments published by the time I write this, none of them defended the President and his actions.
Just sayin'.
Just sayin'.
2
Perhaps because they're indefensible?
Move along folks. Nothing to see here. DACA is just ANOTHER mess left behind by the stumblin', bumblin', fumblin' Barack Obama.
In addition to designing a failing healthcare system that was also not properly funded, President Obama, with DACA, unlawfully and unconstitutionally tried to usurp Congress for the benefit of illegal immigrants. And he did the latter just prior to his second term election to ensure a victory over Romney. No matter to him that he was delivering false hope to the Dreamers with this deeply flawed, unconstitutional and impermanent tactic, and even exposing them by pulling them onto the radar of the US government. For Obama, it's always about him. He sees his victims, be they Dreamers or the Yazidi women, as simply collateral damage to getting what he wants. Which in this case, was a second term.
He's not only totally incompetent (see failing unfunded healthcare system), he truly is a bad guy (see Dreamers whose spirits are being crushed now that they are finding out Obama actually did nothing for them, and only used them as pawns in his narcissistic game.)
But alas, send in Trump to clean up another of Obama's messes, just like with the tax code, Obamacare, a failing Iran "treaty", N. Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Russia, China, trade, NAFTA, crumbling infrastructure... But hey, at least Obama was a really cool president, right? Gag!
In addition to designing a failing healthcare system that was also not properly funded, President Obama, with DACA, unlawfully and unconstitutionally tried to usurp Congress for the benefit of illegal immigrants. And he did the latter just prior to his second term election to ensure a victory over Romney. No matter to him that he was delivering false hope to the Dreamers with this deeply flawed, unconstitutional and impermanent tactic, and even exposing them by pulling them onto the radar of the US government. For Obama, it's always about him. He sees his victims, be they Dreamers or the Yazidi women, as simply collateral damage to getting what he wants. Which in this case, was a second term.
He's not only totally incompetent (see failing unfunded healthcare system), he truly is a bad guy (see Dreamers whose spirits are being crushed now that they are finding out Obama actually did nothing for them, and only used them as pawns in his narcissistic game.)
But alas, send in Trump to clean up another of Obama's messes, just like with the tax code, Obamacare, a failing Iran "treaty", N. Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Russia, China, trade, NAFTA, crumbling infrastructure... But hey, at least Obama was a really cool president, right? Gag!
4
It's weird to see this being treated as his racism is revealed here when it's been revealed by his public actions as an employer and landlord for decades. He's always been a racist, he's always been pretty open about being racist.
1
Agree, except when you say provenance of people who are white, male, Christian, and straight. I would differ with calling them Christian. They certainly have some perverted form of religious belief, but it is not Christianity. They hide behind their beliefs and interpret the Bible to suite their desires for white supremacy. It is not only white men but it is white women. Trump as given them a sense of power. As an example just read the "Nashville Statement" that was spearheaded by the Southern Baptist against any individual or groups that are not what they consider "straight." It is very sad that many of the mainstream Christian Church's (Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc) are not doing more to speak out about how unjust the direction of this country is apparently going.
184
Agreed - the word "Christian" should appear in quotation marks when applied to the self-serving folks who support Trump while pretending to be followers of Christ. They follow NONE of His directives - "Love One Another," "Do unto Others," etc. and are far more interested in pursuing wealth and political power on Earth than reaching Heaven in the afterlife. None of that "camel through the eye of a needle" business for them either, no, it's all "prosperity gospel" (which can be found nowhere in Christ's teachings) and aligning themselves with the party that hates the poor, disabled, elderly and needy in their efforts to install a "Christian" Taliban leader and gain the power to dictate what the rest of us can see, read, wear, and especially what we can do with our own bodies.
Our Founders left their homes and fought a War of Independence in order to create a nation with a secular government and laws. They saw firsthand the damage that results from combining the religion and political power. And that is visible today - Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran - THAT is what happens when religious zealots are enabled to enact laws in accordance with their beliefs.
If Christ arrived in the United States today, I believe He would run as fast as possible to the nearest Courthouse to change His name. He would never want to be associated with those who claim to be His followers. Whatever they are, "Christian" is definitely NOT the word.
Our Founders left their homes and fought a War of Independence in order to create a nation with a secular government and laws. They saw firsthand the damage that results from combining the religion and political power. And that is visible today - Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran - THAT is what happens when religious zealots are enabled to enact laws in accordance with their beliefs.
If Christ arrived in the United States today, I believe He would run as fast as possible to the nearest Courthouse to change His name. He would never want to be associated with those who claim to be His followers. Whatever they are, "Christian" is definitely NOT the word.
1
Mainline Protestant denominations believe that to be directly involved in partisan politics is bad for both politics and religion. However, we DO believe in advocating for people and for legislation and about issues, both at the institutional and personal levels. And we do. Just ask my congressman!
Sorry, Mr. Doe, that's the "No True Scotsman" fallacy you're using. This is the face of Christianity in America today. And to be sure, the Bible--the inerrant word of God to some--clearly supports the institution of slavery. It's your good book, sir. Instead of owning it, you try to deny and disown the uncomfortable parts. How is that any different than Peter denying and disowning Jesus?
It's not a nice thing to accuse a man of being a racist. It should require more than ideologically self-interested "Opinion" and an all too-easily-triggered gag-reflex to credibly do that.
Trump isn't a racist. His is the bubble-existence of assumed superiority that comes with great wealth, its beginnings inherited, and it's clear that for most if not all of his life he hasn't thought much about race at all, just as he hasn't given much thought to the struggles women have needed to undertake for centuries to empower fully half of humanity, or non-standard gender identities decades to do the same, or the monumental level of effort required by the truly impoverished simply to live another week. But not having thought extensively about these things makes him like many Americans who are similarly narrow in their worldviews.
You can argue that a U.S. president should not live within bubbles, but almost all have, of one kind or another; and I'll castigate you less for that conviction because it's defensible. But living within a bubble of indifference doesn't make one a racist.
I am as outraged by the threat to the DACA kids as Charles is, but I'm heartened that Trump obviously is uneasy with this payback to an excessive and retrograde base. He's made it pretty clear that if Congress doesn't act, he will -- despite the damage it could do him with that base.
Trump isn't a racist. His is the bubble-existence of assumed superiority that comes with great wealth, its beginnings inherited, and it's clear that for most if not all of his life he hasn't thought much about race at all, just as he hasn't given much thought to the struggles women have needed to undertake for centuries to empower fully half of humanity, or non-standard gender identities decades to do the same, or the monumental level of effort required by the truly impoverished simply to live another week. But not having thought extensively about these things makes him like many Americans who are similarly narrow in their worldviews.
You can argue that a U.S. president should not live within bubbles, but almost all have, of one kind or another; and I'll castigate you less for that conviction because it's defensible. But living within a bubble of indifference doesn't make one a racist.
I am as outraged by the threat to the DACA kids as Charles is, but I'm heartened that Trump obviously is uneasy with this payback to an excessive and retrograde base. He's made it pretty clear that if Congress doesn't act, he will -- despite the damage it could do him with that base.
8
He has sought to ban terrorists who happen to come from Muslim societies. That's different from "banning Muslims", a Clintonesque fascination with parsing the meaning of "is" notwithstanding. I'm confident that if terrorists seeking American blood started appearing among indigenous Swedish Lutherans, he'd be trying to ban them, as well. Muslims need to look seriously at why so much hatred and murderous violence is so inextricably entwined with their religion.
The rest of it merely draws the contours of ancient ideological differences between minds that are conservative on some basic issues and those that are progressive on the same issues. You don't gain any points by waging that war calling your ideological adversary "racist". All you do in your excess is get the chorus to cheer it but everyone else to downgrade your credibility as a balanced social observer.
In the end, not paying the same attention to your own social priorities doesn't make a man a "racist".
The rest of it merely draws the contours of ancient ideological differences between minds that are conservative on some basic issues and those that are progressive on the same issues. You don't gain any points by waging that war calling your ideological adversary "racist". All you do in your excess is get the chorus to cheer it but everyone else to downgrade your credibility as a balanced social observer.
In the end, not paying the same attention to your own social priorities doesn't make a man a "racist".
5
Do you not think his Birtherism (attempt to delegitimize our first non white president) was racist? because if it looks like a duck........
3
It's sad that no matter how much Muslims cooperate and out the terrorists in their otherwise benign communities, they get no credit and a rasher of criticism for what they don't do. Most of them are now terrified of us. Trump is most likely to include in future bans all those who cross him or don't agree with his brand of whatever that is he calls what he does in life that's so ugly and selfish.
2
The other reveal is that Trump has absolutely no real leadership ability or the ability to actually define policy himself. He kicked the DACA rollback to Sessions and continues to kick policy decisions to Congress. That way, he can blame his EPIC FAIL on either his cabinet or Congress in 2020.
17
The myths about Trump are now all clearly out in the open and there is no there there. As the head of another article this morning said, the curtain has been pulled back and there's nothing there.
1
Racism and other forms of discrimination and prejudice have been rising longer than Trump's presidency has been in existence. When the Dixiecrats left the Democrats for the GOP the latter became a much more narrow minded and bigoted party. The GOP began to play race, gender, ethnic, and other political games to win and maintain its power. They played on the fears of white Americans who didn't want to see the country move towards being a multiracial, multiethnic society where people who were not easily identifiable as white or other existed.
When Obama was elected the GOP showed how racist it was. They openly stated that they would make him a one term president and that they would not work with him on anything. They didn't make him a one term president but they did have an 8 year temper tantrum during which time they hurt Americans, our infrastructure, and prevented progress on anything. The GOP deliberately sabotaged Obama on diplomatic negotiations. They treated him with no respect, not even the respect due him as president.
The GOP and Trump have managed to convince white supremacists that they have an honored place at the table. What they don't realize is that those same white supremacists might yank their chairs out from under them like Mao and Stalin did to their "frenemies" once their usefulness was ended. History may not repeat itself but it does contain valuable lessons.
When Obama was elected the GOP showed how racist it was. They openly stated that they would make him a one term president and that they would not work with him on anything. They didn't make him a one term president but they did have an 8 year temper tantrum during which time they hurt Americans, our infrastructure, and prevented progress on anything. The GOP deliberately sabotaged Obama on diplomatic negotiations. They treated him with no respect, not even the respect due him as president.
The GOP and Trump have managed to convince white supremacists that they have an honored place at the table. What they don't realize is that those same white supremacists might yank their chairs out from under them like Mao and Stalin did to their "frenemies" once their usefulness was ended. History may not repeat itself but it does contain valuable lessons.
168
On the other hand, Trump may be the best friend in Washington Dreamers ever had. His move is politically brilliant and will be to their benefit.
First, DACA is illegal. A president does not have the authority to create an immigration class or to refuse to enforce the law. There is a lawsuit pending that would likely shut off the program uncontrollably. Trump's decision will end that suit.
Second, DACA is not a solution, it has always been about kicking the can down the road. Trump's move forces Congress to do its job and create a way for Dreamers to become legal permanent resident. Sessions said he will enforce the law, whatever the law is. Trump, like Bush before him, is begging Congress to fix the law.
Third, Ryan and McConnell do not have the votes solely with Republicans. They must have Democrats to get it passed. Trump not only blocked the lawsuit, he put the Democrats in check. At least some will have to vote for the bill, which will probably include a wall.
If Congress does its job, Dreamers will have an unrestricted green card and Trump will have his wall. Brilliant.
Now, we just have to convince Congress to do its job.
First, DACA is illegal. A president does not have the authority to create an immigration class or to refuse to enforce the law. There is a lawsuit pending that would likely shut off the program uncontrollably. Trump's decision will end that suit.
Second, DACA is not a solution, it has always been about kicking the can down the road. Trump's move forces Congress to do its job and create a way for Dreamers to become legal permanent resident. Sessions said he will enforce the law, whatever the law is. Trump, like Bush before him, is begging Congress to fix the law.
Third, Ryan and McConnell do not have the votes solely with Republicans. They must have Democrats to get it passed. Trump not only blocked the lawsuit, he put the Democrats in check. At least some will have to vote for the bill, which will probably include a wall.
If Congress does its job, Dreamers will have an unrestricted green card and Trump will have his wall. Brilliant.
Now, we just have to convince Congress to do its job.
60
This all sounds great. It might be possible if Trump was a normal individual. You might also get a pony for Christmas if you're good, but don't count on it. More than likely Trump will figure out some way to mess this up. I wish you wouldn't. I bet he does. I guess we'll just have to see.
1
He's weak and spineless. If he cared about the Dreamers he would have given Congress 6 months to act on either rescinding it or keeping it. Instead he had to play to his base and now once again uses the innocent to make a deal. Just like his brilliant move to stop healthcare subsidies to bring congress to the table. How did that work out?
1
Agreed. I hope congress finds a way for most of the "Dreamers" to stay. the majority of them did nothing wrong, know no other home. There should be a process to get the qualifying ones green cards. Perhaps anyone brought here before a set age, 9, 10? Older than that and your true home probably really is where you lived before that. The kids who qualify should be given a path to a Green Card, NOT citizenship; but a green card that is lifelong unless they commit serious crimes. The parents, however, need to be held accountable. They were totally irresponsible and derelict in bringing their kids here illegally, knowing full well the jeopardy that they were putting them in in doing so. The angst about their fate now is the PARENTS' fault, not the government. And being such irresponsible parents and law breakers should result in stiff fines and deportation if the parents are still here illegally. Reagan had a huge amnesty program. At the time it was supposed to deal with the humanity of the situation, acknowledge the hardworking people here in the shadows AND be the LAST time we did this. sadly, the people did not heed that and kept coming anyway, totally disrespecting the law and the country and actions of President Reagan. We need to make sure that everyone overstaying or coming here illegally knows that they will quickly and safely returned home.
1
Simply put, Mr. Blow, the president wants to have his cake and eat it too. He says he “loves” the Dreamers, yet every utterance and policy initiative is aimed to please his red, rabid nationalist base. Having a hissy fit because he lost the popular vote due to, says he, illegal immigrants casting bogus ballots, the president can have his revenge and the last word by rescinding the DACA program.
This is why the presidential boot is coming down on and kicking women, minorities, Muslims and immigrants back to the sidelines of American society. It’s his way of marginalizing them and he has the tacit approval of many Republican lawmakers and a wide swath of Americans.
America made great strides in the last fifty years, culminating in the election of Barack Obama. But, with the election of this president, the country is backsliding to a distant but ugly and dark past of which it professes to be ashamed. People like David Duke and Richard Spencer are coming out of the woodwork to praise and encourage the president’s racist agenda, giving him a standing ovation and hoping for more encores. But really, since last fall’s election, the music has stopped playing in America.
This is why the presidential boot is coming down on and kicking women, minorities, Muslims and immigrants back to the sidelines of American society. It’s his way of marginalizing them and he has the tacit approval of many Republican lawmakers and a wide swath of Americans.
America made great strides in the last fifty years, culminating in the election of Barack Obama. But, with the election of this president, the country is backsliding to a distant but ugly and dark past of which it professes to be ashamed. People like David Duke and Richard Spencer are coming out of the woodwork to praise and encourage the president’s racist agenda, giving him a standing ovation and hoping for more encores. But really, since last fall’s election, the music has stopped playing in America.
276
Mr Blow, have heart. What we are witnessing is the twilight of white supremacy, as evidenced by its desperate death rattle in the form of a kind of hysteria. This century is the non-white century.
243
The end of the last century was supposed to the end of White Supremacy.Tribalism over rules everything in America.if you think White Privilege is going to be given up think again. When drugs were decimating communities of color the answer was to build more Prisons and harsher sentences. Now that opioids are killing white people we are told we are in an epidemic.Until the day we accept that there is white privilege we will keep going around this like a hamster on a wheel.
I have to agree. Trump's approval rating is in the 30s. It'll probably go down to the 20s soon. Every time he makes a decision he loses if you and he certainly hasn't done much to get any new people on board. What we need is a governing coalition. If you could get the millennials to vote it would be easy to have a middle-of-the-road governing coalition. I wish I knew how to do it. I have been trying.
Take a look@ makeitfair.com. Join us. Let's see if we can figure this out.
Take a look@ makeitfair.com. Join us. Let's see if we can figure this out.
Only if we continue to strive for it.
While I regularly read this column, I strongly disagree with this piece. In many ways, I think the current president is not that much different than many of his predecessors. Blaming him for the current polarization in our country shows you have not been reading the news for many years.
18
I think it is YOU who have not been reading the news for many years, DickH.
No president in my 60+ years of memory has morally and ethically polarized our country in the way that Trump has in his few months in office.
No president in my 60+ years of memory has morally and ethically polarized our country in the way that Trump has in his few months in office.
Pay attention. He's blaming him for his racist actions as president. The increasing polarization is a consequence. Nuance please.
Did you sleep through the Trump campaign? Trump feeds on and promotes the polarization of this country.
DACA is unconstitutional. It was going to be taken down by court order if Trump continued to enforce when Republican AG's sued. The story here is Trump ends a blatantly unconstitutional program and asks Congress to authorize it so it can withstand a legal challenge
19
If the provisions of DACA were unconstitutional when Barack Obama wrote them in, then they are also unconstitutional when Congress tries to codify them, and it would be unconstitutional if a state legislature wrote the same provisions into a state immigration bill, no? Congress made the Defense of Marriage Act and it was duly signed by the president. It was not merely an executive order. Didn't make any difference that Congress authorized it. It did not adhere to the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment and was overturned for that reason, if I remember correctly. If there's something unconstitutional in DACA, then it's unconstitutional no matter who promulgates it, isn't it? By the way, what is the unconstitutional provision in DACA?
Given, of course, that they also authorize and fund the wall.
What is unconstitutional about DACA is that the president does not have the constitutional authority to make immigration law. Congress does.
1
Among Trump's qualities that bothers me the most is his sadism. As other commenters have noted, the brutality of his DACA annulment was multiplied by the unctuous hypocrisy of his repeated claim to "love" the DACA kids. We have seen this quality in him before, notably in his refusal to include Sean Spicer in the audience with Pope Francis and his ritual humilitation of anyone he considers a threat to his fragile ego, whether it's Rosie O'Donnell or, at one time or another, most of the official in his administration.
I think most people understand where this need to debase and humiliate others comes from. But in the case of the DACA decision it took on a particularly ugly Alice In Wonderland quality, as he professed his great love for the very people whose lives he was upending. This is a special kind of cruelty that would inflict additional emotional pain just to reinforce his dominance and places him among the most repulsive people on the planet.
I think most people understand where this need to debase and humiliate others comes from. But in the case of the DACA decision it took on a particularly ugly Alice In Wonderland quality, as he professed his great love for the very people whose lives he was upending. This is a special kind of cruelty that would inflict additional emotional pain just to reinforce his dominance and places him among the most repulsive people on the planet.
74
Um, Rosie O'Donnell verbally attacked Trump first, as do 99% of the people who Trump insults. Trump isn't being a sadist if he is just giving it back. It's more accurate to say he is defending himself. Nice try, though.
He sounds just like an abusive spouse: I love you but you made me do it... for your own good.
Seeing the headlines, I am reminded that people all over the world can't abide those who are different from them. Sunnis and Shites, Serbs and Croats, Robingya and the Bhuddists (and I always thought Bhuddists were a peaceful people.). I always thought that once the Civil Rights movement established that civil rights were legal for all in the US we were on our way to a more just world. It used to be that just the fringes clung to the old racism and hatred for the "other." Now it appears that is not the case. We used to be a shining example of a just nation with a few exceptions. Now it appears to be the opposite.
11
Very true - and it is double sad that people on the Left like Charles continue to strive to divide the country instead of uniting it.
Trump would have been defeated if African-Americans and millenials had showed up at the polls last November in the numbers they did when Obama was on the ticket. In 2012 the lines at my polling place stretched around the block. In 2016 there was no wait time. Protests mean little when people don't exercise their precious and hard-won right to vote.
96
Trump won because we are TIRED of being called racist. We just had an African American president! Sad he was inept and implemented unconstitutional DACA
3
Another view is that is pure racism. Only show up to vote when someone who shares your skin color is running. But somehow it's racist for white people to vote based on racial lines
Hillary would have lost worse if millions of illegal immigrants didn't vote for her.
Sometimes the simplest words say a thing the best way. Referring to DACA, which Trump just "outrageously" ended, Charles calls it a program:
" which allowed many young people brought to this country as children to stay and work here."
Simple, huh? No bogeyman there. No threat to our country and economy. We're talking less than 850,000 people, nation wide. NYC has almost exactly 10 times that number of people 8,500,000.
In addition to being a nationwide number (many are in California), some are in school, some are married and caring for children, and those employed are spread across many vocations at different levels, further diluting any effect on any sector.
In any random population of 850,000, you are bound to get a few "bad hombres" - sorry - just a sarcastic shout out to Trump - who have committed a few crimes. But the vast number, over 95% are gainfully employed or in school.
They are the children of parents who had a dream for a better life for their children and were willing to face many hardships to fulfill that dream. It's not surprising most of these kids were raised to take full advantage of the opportunity given them at such cost.
We are wasting precious time and effort and money in pursuit of these people when there is so much to do. Pardon them like Arpaio, or pass a law, or just let them "stay and work here", live in peace and get on with something meaningful.
" which allowed many young people brought to this country as children to stay and work here."
Simple, huh? No bogeyman there. No threat to our country and economy. We're talking less than 850,000 people, nation wide. NYC has almost exactly 10 times that number of people 8,500,000.
In addition to being a nationwide number (many are in California), some are in school, some are married and caring for children, and those employed are spread across many vocations at different levels, further diluting any effect on any sector.
In any random population of 850,000, you are bound to get a few "bad hombres" - sorry - just a sarcastic shout out to Trump - who have committed a few crimes. But the vast number, over 95% are gainfully employed or in school.
They are the children of parents who had a dream for a better life for their children and were willing to face many hardships to fulfill that dream. It's not surprising most of these kids were raised to take full advantage of the opportunity given them at such cost.
We are wasting precious time and effort and money in pursuit of these people when there is so much to do. Pardon them like Arpaio, or pass a law, or just let them "stay and work here", live in peace and get on with something meaningful.
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Then you would presumably agree that it would be MUCH better to have a program for these people that is set in law, and hopefully therefore unassailable by any interest group, instead of a program, parts of which have already been declared illegal in a related case, and can be stopped at any time by almost any group that would challenge it in the courts - or by a President.
Like it or not, Trump just did the Dreamers a big favor by forcing Congress to address the issue, where it should have been addressed in the first place.
Like it or not, Trump just did the Dreamers a big favor by forcing Congress to address the issue, where it should have been addressed in the first place.
1
Trump did what you seem to want. Instead of costly and time-wasting court battles that would surely strike down DACA, Trump gave Congress 6 months to enact a law, the way it is supposed to be done.
1
No bad hombres among the Dreamers. They have ALL been screened by the Department of Homeland Security and none have committed any crimes. They must be enrolled at school, be in the military or have jobs. There were many requirements put on this program. These are hard working, fine young people.
1
Great piece. On a related note, I would challenge each one of us to think long and hard about where we each are biased. Each one of us has something - it may be racism, it may be anti- fat people; it may be anti people with southern accents or NY accents or anti-Muslim or homophobia. But each of us has something. In an ideal world our awareness of our area of bias would be enough to correct it , assuming we want to be honest , fair, and just people. But we aren't living in an ideal world. Simple attention to and awareness of our areas of bias can help us to be less biased in situations that arise involving those groups.
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I am fully aware of my biases: I abhor people who are racist, bigoted, anti-Semitic, Confederacy defenders, greedy, and two-faced liars. If you fall into any of these categories, stay far away from me.
I am as much against Trump as a person can be, but to be fair, he did not do away with DACA. After all it means "Deferred Action". He kicked it back to Congress, where it belongs. Dem or Rep, We need a comprehensive immigration policy in this country. Could he have been more rational and kind? Yes absolutely, and he should have been. He could have left things as they are, but given more time, and assigned a truly qualified person to lead Congress on this legislation. Does he have the ability to make rational and kind decisions? Absolutely not.
7
People of color sometimes say that white guys don't get it. I'm a white guy, and I'll admit that there must be times when that's true. One of those times is when I see people of color at Trump rallies
I don't get it.
I don't get it.
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And one of the times I don't get it is when minorities praise the Clintons. Do we remember the 94 crime bill or super predators comment. Or the fact Bill cut public housing funding in half. Or the fact Hilary doesn't know what a classified document is. She's a bright one for sure.
1
Charles,
Thank you. I think it is important to continue to document and reveal his racist core beliefs and match them to his actions. I think the only important thing you left out is his efforts at voter suppression and challenging voter rights.
Thank you. I think it is important to continue to document and reveal his racist core beliefs and match them to his actions. I think the only important thing you left out is his efforts at voter suppression and challenging voter rights.
14
Trump has torn a hole in the fabric of the America we were becoming, a tapestry composed of people of different colors, backgrounds, and perspectives, all valued equally. To me, it seemed we were heading in that direction. Apparently, I missed a flaw in the fabric.
5
With all that is being written in response to the DACA rollback, I have a question I have never seen addressed: On what basis do Melania's parents (now living in the White House) and sister (living in NYC) remain in this country? Are they on a track to citizenship? Does the sister work (possibly "taking a job from a US citizen")? Has their security here been purchased by Trump? Are they covered by US-based health insurance? Do they pay US and New York State taxes? I know the grandparents babysit, but what special skills do they bring to this country? Trump has rules for others coming to and staying in this country; does he apply these rules in his own family?
30
Maybe under the program that essentially allows foreigners to buy citizenship? The one that Obama did not end?
Good questions. Was has become of Obama's illegal Aunt? Does she still benefit from her relationship to Obama?
It is true that there are many subjects about which I may have an opinion but I still lack sufficiency of facts to render that opinion immutable. Until one draws a firm conclusion based on facts, one must keep an open mind should facts heretofore unknown to you present themselves.
About Donald Trump I do have sufficient facts, indeed abundantly so, to have drawn the firm conclusion that he is unfit for the office he holds to a truly unprecedented extent. Those rare occasions when he does something right or beneficial, like his agreement to link the debt ceiling and continuing resolution to Hurricane Harvey aid (thus placing the irresponsible Freedom Caucus members in the position of capitulating or voting against necessary aid to many of their own constituents), it is merely self-serving, a feint, a subterfuge -- in this case kicking it three months down the road when it will be used as blackmail to achieve heinously irresponsible tax cuts that are not yet ready to present.
I am quite certain that Donald Trump does not have the best interests of the American People at heart in anything he does or says.
About Donald Trump I do have sufficient facts, indeed abundantly so, to have drawn the firm conclusion that he is unfit for the office he holds to a truly unprecedented extent. Those rare occasions when he does something right or beneficial, like his agreement to link the debt ceiling and continuing resolution to Hurricane Harvey aid (thus placing the irresponsible Freedom Caucus members in the position of capitulating or voting against necessary aid to many of their own constituents), it is merely self-serving, a feint, a subterfuge -- in this case kicking it three months down the road when it will be used as blackmail to achieve heinously irresponsible tax cuts that are not yet ready to present.
I am quite certain that Donald Trump does not have the best interests of the American People at heart in anything he does or says.
16
Wow! I begin another day committed to doing all that I can to combat the hatred. A friend says that the "karma of the universe" will not allow this to continue much longer. Thank you, Charles, for giving clear voice to our distress and for inspiring us to resist.
12
This article is full of hatred. Why in the world would you applaud it? Trump gave the dreamers a chance to stay here permanently, something Obama never did or even tried to do.
Many good postulations here, to which I would like to add.
DJT's prime motivation is Adoration.
If he can garner that from one group of people by denigrating another he will (especially if "his" group has more power and is white), without regard for the consequences. He has absolutely no sense of "for the common good", only what's good for himself.
DJT's prime motivation is Adoration.
If he can garner that from one group of people by denigrating another he will (especially if "his" group has more power and is white), without regard for the consequences. He has absolutely no sense of "for the common good", only what's good for himself.
17
Can you think of any examples of him garnering adoration from one group by denigrating another? Because in Charlottesville, he condemned both groups for their violence. In all other occasions, I can only think of him denigrating groups that are criminals or creating lies like the fake news media.
Excellent column, as always. You did leave out one adjective for those who Trump believes should be in power and have the privilege - - Rich! He has, I believe, even said that he only wanted wealthy people (read: white, Christian, male) who are rich.
12
The older I get, the more I see the truth of the addage, "Pick your battles carefully". Yes, it's true that Trump is trying to conquer by dividing. The reason it works so well is that the 60 million votes he presumably garnered are a pretty solid (though ultimately shrinking) group of white males, as Charles says, while the "identity" political groups that Steve Bannon welcomes - minorities, feminists, gender groups, human rights groups - all have limits to unity. They can't realistically coalesce, so they need greater organization to counter the regressive architects behid the distracting front man Trump. Why do you think Occupy Wall St., Black Lives Matter, and the Womens' March lacked any cohesive lasting effectiveness? They lacked any clear leadership and concrete specific agendas. You can't beat the power of the status quo and entrenched biases without organization, if you are discrete specific interest groups.We need the varying groups to organize into one group to maximize size and resist all regressive actions by this Administratkon, or be more focused on specific progressive policies.
1
Americans are conditioned to honor people and events that are questionable. Part of that means accepting centuries-old beliefs and prejudices. American racism has its roots in Christian Europe. We are told nice tales of the Pilgrims and their quest for religious freedom. Here’s what Winston Churchill had to say about their familial and spiritual cousins (in History of English Speaking Peoples): “In defiance of the Church Settlement [Elizabeth’s Church] they began to form their own religious communities, with their own ministers and forms of worship. Their aim and object was nothing less than the establishment of a theocratic despotism.”
On the other hand, admiration for another group of religious zealots is not nation-wide but is, nevertheless, of significance. I refer to Scottish and Scots-Irish Calvinists, who shared a religious fervor and vindictiveness with the Puritan Pilgrims. Of the Calvinists, Churchill wrote: “We may admire as polished flint the convictions and purposes of the Scots Government and its divines, but one must be thankful never to have been brought into contact with any of them.”
We are still being brought in contact with their offspring and their bigotry.
On the other hand, admiration for another group of religious zealots is not nation-wide but is, nevertheless, of significance. I refer to Scottish and Scots-Irish Calvinists, who shared a religious fervor and vindictiveness with the Puritan Pilgrims. Of the Calvinists, Churchill wrote: “We may admire as polished flint the convictions and purposes of the Scots Government and its divines, but one must be thankful never to have been brought into contact with any of them.”
We are still being brought in contact with their offspring and their bigotry.
2
What is also appalling is the evangelical preachers' blind worship of him and the message it sends to their flocks of easily deceived followers. They present him as a sort of "end of times" messiah, and because they are told they will be saved, nothing else matters to them. Not the systematic destruction of all the tenents Christ and his true followers held dear, because they have been perverted by the gospel of prosperity, and they are not being taught the true gospel anyway. It scares me how easily conned people in this country have become, all the while screaming their need for independence attained by ridding our country of the diversity and the support of it that made us formerly great. Thank you, Charles, for keeping us informed and reminding us not to forget, in these times of horrible storms and fires, that this man does not have anyone's best interests at heart other than his own, because men like him, when they run out of people to hurt, will look for another scapegoat. It's in the scorpion's nature.
13
We are still a country of laws. Not a country with a short reign king. DACA is a good program. But it was illegally put into place. It is a law without foundation. Would you like a guy like Donald Trump rewriting all of our laws with regard totaxes, police activity, criminal sentencing, etc. The purpose of the Presidency is to enforce the law, not write it. Obama did way to much of writing the law. DACA and other laws are the responsibility of the Congress.
But our Congress is broken. One side seems to do everything to thwart the other side. The whole intent and design of a Congress is to allow for multiple points of view to be presented and a compromise to be reached. A compromise the benefits the vast majority and does not harm the smaller disparate points of view.
Donalds action on DACA ia actually quite clever. Unfortunately the DACA participants are held hostage. We need comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the needs of the country, but shows compassion to the people here living in the shadows. Donald is forcing Congress to address the whole issue. Unfortunately the DACA kids are serving as the shock troops in this battle.
But our Congress is broken. One side seems to do everything to thwart the other side. The whole intent and design of a Congress is to allow for multiple points of view to be presented and a compromise to be reached. A compromise the benefits the vast majority and does not harm the smaller disparate points of view.
Donalds action on DACA ia actually quite clever. Unfortunately the DACA participants are held hostage. We need comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the needs of the country, but shows compassion to the people here living in the shadows. Donald is forcing Congress to address the whole issue. Unfortunately the DACA kids are serving as the shock troops in this battle.
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What say you to the circumstance of a Republican-controlled Congress' failure to pass The Dream Act during President Obama's Administration? DACA was Obama's response to this.
1
Your basic premise that DACA was illegally put in place or without foundation negates everything that follows in your statement. The supreme Court has not yet ruled on the Power of The President to prioritize immigration policy, or on the constitutionality of the Executive Order. The same is true of Trump's order banning Muslims.
1
If it was illegal, as you with your law degree from where? decree it, then the courts would have struck it down when it was challenged. It was not
I have seen this same screed myriad times on social media. It is almost as if their are bots spitting it up everywhere.
I have seen this same screed myriad times on social media. It is almost as if their are bots spitting it up everywhere.
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Mr. Blow's exaggerations and Chicken Little alarmism are tiresome. About a third of the electorate are Independents who want to see more cooperation among the two major parties. Reasonable people can disagree over whether Obama's version of DACA was unconstitutional. What's important now is that there's an opportunity for Dems and moderate Repubs (including Trump) to work together to pass a DACA law which also gives Trump some of what he wants in beefing-up border security. It's a good chance to work cooperatively. The same is true with tax reform, where Trump and moderate Repubs may be convinced not to lower taxes on the wealthy, while passing a major middle class tax break. Vilifying Trump may feel good, but it's not much of a strategy for the Dems to show they are suited to govern. Independents need a reason to support Dems in 2018 and 2020, and it's not identity politics.
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unless of course your identity finds itself on the list.....
1
The assessment that Trump tapped into the pain of people left behind by the globalization of the economy was largely wrong.
That's why Trump's supporters aren't disappointed by his siding with the rich against workers time and time again.
It's the social issues and identity politics and reality show entertainment that support him, and always was. Trade talk and manufacturing talk and coal talk were simply signals to rural whites that he was on their side in culture wars.
That's why Trump's supporters aren't disappointed by his siding with the rich against workers time and time again.
It's the social issues and identity politics and reality show entertainment that support him, and always was. Trade talk and manufacturing talk and coal talk were simply signals to rural whites that he was on their side in culture wars.
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Dear Mr. Blow: Reading between the lines of this and others of your column in the Times, I sense your frustration and perhaps resignation in our present state of affairs. Indeed, it seems as if the wheels have come off the cart when looking at how we Americans seem to be versus who we think we are.
Trump is the culmination of rapid and deeply penetrating change in American life and that change has caused fear nd feelings of rootlessness. We are no longer anchored in self-dependency, protected by two oceans. We are, for better or worse, dependent on others over the horizon for goods and services. Jobs which paid a good wage have departed for low wage countries. What's left requres considerably more than a good pair of hands and a willingness to work.
The fear is palable but it is not the first time in our history that this has happened. Benjamin Franklin was scared to death of Germans imigrating to Pennsylvania. The Irish were persecuted mercilessly in major east coast cities in the mid 1800's. The Chinese were once forbiddent to even come to these shores. In every case was the fear of losing work and/or privilege. Falling back on the latent racism in the American character always bubbles to the top in times of stress and change. And that, too, will pass.
Trump is the culmination of rapid and deeply penetrating change in American life and that change has caused fear nd feelings of rootlessness. We are no longer anchored in self-dependency, protected by two oceans. We are, for better or worse, dependent on others over the horizon for goods and services. Jobs which paid a good wage have departed for low wage countries. What's left requres considerably more than a good pair of hands and a willingness to work.
The fear is palable but it is not the first time in our history that this has happened. Benjamin Franklin was scared to death of Germans imigrating to Pennsylvania. The Irish were persecuted mercilessly in major east coast cities in the mid 1800's. The Chinese were once forbiddent to even come to these shores. In every case was the fear of losing work and/or privilege. Falling back on the latent racism in the American character always bubbles to the top in times of stress and change. And that, too, will pass.
8
It will pass? Do nothing, say nothing and it will pass? Has Racism in this
country passed? Stunning remark.....Democracy is NOT a well oiled machine
which doesn't need scrupulous tending.......It will pass? Tell that to the dead of the
Civil Rights movement........then and now
country passed? Stunning remark.....Democracy is NOT a well oiled machine
which doesn't need scrupulous tending.......It will pass? Tell that to the dead of the
Civil Rights movement........then and now
1
As Donald bets everything on playing to his narrow base, it should be remembered that his surprise victory cracked the alchemy of the electoral college math, not due to the strength of an inevitable grassroots movement. But more due to an opponent who was a wooden actor struggling to excite voters, and who faced a unique constellation of political crises. I would advise a more inclusive platform looking ahead to 2020.
7
and that "wooden" opponent though she might have been, managed in a
lifetime to insure some 9 million children.......
and the goon in the white House? He managed to get good TV ratings.
this is no time to re-litigate the election.......a more inclusive platform in the Democratic Party will NEVER include racists.
Please...spare us.
lifetime to insure some 9 million children.......
and the goon in the white House? He managed to get good TV ratings.
this is no time to re-litigate the election.......a more inclusive platform in the Democratic Party will NEVER include racists.
Please...spare us.
1
Mr. Blow - please, please, PLEASE start reminding people they absolutely MUST VOTE in 2018, no matter what the obstacles might be.
Unless this becomes an American mantra another 60% turnout will certainly doom us to more years of ascendant bigotry.
Unless this becomes an American mantra another 60% turnout will certainly doom us to more years of ascendant bigotry.
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Tim,
I agree. Although a 60% turnout in 2016 might have ended differently. I believe the actual voter turnout was in the low 50% range. However, a 70% turnout would almost certainly always favor Democrats.
I agree. Although a 60% turnout in 2016 might have ended differently. I believe the actual voter turnout was in the low 50% range. However, a 70% turnout would almost certainly always favor Democrats.
23
If the media had not kept on giving poll numbers showing Clinton ahead by many points, many voters would not have stayed home. We must vote, no matter what the polls say. Our country is too young to bear the assault it has taking from the Administration and legislature.
2
Maybe your turnout would be better if your message resonated with people.. Fact is, the democratic party has left behind a large percent of their base on social issues.. Obama burned a lot of bridges in his 8 years..
The great new American pastime. Bash the buffoon in the White House in new and more creative fashion. Is it possible he is simply a shiny (and dangerous) distraction that is taking up too much attention? What are you going to do about it? DJT is too easy a target. It is not only him, it is those ultra conservatives and their financial backers that successfully took control of the Republican Party. Let's shift focus to how we can bring all Americans, including moderate Republicans, together to rid the country of this disease that has infected the Republican Party. If you simply can't get over Party allegiance, at least support well intentioned, knowledgeable, candidates of any Party who want to create an America that is greater than ever and truly a beacon on the hill for all. The 2018 elections begin now. Turn your attention from the shiny distraction and come together to reform Congress to truly represent most American's point of view.
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The Buffoon in the White House IS who we should be focusing on. Regardless of what money or influence guided or financed his way there, Trump is the one who is appointing individuals to positions that they would, in any other administration, not hold. Bannon, Mnuchin, Gorka, Priutt, Carl Ichan, Wilbur Ross. Jared Kushner. (Honestly, can you think of anyone besides his father in law that would appoint Jared Kushner of all people, to a White House advisory position?) All these folks have been let in the door and instead of them trying to influence policy from the outside, they are actually making it from the inside, cutting out the middleman which heretofore was our actual elected officials.
Start acting now, time is running out.
Remember the Nazi party started with just a handful of men and look at what happened.
Remember the Nazi party started with just a handful of men and look at what happened.
1
Most of us understand the racial dog whistles that the Republican party have developed over the past 40 years but nothing represented the dog whistles more than the person of A.G. Sessions. Sessions total political career has been based on racial hatred and the glorification of "racial purity". This term used by racists such as Session to provide cover for the outlawed practice of eugenics. When Trump appointed Sessions it was clear that he was paying back racists politically. On Tuesday when Sessions came out to announce the decision to rescind DACA with not only legal and economic lies but with joy. Sessions could barely contain his joy grinning ear to ear during his new conference. Sessions was not somber and sad but had sheer joy that his false narrative of racial hatred had won. 800000 young people's lives thrown away and sheer joy by Sessions. Trump will never be able to escape this act of racism even with all the tweets in the world.
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There was a time when democrats stood for equality of opportunity.. That time past, and now we see the democrats striving for equal outcomes.. Conservatives are now the party of equal opportunity, by enforcing the constitution, and defined as racist by the left.. Ridiculous.. YOU and people like you are why the democrats are losing. news flash.. we're not racist..
" Trump will never be able to escape this act of racism even with all the tweets in the world. "
It doesn't matter. It's all about who has the power. The Republicans have been working a slow motion coup. The Fascist Republicans want a constitutional convention and they almost have enough states to call for one.
Believe me only the wealthy fascist are going to like the new constitution.
They swear on their bibles when they take office to uphold the constitution but the word of the Republicans is worthless.
It doesn't matter. It's all about who has the power. The Republicans have been working a slow motion coup. The Fascist Republicans want a constitutional convention and they almost have enough states to call for one.
Believe me only the wealthy fascist are going to like the new constitution.
They swear on their bibles when they take office to uphold the constitution but the word of the Republicans is worthless.
1
If anyone still had doubts before, by now we certainly all know the type of creature the man I refuse to call president is. The greater problem I see is that, in addition to dividing the country with his corrupt practices and lies, a division that is even extended within his own party; his entire platform is based not on governing this USA, but on destroying whatever was put in place by his predecessor, our President Mr. Barak Obama. And the sad thing is, even some of the less ignorant-minded Republicans seem to share that desire.
That is what will ultimately mark this presidency (if we can even call it that, rather a frenzied state of hysterical chaos) and, hopefully, be its downfall. Sooner, rather than later.
That is what will ultimately mark this presidency (if we can even call it that, rather a frenzied state of hysterical chaos) and, hopefully, be its downfall. Sooner, rather than later.
30
Please provide a DIRECT quote of any racist statement made by President Trump and evidence of any corruption whatsoever. Insipid propaganda doesn't count.
I look forward to reading your columns weekly Mr. Blow but on this one I totally disagree with you. In my opinion Trump has revealed the inner racism of America. Trump is verbalizing what many think but who are to embarrassed to say. People knew Trump before they voted for him so it is disingenuous for many of his supporters to be shocked by anything that he does. From the days of the Central Park Five to the present Trump never hid his racism. His daily effort to dismantle anything Obama did is not done under the cover of darkness. Anyone who says the Birther Movement wasn't racist is lying to themselves.Make America Great Again was really Make America White Again. Last week the Times had a column about how Affirmative Action has not really helped black students get into the best colleges. Try telling the supposed aggravated white guy that the cause for his troubles isn't someone of color and you have a fight on your hands. The Democratic Party is brainstorming on how to attract the ignored white working class guy back into the fold while not even acknowledging the plight of the working class black man. Trump has exposed the lie that we are in a post racial America. Trump has exposed America's inner racism.
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America is made up of individuals, and the racism of some citizens has been amplified and validated by the so-called President. There is no call to our higher feelings, to a vision of equality and unity. There is no leadership of ethics or respectfulness. He is not my president, absolutely does not share my values, and is contaminating the reputation of the country. Please do not tar me with the same brush used on the Donald!
63000000 of your fellow Americans voted for the person who is not your president? It is wonderful to think it is the other guy but that can no longer work. Sure there are good people who don't go along with his policies but like it or not he represents us. Things will only change when we own up to how things really are. If we really are our brother's keeper I hope one day we will act like it.
1
"The Democratic Party is brainstorming on how to attract the ignored white working class guy back into the fold while not even acknowledging the plight of the working class black man."
Perfectly stated, Mr. McCain. Excellent comment. I firmly believe the path forward for Democrats lies in defending American values, not twisting them to match those of the ignorant. I believe that by promoting equal protection, civil rights, and workers rights that Democrats can provide a strong, moral, message for most Americans. I believe that by promoting more open immigration policies, and more open trade policies, we can make America more economically secure and attract moderate Republicans to our cause. I believe that, at this point in our country's history, the interest of corporations, workers, and citizens are all in alignment against those of the ignorant, the racists, and the hateful. Let's unite and stop hate.
Perfectly stated, Mr. McCain. Excellent comment. I firmly believe the path forward for Democrats lies in defending American values, not twisting them to match those of the ignorant. I believe that by promoting equal protection, civil rights, and workers rights that Democrats can provide a strong, moral, message for most Americans. I believe that by promoting more open immigration policies, and more open trade policies, we can make America more economically secure and attract moderate Republicans to our cause. I believe that, at this point in our country's history, the interest of corporations, workers, and citizens are all in alignment against those of the ignorant, the racists, and the hateful. Let's unite and stop hate.
Racism has been alive and well in this country for a very long time. When Obama became President, I was extremely worried for his and his family's safety and I also sensed that the more covert forms of racism would come to light. While this is messy business, we cannot move forward as a healthy and fair-minded country without the airing of it all to address it and to heal.
I walk with you, Mr. Blow, and my respect for your eloquent and precise truth telling is solid. What I would say also is that the despicable racists are not as large in number as they may seem. There are more white allies to communities of color in today's world than in previous generations. What is ABSOLUTELY necessary is for white people to talk and to act in ways that defy racist ideology and harm in everyday situations and in public forums. I am a white ally who will not tolerate racism and xenophobia. There is no neutrality here. As Elie Wiesel said, "So-called neutral people only assist the oppressor, never the oppressed." Keep telling it, Mr. Blow.
I walk with you, Mr. Blow, and my respect for your eloquent and precise truth telling is solid. What I would say also is that the despicable racists are not as large in number as they may seem. There are more white allies to communities of color in today's world than in previous generations. What is ABSOLUTELY necessary is for white people to talk and to act in ways that defy racist ideology and harm in everyday situations and in public forums. I am a white ally who will not tolerate racism and xenophobia. There is no neutrality here. As Elie Wiesel said, "So-called neutral people only assist the oppressor, never the oppressed." Keep telling it, Mr. Blow.
51
I always saw Trump's racism as outward and obvious, never as inner racism.
22
His people love him because "he tells it like it is." You bet he does. He tells it like they want to hear. Trump doesn't just lead his base. He is his base.
Trump didn't conquer anything. He was selected, and overwhelmingly. Trump demolished all contenders in the primary. He tore them apart. His base propelled him to the top.
All of the excuses people make about we have been left out and forgotten is just politically correct phraseology for white privilege. For his most ardent supporters, white power.
But most would say that they are not racist. On an individual basis, they can befriend people of color and accept them into their lives. So they claim they are not racist. But deep down inside, they harbor white privilege. They are deserving of help and much more so than people of color.
White privilege is racism, expressed in reverse. Instead of using racism to overtly hurt someone, they use it to overtly help themselves. That's the formulae Trump has used to sway the masses that will follow him to the end.
So yes, Trump does tell it like they want to have it. That is the source of his power.
Trump didn't conquer anything. He was selected, and overwhelmingly. Trump demolished all contenders in the primary. He tore them apart. His base propelled him to the top.
All of the excuses people make about we have been left out and forgotten is just politically correct phraseology for white privilege. For his most ardent supporters, white power.
But most would say that they are not racist. On an individual basis, they can befriend people of color and accept them into their lives. So they claim they are not racist. But deep down inside, they harbor white privilege. They are deserving of help and much more so than people of color.
White privilege is racism, expressed in reverse. Instead of using racism to overtly hurt someone, they use it to overtly help themselves. That's the formulae Trump has used to sway the masses that will follow him to the end.
So yes, Trump does tell it like they want to have it. That is the source of his power.
149
I have decided that those who still support Trump are a lost cause. They will not be persuaded by logical argument, by irrefutable proof of Trump's corruption, or by the evidence of their own eyes about how he is attempting to destroy the credibility of our legitimate sources of information, and of the attempts to destroy democracy itself. The only way to cope with these people is to overcome them, to get out to the election polling places in great progressive masses, and simply outnumber those who would perpetuate the Trump administration.
3
Tell all the senior residents of mobile home parks in east TX about their "white privilege", please. I'm sure they would be delighted to learn about it.
1
I, for one, am very tired of the hypocrisy where whatever a Republican president does is just fine, but a Democrat president is always criticized by the right for anything he does. This immigration thing is a major one. When Reagan declared a blanket amnesty and provided green cards for anyone who could prove they had lived and worked in the US for five consecutive years, that was evidently just fine. DACA, a program that simply puts the best behaving young people brought to this country as small children at the bottom of the list for deportation, is oh so unconstitutional. In the meantime the Trump family continues to manufacture in third world countries and to apply for visas for foreign workers for Mar-a-Lago and other golf resorts and hotels they own!
344
Not to mention the fact that Kushner's sister-in-law was selling green cards to rich patrons of her company.
1
That Amnesty was fine as it was supposed to lead to border control and be the last Amnesty ever. Tip Oneil didn't live up to that bargain and Americans don't want to be repeatedly burned on this issue ad infinitum. Too much to ask that Democrats live up to that? Or does the hypocrisy of whatever a Democrat doesis just fine not make you sleepy?
1
I see Trump as the manifestation of thirty years of the Republicans using the Southern Strategy. This has led to white identity politics driven by white resentment. Trump's politics also plays brilliantly into his good friend Vladmir Putin's plans to divide America, whether deliberate or not.
Republicans counted heads and realized there are a lot more white people in America than people of color. Trump figured how to use white resentment better than the balance of the Clown Car. It worked. I find what Trump says about America to be very disturbing.
Republicans counted heads and realized there are a lot more white people in America than people of color. Trump figured how to use white resentment better than the balance of the Clown Car. It worked. I find what Trump says about America to be very disturbing.
124
Goodnoff nailed it very well -- the Southern strategy began with Nixon to retaliate against LBJ for the voting rights bill. "If you now make it illegal to keep minorities away from the polls, sure we'll join you" said a prevailing number of white (former) Democrats who no longer could find solace in a party so bold as to see all Americans as equals. And the southern strategy has now strengthened so that racists are "out of the shadows" because the president has made it OK. This will continue until Democrates organize and get people to vote -- which means to overcome the many obstacles that Republican congress and Reppublican state houses are placing in their path. Would that the Supreme court might save us, but HEY, they appear to be woven from the same cloth. If you are a decent American : VOTE. Nothing else will work.
3
Trump has not changed in the past fifty years being in the
public eye. Trump's early training under Roy Cohn in the
real estate wars resulted in the arrogant, insolent, always correct
President we have today. Attack, deny, divert, lie and
counterattack are ongoing Trump strategies. The past seven months
have shown no political accomplishments and much divisiveness. The weakness of the Democrats is their inability to develop strategies to
make Trump answer for his statements. Twitter rules.
public eye. Trump's early training under Roy Cohn in the
real estate wars resulted in the arrogant, insolent, always correct
President we have today. Attack, deny, divert, lie and
counterattack are ongoing Trump strategies. The past seven months
have shown no political accomplishments and much divisiveness. The weakness of the Democrats is their inability to develop strategies to
make Trump answer for his statements. Twitter rules.
68
Better the country you know.
Senator Chris Murphy told his stunned, anguished staff the morning after the election, "We live in the same country today that we did yesterday."
Now we know it better.
This country was founded on some very high ideals, but it was also founded on hatred, bigotry, and intolerance. Witness slavery/Jim Crow and the genocide of Native Americans. The Puritans didn't come here to escape religious intolerance, they came here to institutionalize it. Those threads are still woven into the fabric of this country. That Trump has given new voice to those forces is a good thing when it reminds the rest of us that the struggle for truth and dignity is far from finished.
Whose side are you on?
Senator Chris Murphy told his stunned, anguished staff the morning after the election, "We live in the same country today that we did yesterday."
Now we know it better.
This country was founded on some very high ideals, but it was also founded on hatred, bigotry, and intolerance. Witness slavery/Jim Crow and the genocide of Native Americans. The Puritans didn't come here to escape religious intolerance, they came here to institutionalize it. Those threads are still woven into the fabric of this country. That Trump has given new voice to those forces is a good thing when it reminds the rest of us that the struggle for truth and dignity is far from finished.
Whose side are you on?
188
The side that doesn't rely on cheap propaganda and baseless innuendo.
2
Without modification, a put-down originated by the late William F. Buckley Jr. could be applied to Trump: "His ignorance and amorality have never been exaggerated for the same reason one cannot exaggerate infinity." I'm not sure who Buckley was aiming at, but from beyond the grave he scores a direct verbal hit on The Donald.
157
I wasn't a great fan of the ultra-elite Republican William Buckley, but the man could surely use the English language to make a point with great style and finesse. Bravo (regardless whom he was actually referring to)!
3
Interestingly, according to wikiquote, here is the quote:
-----------
Radical conservatives in this country have an interesting time of it, for when they are not being suppressed or mutilated by Liberals, they are being ignored or humiliated by a great many of those of the well-fed Right, whose ignorance and amorality have never been exaggerated for the same reason that one cannot exaggerate infinity.
There are, thank Heaven, the exceptions. There are those of generous impulse and a sincere desire to encourage a responsible dissent from the Liberal orthodoxy. And there are those who recognize that when all is said and done, the market place depends for a license to operate freely on the men who issue licenses — on the politicians. They recognize, therefore, that efficient getting and spending is itself impossible except in an atmosphere that encourages efficient getting and spending. And back of all political institutions there are moral and philosophical concepts, implicit or defined. Our political economy and our high-energy industry run on large, general principles, on ideas — not by day-to-day guess work, expedients and improvisations. Ideas have to go into exchange to become or remain operative; and the medium of such exchange is the printed word.
----------- "Publisher's Statement", in the first issue of National Review (19 November 1955).
-----------
Radical conservatives in this country have an interesting time of it, for when they are not being suppressed or mutilated by Liberals, they are being ignored or humiliated by a great many of those of the well-fed Right, whose ignorance and amorality have never been exaggerated for the same reason that one cannot exaggerate infinity.
There are, thank Heaven, the exceptions. There are those of generous impulse and a sincere desire to encourage a responsible dissent from the Liberal orthodoxy. And there are those who recognize that when all is said and done, the market place depends for a license to operate freely on the men who issue licenses — on the politicians. They recognize, therefore, that efficient getting and spending is itself impossible except in an atmosphere that encourages efficient getting and spending. And back of all political institutions there are moral and philosophical concepts, implicit or defined. Our political economy and our high-energy industry run on large, general principles, on ideas — not by day-to-day guess work, expedients and improvisations. Ideas have to go into exchange to become or remain operative; and the medium of such exchange is the printed word.
----------- "Publisher's Statement", in the first issue of National Review (19 November 1955).
Trump "made the sadistic and emotionally manipulative act of professing his “love” for the Dreamers...., while moving to bring them pain...."
Charles, I agree with you; Trump is a racist. But I submit that it doesn't matter whether he is or his isn't.We could analyze it until the cows come home, and there will always be people who say they know him personally to not be that way.
What matters is his policies, his words, and his actions? What effect do they have on the country? For that, we have an excess of evidence that he is a man who is taking the country down a destructive, divisive path and that he has no respect for the constitution or the rule of law. That's where we should focus, not in trying to figure out what is inside this man's heart. He is in the process of destroying the country and we argue about his soul?
Charles, I agree with you; Trump is a racist. But I submit that it doesn't matter whether he is or his isn't.We could analyze it until the cows come home, and there will always be people who say they know him personally to not be that way.
What matters is his policies, his words, and his actions? What effect do they have on the country? For that, we have an excess of evidence that he is a man who is taking the country down a destructive, divisive path and that he has no respect for the constitution or the rule of law. That's where we should focus, not in trying to figure out what is inside this man's heart. He is in the process of destroying the country and we argue about his soul?
96
The constant emphasis on Trump takes attention away from the damage being done to the country by Pruit, Sessions, Price, DeVos and others. The NYT needs to do more followup on what is happening in these agencies and departments.
29
NYC Inde...what matters is our reaction and action. Which aint too much by the alleged majority of the population who didnt vote for Trump and is upset by his win.
Lots of whining going on...but whining never ran any elected official out of office...no matter how inept.
Lots of whining going on...but whining never ran any elected official out of office...no matter how inept.
2
Aside from Trump, shadowy dark money operatives like the Koch Brother network and the Council on National Policy (CNP) need more investigation, exposure and broad public awareness. Citizens United has weaponized their cash and accelerated their subversion of our democracy. The CNP, comprised of radical Christian extremists and billionaire wannabe kleptocrats, has now infested our Federal Government. DeVos, Pence, Erik Prince, Mercers, Kellyann Conway are all members. They are Dominionists - our founding fathers were against this philosophy for the very reason it is currently a threat to our democracy:
Dominionists believe in Christian nationalism, denying the Enlightenment roots of American democracy. They promote religious supremacy, denying equality of other religions, or other versions of Christianity. And, they believe the Ten Commandments, or "biblical law," should be the foundation of American law, and that the U.S. Constitution should be a vehicle for implementing Biblical principles. The logical conclusion of their path is a Theocracy, no different than the Iranian mullahs or the Taliban.
Quite simply, a small group of very wealthy and radicalized individuals want to impose and codify how the rest of us should live our lives - under their rules, in the name of their god. These people are dangerous and Trump just rolled right over and allowed them to dictate who he should appoint. These people along with Evangelist leaders have also been cultivated by Russia.
Dominionists believe in Christian nationalism, denying the Enlightenment roots of American democracy. They promote religious supremacy, denying equality of other religions, or other versions of Christianity. And, they believe the Ten Commandments, or "biblical law," should be the foundation of American law, and that the U.S. Constitution should be a vehicle for implementing Biblical principles. The logical conclusion of their path is a Theocracy, no different than the Iranian mullahs or the Taliban.
Quite simply, a small group of very wealthy and radicalized individuals want to impose and codify how the rest of us should live our lives - under their rules, in the name of their god. These people are dangerous and Trump just rolled right over and allowed them to dictate who he should appoint. These people along with Evangelist leaders have also been cultivated by Russia.
3
I enjoy reading every word written in your columns, but I must ask based on this comment," In Trump’s America, white racism is ascendant; it is reclaiming a space many had hoped was shrinking. That is a plain and obvious truth."
Perhaps your statement is reflective of where you reside. While I know you are well traveled and born in Louisiana, the truth of the matter is racism never shrunk, even under President Obama it just went deep underground. I was born in Charleston, SC and while I attended a prestigious private school there, I was often the only African-American in my grade level and endured discrimination from a young age. Our public school system was racially polarized although we had great principals and teachers in segregated schools based on attendance zones, the disparities were huge. Once I became a parent, I had to constantly battle subtle attacks against my well behaved academically gifted children due to the inaccurate perceptions White educators had regarding Black children. It was nauseating, but I quickly realized that I could not change innate belief systems, only become a helicopter mom to ensure the Black boys that I gave birth to were safe.
Additionally, the day after Obama's win in 2008, I was at a Starbucks in Mt. Pleasant, SC, and the stares and anger I saw in some eyes were revealing.
Point being Charles, racism never shrunk, it's been alive and kicking for my 40 years and as my family would say in Charleston, "Where u been?"
Perhaps your statement is reflective of where you reside. While I know you are well traveled and born in Louisiana, the truth of the matter is racism never shrunk, even under President Obama it just went deep underground. I was born in Charleston, SC and while I attended a prestigious private school there, I was often the only African-American in my grade level and endured discrimination from a young age. Our public school system was racially polarized although we had great principals and teachers in segregated schools based on attendance zones, the disparities were huge. Once I became a parent, I had to constantly battle subtle attacks against my well behaved academically gifted children due to the inaccurate perceptions White educators had regarding Black children. It was nauseating, but I quickly realized that I could not change innate belief systems, only become a helicopter mom to ensure the Black boys that I gave birth to were safe.
Additionally, the day after Obama's win in 2008, I was at a Starbucks in Mt. Pleasant, SC, and the stares and anger I saw in some eyes were revealing.
Point being Charles, racism never shrunk, it's been alive and kicking for my 40 years and as my family would say in Charleston, "Where u been?"
258
thank you. I do not have the strength to write more but every day I appreciate all who still get up and resist forces intent on destroying our country
3
Racism is like a mold spore. You can spray, scrub and eventually try cutting it out but you can never eliminate it. A microscopic speck can stay dormant until the introduction of enough hatred re-vitalizes it. The election of a black man brought this hatred to a boil and was the catalystic moisture to feed this spore.
Respectfully, white racism didn't go deep underground during the Obama administration; it walked the halls of congress.
3
The house Trump is building is made of sticks and straw. When the big bad wolf comes along, and he always does eventually, it will be easy for him to blow it down. And, where will we left standing when all moral sensitivities have been blown away by a hurricane of ignorance and hate? Best to secure that house now, in the face of a terrible storm just beginning to show us the utter devastation it is capable of.
28
I don`t think it is a wolf that will bring down this house of straw and sticks. I think there is a wiley bear who will bring down this house in his desire to grab the jar of honey that is world dominance.
2
Respectfully,
perhaps part of the problem of being a learn-on-the-job thinker with no specific background of disciplined learning is that one tends to write emotionally, rather than with any complex grasp of the facts.
If you would entertain another viewpoint: perhaps your objection to Mr. Trump's actions are because they come easily, dismantling the flimsy framework of protections President Obama sought and maintained for his 8 years in office, that were bound to topple once he left the executive branch.
President Obama never built on his dreams. He never got the Congress onboard with DACA, TPP, the climate treaty, or the ACA. He left legislation with no plans for legal subsidies; he left promises for black racial grievances to be addressed, but only symbolic actions have come of that; he promised the Dreamers two-year amnesty terms, but never said what would happen when he was out of office and another executive was free to address the issue, his way.
If President Obama acted alone, we could cheer his passion and emotion and promise. But in the end, he really did not get much done.
On DACA, all the passion in California, New York, Florida and Texas for an immigrant-amnesty program without any solid restrictions, like enforceable borders, will not be enough to pass the Senate without persuading those voters and political representatives in less-undocumented-labor states.
Think electoral college. Majorities in the coastal states are ultimately checked in power grabs
perhaps part of the problem of being a learn-on-the-job thinker with no specific background of disciplined learning is that one tends to write emotionally, rather than with any complex grasp of the facts.
If you would entertain another viewpoint: perhaps your objection to Mr. Trump's actions are because they come easily, dismantling the flimsy framework of protections President Obama sought and maintained for his 8 years in office, that were bound to topple once he left the executive branch.
President Obama never built on his dreams. He never got the Congress onboard with DACA, TPP, the climate treaty, or the ACA. He left legislation with no plans for legal subsidies; he left promises for black racial grievances to be addressed, but only symbolic actions have come of that; he promised the Dreamers two-year amnesty terms, but never said what would happen when he was out of office and another executive was free to address the issue, his way.
If President Obama acted alone, we could cheer his passion and emotion and promise. But in the end, he really did not get much done.
On DACA, all the passion in California, New York, Florida and Texas for an immigrant-amnesty program without any solid restrictions, like enforceable borders, will not be enough to pass the Senate without persuading those voters and political representatives in less-undocumented-labor states.
Think electoral college. Majorities in the coastal states are ultimately checked in power grabs
8
I wonder why he wasn't able to get "the Congress onboard" with many of the changes he wanted to institute. Hmm why could that have been....? Maybe the other viewpoint you are asking Charles to entertain wouldn't entertain Obama's viewpoint to level some of the playing field.
9
Remember he had Congressional leaders for the last 6 years of his administration who openly stated that their agenda was to make Obama fail. They were not policy driven and did no work to develop policy. This was clearly evident in the recent attempt to repeal Obamacare where there was NO alternative plan despite eight years of complaining. So Obamas only choice was executive orders in the face of unremitting opposition.
1
The republican party was determined to not allow a President as popular and educated as President Obama achieve anything.
They ALL demonstrated their racism and bigotry, first against blacks, but then against all of the poor.
This is not just a race bigotry it is a class bigotry. The uber rich wish that those inconvenient poor people would just disappear.
mcconnell is doing his part for the party owners.
The state that he is supposed to represent has a lower than average life expectancy and a higher than average infant mortality rate. Well done mitch those brothers must be very proud of you.
They ALL demonstrated their racism and bigotry, first against blacks, but then against all of the poor.
This is not just a race bigotry it is a class bigotry. The uber rich wish that those inconvenient poor people would just disappear.
mcconnell is doing his part for the party owners.
The state that he is supposed to represent has a lower than average life expectancy and a higher than average infant mortality rate. Well done mitch those brothers must be very proud of you.
I have had two neighbors gratuitously express racist sentiments to me in the past two weeks. I was unaware that they were racists. They apparently thought that because I am a white guy in TN that they could speak like that. Trump's presidency is revealing more than his own wretched soul. Much of white racism went under ground in the 70's. There is, I fear, more to come to the surface. Perhaps it will rise up only to be slapped down for good, but that is not at all certain. I am currently practicing (in the shower) what to say in these awkward and compromising situations. My current response is "not you, too."
278
All readers of this or other NYT articles should:
1. Make regular contributions to Wikipedia-the best historical
source on the planet that needs to be preserved.
2. That said I ran across an entry on Wikipedia that
all current day Liberals and Conservatives should
read and consider regarding "Classical Liberalism"
and Modern Day Liberalism at:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_liberalism
3. I love my NYT as a great source of info and humor
Please consider and have a good one!
1. Make regular contributions to Wikipedia-the best historical
source on the planet that needs to be preserved.
2. That said I ran across an entry on Wikipedia that
all current day Liberals and Conservatives should
read and consider regarding "Classical Liberalism"
and Modern Day Liberalism at:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_liberalism
3. I love my NYT as a great source of info and humor
Please consider and have a good one!
4
Hello, Paul,
"Not you too" is a very clever and unambiguous riposte to clueless racists. It's pointed enough to sting, but likely not confrontational enough to get you punched out.
However, I have another suggestion (for you and the rest of us) when these "closet" racists reveal themselves to us, to wit:
"Forgive him (or her) Father, for s(he) knows not what (s)he does" (while glancing slightly skyward for effect).
Since most racists are also marinated in Biblical lore, this one should strike home. And quoting Christ himself is also not likely to subject you to a right hook.
And one need not be religious to use this riposte. All of us are free to quote the Bible without any hypocrisy. Just remember to turn slowly and walk away while the offender's jaw is still slack and the cognitive dissonance is still sinking in.
"Not you too" is a very clever and unambiguous riposte to clueless racists. It's pointed enough to sting, but likely not confrontational enough to get you punched out.
However, I have another suggestion (for you and the rest of us) when these "closet" racists reveal themselves to us, to wit:
"Forgive him (or her) Father, for s(he) knows not what (s)he does" (while glancing slightly skyward for effect).
Since most racists are also marinated in Biblical lore, this one should strike home. And quoting Christ himself is also not likely to subject you to a right hook.
And one need not be religious to use this riposte. All of us are free to quote the Bible without any hypocrisy. Just remember to turn slowly and walk away while the offender's jaw is still slack and the cognitive dissonance is still sinking in.
Trump is everything you say and more. History will look back on this election and note the very American irony that a racist followed our first black president. But this president is forcing us to decide what kind of country we want to live in and what message we want to pass down to our kids.
Right now 15 states and the District of Columbia are suing Trump over the decision to rescind DACA. They're using his own words against him. Everyday Americans are protesting and businesses are saying they will protect dreamers from deportation.
This horrible man is forcing us to face ourselves. We're confronting biases we may not have known we had. The definition of what it means to be an American is expanding.
We've been given a much needed glimpse of what it means when the extreme right is in charge of government. Just like tyrants of the past Trump is starting with minorities. But the American people aren't being quiet, we're pushing back. Maybe we needed this experience to ensure we live up to our ideals as we become a more diverse country.
Right now 15 states and the District of Columbia are suing Trump over the decision to rescind DACA. They're using his own words against him. Everyday Americans are protesting and businesses are saying they will protect dreamers from deportation.
This horrible man is forcing us to face ourselves. We're confronting biases we may not have known we had. The definition of what it means to be an American is expanding.
We've been given a much needed glimpse of what it means when the extreme right is in charge of government. Just like tyrants of the past Trump is starting with minorities. But the American people aren't being quiet, we're pushing back. Maybe we needed this experience to ensure we live up to our ideals as we become a more diverse country.
54
I feel confident that I understand what the words “white, male, . . . and straight” mean in the seventh paragraph. “Christian”, on the other hand, is a word with broad usage, many of them quite distant from the life and teachings of the word’s namesake. I suspect that some of our President’s base would be comfortable using the word in the same way as Anders Breivik did as he mowed down 77 humans on an island off Norway in 2011. What Donald Trump might mean by the word Christian is hard to guess. Jesus was fairly straight forward about loosely using names, even for those who have “done many great works”.
In fairness, I think I understand the paragraph. I just wish that the word Christ was left out of this. I also wish that the faith leaders who are hanging around Trump would go home and get to work doing the Father’s will. A group photo with Herod Agrippa is not going to feel good in the long run.
In fairness, I think I understand the paragraph. I just wish that the word Christ was left out of this. I also wish that the faith leaders who are hanging around Trump would go home and get to work doing the Father’s will. A group photo with Herod Agrippa is not going to feel good in the long run.
15
It should be evident, whe, that any "faith leader" who hangs around Trump should never be a leader of anyone or anything. Why would you follow or even listen to someone as evil as Trump is?
If Trump says he's a Christian, then he's a Christian. So was Franco and Peron and Salazar and, for all we know, so was Hitler.
Broad usage, indeed.
If Trump says he's a Christian, then he's a Christian. So was Franco and Peron and Salazar and, for all we know, so was Hitler.
Broad usage, indeed.
What Mr. Blow says and should arouse most people to action, but it won't and that's the real problem. An information source which reflect real American values but is trusted by Trump's supporters is needed. Even the evangelical preachers, who should know better, seem to ignore his racism. As his administration continues we are witnessing a retreat to the darkest days of our racist past.
32
The recent fawning and laying of hands on Trump in the Oval Office by religious leaders was utterly shocking and nauseating. " We have waited decades for this president ". (Guess that would even dismiss the devout and humble Jimmy Carter who continues to witness through his service to others ?)
1
hasn't the actions of a certain evangelical preacher revealed that many leaders in that sect are self serving and greedy. He is not the first to put personal treasure before heavenly treasure.
Oh, they are soooo contrite when they get caught, but deny deny deny as long as possible. Then they get smarter, not more reverent. IRS fearing not God fearing. No one needs a preacher or priest or minister to get closer to God. Just get quiet and listen.
Oh, they are soooo contrite when they get caught, but deny deny deny as long as possible. Then they get smarter, not more reverent. IRS fearing not God fearing. No one needs a preacher or priest or minister to get closer to God. Just get quiet and listen.
Evangelical preachers were part of Nixon's Southern Strategy, so why would one expect anti-racist support to come from this group?
1
There is a certain irony to the fact that trumps wife is here on a "free pass" as a foreign national; so too was trumps mother. Neither should have been citizens but for their respective husbands. Technically, the children of each woman was an anchor baby.
61
There is a dirty little secret that whites raised in lower middle class and working class neighborhoods know is true but don't like to talk about. What ethnic minorities and upper class whites never hear is what "we" say about them when their backs are turned. I grew up in this environment and recall how I was told that I was a N-lover whenever I remonstrated with the racial views expressed by my classmates. Thus it is no surprise to me that there are so many who are rallying around Trump's white nationalism. Often I hear many underline Trump's unpopularity. If you follow the polls daily you can see that the most explicitly racist periods of this presidency are those times when his support swells, that is the case today. Our ideal of an America "with justice for all" is dying and Trump is its executioner. All we can do is to observe and comment and not be deceived.
26
A DIRECT racist quote from President Trump please? Someone in his administration?
1
It looks like the love-fest between Mr. Blow and President Trump may be over.
Finally, Mr. Blow has come out and seen the light, by calling President Trump's election "Russia-aided".
Everyone remembers how much money was made last fall, in advance of the election, by the many people willing to bet on President Trump's election - including, it would seem, President Putin.
Mr. Blow's columns at the time were brilliant - exposing the sure-fire bet that President Putin had made, based on President Trump's prospects, which Mr. Blow had described as being a "lock". Mr. Blow was one of the few media people to perceive that Hillary Clinton had no chance of winning.
I plan to have those columns framed - as soon as I can find them again. They could become valuable collectors' items.
Finally, Mr. Blow has come out and seen the light, by calling President Trump's election "Russia-aided".
Everyone remembers how much money was made last fall, in advance of the election, by the many people willing to bet on President Trump's election - including, it would seem, President Putin.
Mr. Blow's columns at the time were brilliant - exposing the sure-fire bet that President Putin had made, based on President Trump's prospects, which Mr. Blow had described as being a "lock". Mr. Blow was one of the few media people to perceive that Hillary Clinton had no chance of winning.
I plan to have those columns framed - as soon as I can find them again. They could become valuable collectors' items.
5
Maurice youll no more frame those pieces then ypu'll get up and protest Trump.
Smug insight has not gotten us anywhere...
Smug insight has not gotten us anywhere...
Thank you for calling a racist a racist.
Far worse than Trump's personal racist views are the ways they affect us all.
First are the racist policies themselves, which hurt us all, both morally & economically, not to mention emotionally. It's so discouraging to see the swelling of this undercurrent of the worst strains of the American experience.
Second are the fake non-racist rationales he & Jeff Sessions supply for these racist policies: Constitutional principles! Crime! Jobs! Beautiful statues! At a February press conference, for instance, Trump said of DREAMers, "They’re gang members and they’re drug dealers, too." This isn't true; DREAMers go through the "extreme vetting" of which Trump is so fond. But if the President says it ....
Third, and perhaps worst of all, Trump is conferring upon the racists among us a sort of top-down "respectability." Where President Obama lifted us with songs in praise of the ordinary American, Trump hails white supremacists & Neo-Nazis for their respect for our supposed "heritage." The heart of darkness endures, and it now wears white polo shirts & khakis.
We can take some comfort in the knowledge that the majority of Americans continue to find these views abhorrent, but it is more than disappointing to realize that we must re-fight an epic battle most of us thought we had won.
Far worse than Trump's personal racist views are the ways they affect us all.
First are the racist policies themselves, which hurt us all, both morally & economically, not to mention emotionally. It's so discouraging to see the swelling of this undercurrent of the worst strains of the American experience.
Second are the fake non-racist rationales he & Jeff Sessions supply for these racist policies: Constitutional principles! Crime! Jobs! Beautiful statues! At a February press conference, for instance, Trump said of DREAMers, "They’re gang members and they’re drug dealers, too." This isn't true; DREAMers go through the "extreme vetting" of which Trump is so fond. But if the President says it ....
Third, and perhaps worst of all, Trump is conferring upon the racists among us a sort of top-down "respectability." Where President Obama lifted us with songs in praise of the ordinary American, Trump hails white supremacists & Neo-Nazis for their respect for our supposed "heritage." The heart of darkness endures, and it now wears white polo shirts & khakis.
We can take some comfort in the knowledge that the majority of Americans continue to find these views abhorrent, but it is more than disappointing to realize that we must re-fight an epic battle most of us thought we had won.
65
The right would accept a pathway to citizenship for "Dreamers" and regularization (without citizenship) for most of those who snuck in as adults if they got in exchange: border Wall and the R.A.I.S.E. Act. The left won't make those reasonable concessions, though, so enjoy your deportations!
11
How much of your tax money are you willing to spend on those "reasonable concessions"?
5
Why "not citizenship"? You want to create an even more unequal society? The people who come here as immigrants, "undocumented" or not, struggle, study, work hard, learn history and achieve citizenship. They can value and cherish this accomplishment. People who are born here, they are handed citizenship at birth. They do not do anything personally to deserve such privilege. As an immigrant I believe that immigrants as a group are vastly more capable in making America great, than the slackers who support Trump.
Why would Democrats concede to stupid delusions like a wall? The Republicans cannot find their way out of a paperback, even when controlling Congress, the Presidency and state legislations. This is the most incompetent government in the history of the country. What makes you think they can carry out massive deportations?
Why would Democrats concede to stupid delusions like a wall? The Republicans cannot find their way out of a paperback, even when controlling Congress, the Presidency and state legislations. This is the most incompetent government in the history of the country. What makes you think they can carry out massive deportations?
1
We won't take them because they are unreasonable and against everything America should be about.
I still suspect that it is strategic racism rather than inner racism, he condescend equally and respects only moneyed success, happy to exploit any color. Racism is a pitch to gather support for the next election, whatever sells best to the largest winnable market.
5
You give him to much credit, I suspect. He's just not intelligent enough to decide what moves to make on the chessboard, but he is canny enough to understand that his innate racism does fire up his base. Since it is adulation he craves, and because the more he exudes racism the more adulation he gets, he is ramping up. He's like a rat in a cage with a sugar drip: yum yum.
1
Your interpretation of Trump's actions and signals have been spot on, yet Trump is an expression that the Republicans do not forcefully suppress. They find them appealing. And there lies the problem, not in Trump itself, an insult to an insult, somebody that many of underestimated because in our arrogance we thought we knew a country that we did not.
15
Excellent column! I would add to the racism, the classism that works hand-in-hand with the racism. While Trump targets programs that impact all women and men of color, he's doing very little to uplift the white, working class men who supported him so enthusiastically during the campaign. He's making sure to dismantle policies and regulations that affect the owners of the corporations that employ working class people, but what is he doing to actually improve the lives of the working class? He calls for the repeal of ACA. He rolls back worker protections, both in terms of economics and workplace safety, and an all-out assault on unions is inevitable in the Trumpian administration.
23
Trump's racism and sexism before landing in the White House have been well documented, but voters either didn't care, which was a small majority, or didn't believe, which was a larger majority of Trump voters. Now, Trump finds glory in the applause he receives in his new position as the leader of the extreme right and the not-so-silent majority. Perhaps his own racism has increased, but what really seems to have changed is his understanding of how profitable racism can be for him.
11
I live in a liberal county in very liberal Massachusetts. Or so I thought. Then the readers' poll in the county newspaper started to ask every day what people thought about the topics of the day. Given for bias of all sorts -- including those who vote on those polls possibly being older and more set in their ways -- it turns out that a good 45% of the newspaper's readers were quick to believe that President Obama had tapped Trump's phones. More than half hadn't bothered to send help to Harvey victims. Almost half agreed that DACA should end. This has been a disturbing and revealing look at the neighbors around me. Trump has given these people the freedom to believe that his prejudices and racism are acceptable. I don't know if it will ever stop.
21
Direct quote of President Trump expressing a racist sentiment please.( not a NYT smear interpretation.)
1
"To the aspirational he could be landlord, but to the racists he could be overlord." This may be the single best sentence I've read in a NY Times column. It drips with meaning and consequential impact.
We see altogether too many nations ruled by minority elites who brutally suppress and exploit majority populations. Those types of nations and governments are inherently unstable and generally, over time, lead to bloodshed. We are in danger of becoming that type of nation and government. Our pro-democracy and pro-civil rights efforts at home and expressed abroad through State Department programs and UN positions, are in jeopardy (see Pippa Norris's column in today's NYT) and may now seem somewhat hypocritical.
Our international standing, our exercise of soft power, and our leadership results from respect from many and fear from some. We are losing our way. Fewer nations and leaders respect us and fewer fear us.
Trump is divorced from the larger national and international issues. He has no governing philosophy other than the sort of immediate opportunism that benefits him and his few enablers and loyalists. His myopic and narrow business background does not serve us well. The Republican party, in a word, is dysfunctional. No single person who can inspire and lead us, regardless of party label, has yet surfaced. He or she, when identified, must be more than the anti-Trump. We need resounding affirmation of our common national values and constitutional principles.
We see altogether too many nations ruled by minority elites who brutally suppress and exploit majority populations. Those types of nations and governments are inherently unstable and generally, over time, lead to bloodshed. We are in danger of becoming that type of nation and government. Our pro-democracy and pro-civil rights efforts at home and expressed abroad through State Department programs and UN positions, are in jeopardy (see Pippa Norris's column in today's NYT) and may now seem somewhat hypocritical.
Our international standing, our exercise of soft power, and our leadership results from respect from many and fear from some. We are losing our way. Fewer nations and leaders respect us and fewer fear us.
Trump is divorced from the larger national and international issues. He has no governing philosophy other than the sort of immediate opportunism that benefits him and his few enablers and loyalists. His myopic and narrow business background does not serve us well. The Republican party, in a word, is dysfunctional. No single person who can inspire and lead us, regardless of party label, has yet surfaced. He or she, when identified, must be more than the anti-Trump. We need resounding affirmation of our common national values and constitutional principles.
18
I agree with the writer. The GOP is turning the USA into the "usa." The Republicans are 100% responsible for Trump. They are tearing apart the fabric of our country.
1
The antithesis knowledge is the depravity of truth, that essential ingredient to our democracy, and the foundation on which this nation has been built. When education and an enlightened attitude towards humanity has been vacated, as it has been by Trump and his enablers, the remaining vacuum can and is being easily replaced by ignorance, racism, and the ultimate dismantling of our country.
7
I hope you can fix the tempest in your teapot with the depraved indifference it deserves.
This is evil reborn or uncovered - or both. What Trump represents for our country is reprehensible. I feel so powerless. I continue to write - to confront - to speak up - and to pray fervently that the majority of our country will put a stop to him before it is too late.
14
Racism in America in era of Trump Presidency?
America by its geographic position, demographics, current politics, and projected immigration statistics appears to be approaching the dilemma of the South American countries. Racism is sure to be a problem front and center, but certainly, even if unspoken, the argument will exist for a necessary racism if the South American countries are any example of what happens when different races mix in the Western hemisphere.
In other words, obviously racism exists in the U.S. but just as obviously look at the politics of Mexico, the Central American countries in general, Brazil and so on as demographics change particularly in direction of the minorities claiming most discrimination now in the U.S. The U.S. appears to be moving toward the ugliness of South American politics. Worse, the U.S. is also in the vanguard of technological advancement so a powerful tension appears to be occurring between technological/bureaucratic control and surveillance of population and projected demographic and political change...
The only hope to me is increased interbreeding between people to play down racial/ethnic difference; decrease of religion to play down separation into religious groups; and vast increase of science, education, training of people. In fact the nation will probably have to move to a national, military, scientific, educational, environmental civil service program to coordinate, orient and job place people to hold center of nation.
America by its geographic position, demographics, current politics, and projected immigration statistics appears to be approaching the dilemma of the South American countries. Racism is sure to be a problem front and center, but certainly, even if unspoken, the argument will exist for a necessary racism if the South American countries are any example of what happens when different races mix in the Western hemisphere.
In other words, obviously racism exists in the U.S. but just as obviously look at the politics of Mexico, the Central American countries in general, Brazil and so on as demographics change particularly in direction of the minorities claiming most discrimination now in the U.S. The U.S. appears to be moving toward the ugliness of South American politics. Worse, the U.S. is also in the vanguard of technological advancement so a powerful tension appears to be occurring between technological/bureaucratic control and surveillance of population and projected demographic and political change...
The only hope to me is increased interbreeding between people to play down racial/ethnic difference; decrease of religion to play down separation into religious groups; and vast increase of science, education, training of people. In fact the nation will probably have to move to a national, military, scientific, educational, environmental civil service program to coordinate, orient and job place people to hold center of nation.
2
Spot on! Trump is revealing what he actually is, and it's what I suspected all along. My question is whether our republic can survive this disaster of a presidency.
7
We should understand this: most, if not every last one, of white Americans start off with racially distorted attitudes (calling them racist attitudes is not incorrect but rather harsh when speaking of a child or teenager not yet fully formed as an adult). Unless there is a conscious and very persistent effort to purge these thoughts, they persist into adulthood and find expression in various ways. People with darker skin are inherently thought of as inferior and worse.
Trump grew up and prospered in New York. My own contact and study has shown me the city and surrounding areas are fertile ground for racially tainted views. The waves of immigrants who came to the area throughout the 19th and early 20th century did not, contrary to myth, go comfortably into a melting pot, they gathered closely together with those of similar ethic, religious and country-of-origin backgrounds and often looked out on others as threats. As people sought to protect their own sense of identity in the new environment, racism as an undercurrent in life grew without questioning.
Trump has never spoken of any effort to cleanse himself of racism. Like most white Americans, he probably just assumes himself to be enlightened. Trees grow where they are planted. People pick up the attitudes around them and, without hard work, study and persistence, those attitudes stay. This is one reason it is dangerous to put a real estate promoter/brand salesman in the White House: he hasn't taken the time to grow up.
4
Are you serious? Most white Americans are racist? We are born racist? We have to persistent effort to purge these thoughts? Even the millions that voted for Obama? I guess you are the only white American that is "enlightened"? You must live in a different country than I do.
1
What I find odd is that Trump supporters continue to insist they aren't racist and still try to maintain the pretense that they are about rule following (anti-DACA) or supporting the police (anti-BLM) or keeping our borders secure (pro-Muslim ban). Some small shred of decency remains in most supporters as they still have the sense to try to claim that it's intellectual reasons not racial ones that motivates them. It's a little pathetic and a lot false. With the cruel and outrageous repeal of DACA - I say to any supporter using the law and order lie - that they better support deporting Melanie too then because she entered the US on a three month tourist visa and then worked while on that visa. Clear violation of the law Trump lovers hold so dear and grounds for deportation and a denial of entry for 10 years. I have yet to hear any Trump supporter express outrage at her violation of our precious immigration rules.
14
@dana:
It's a stretch to mention the president and his supporters and then cite "intellectual reasons" for his continued support. But I applaud your comments. They are points well taken.
It's a stretch to mention the president and his supporters and then cite "intellectual reasons" for his continued support. But I applaud your comments. They are points well taken.
3
Yes, it all boils down to racism. That, coupled with his being a liar, bully, misogynist, opportunist, economic isolationist, white, male, Christian and straight (and many of these can be enfolded into the word racism) is what got him elected in the first place. As much as I despise Trump, it is the growing power of those flocking to his camp that frighten me most.
I agree with all you have said in this piece. But it still grieves me to my soul to see the salient points boilded down so concisely.
I agree with all you have said in this piece. But it still grieves me to my soul to see the salient points boilded down so concisely.
3
You build an impressive case but I fear that Trump is an empty vessel trying to please his perceived base.
Rest assured racism is a natural condition of all humanity but to paraphrase "there is no racism in a foxhole".
Anti-racists merely reinforce racism in a never ending story.
Rest assured racism is a natural condition of all humanity but to paraphrase "there is no racism in a foxhole".
Anti-racists merely reinforce racism in a never ending story.
2
Will Americans start to take voting more seriously than the show-biz side-show it's become?
9
The 800,000 formerly protected innocents were required to pass rigorous standards becoming eligible for that protection. In a country that simply cannot toss 10 million undocumented people over the southern border, they were identified, and carefully so, as a small percentage we could safely (and to our benefit) retain while focusing our energies on more apt candidates for deportation. Gosh, the policy wasn't even all that humane, just a common sense way to partially sort the undocumented.
Lumping the vetted, productive young men and women who came forward to establish themselves as worthy of a bit of protection along with criminals and scofflaws, as Sessions did, is shameful, a real low for our country. But then, we've known for many years that the Alabaman is an unrepentant racist.
Trump, as Charles says, is still revealing to us the depths of his fondness for white nationalism.
Lumping the vetted, productive young men and women who came forward to establish themselves as worthy of a bit of protection along with criminals and scofflaws, as Sessions did, is shameful, a real low for our country. But then, we've known for many years that the Alabaman is an unrepentant racist.
Trump, as Charles says, is still revealing to us the depths of his fondness for white nationalism.
8
Among the most powerful forces driving racism is the need to feel superior. Trump's all-consuming insecurity keeps him searching for people to dominate because he lacks the capacity for joy in other things and pursuits. Like his racist allies, he must lash out against the inner conviction he's less than great, maybe even less than ordinary. It's the major reason he needs to build monuments to himself.
Historically, women and minorities have been easy targets. Today, to men like Trump and his racist allies, women and minorities are the dragons they need to slay to restore the legend of their own superiority. Nothing threatened them more than the presidency of Barack Obama, except perhaps the possible presidency of Hillary Clinton. In both cases, the mere thought of a woman or black man achieving higher status caused men like Trump to shrivel and diminish. In their world, loss of the myth of superiority is the loss of all there is.
Historically, women and minorities have been easy targets. Today, to men like Trump and his racist allies, women and minorities are the dragons they need to slay to restore the legend of their own superiority. Nothing threatened them more than the presidency of Barack Obama, except perhaps the possible presidency of Hillary Clinton. In both cases, the mere thought of a woman or black man achieving higher status caused men like Trump to shrivel and diminish. In their world, loss of the myth of superiority is the loss of all there is.
15
Trump is an accidental serendipitous genius. He saw a chance to completely annihilate from society any belief that Obama's election signaled a post racial America. He was probably the only person running in the last election that hated both the fact of Obama becoming president and what it was mistakenly thought to represent enough to pander to and encourage the very worst racists in this country. That there were so many of them and that they were so dedicated to making America white again is still hard to believe. They came out of the shadows at Trump's call to make America white again shocking so many of us after eight years of believing that we were at least making progress. The numbers of people and the violence with which his call was answered may have even shocked Trump himself. Of course he wasn't shocked into finding a more moral position because he apparently sold his soul for the presidency in winning with this message and he will not give these folks up now that they seem to be his entire base. As sickening as it is this immoral message allowed him to win and for the amoral, it's all about the win. One does wonder if he had any vision of the forceful and unrelenting 'Blowback?'
Change is generational and takes time.
I volunteered for 4.5 years on the Eugene Oregon Human Rights Commission, and consider that the greatest learning experience of my life. It opened me to perspectives and regimes of thought that I never knew existed.
One thing we found we had to do, and it was essential, was education. First, for ourselves, then for the community. The truth of the matter was that most of the community, and Eugene is a remarkably open college town, had little mixing of cultures. Gay people stayed to their own, poor straight to their own, fundamentalist to...well, you get the idea.
Eugene had remarkable people from the gay community, the black community, the muslim community, people who had the talent and desire to educate the community. I suggest that America do exactly the same.
Stop blaming fearful people for being racist. Start holding educational sessions and make available video of the lives and work of those outside the mainstream.
Change is generational, it just is, and will take many, many years. Let's stop making enemies of each other, and listen to our kids and those who can teach us all. I spoke at a UofO class that brought in community members and had them speak on their lives and needs. That kind of class should be part of every high school in America.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
I volunteered for 4.5 years on the Eugene Oregon Human Rights Commission, and consider that the greatest learning experience of my life. It opened me to perspectives and regimes of thought that I never knew existed.
One thing we found we had to do, and it was essential, was education. First, for ourselves, then for the community. The truth of the matter was that most of the community, and Eugene is a remarkably open college town, had little mixing of cultures. Gay people stayed to their own, poor straight to their own, fundamentalist to...well, you get the idea.
Eugene had remarkable people from the gay community, the black community, the muslim community, people who had the talent and desire to educate the community. I suggest that America do exactly the same.
Stop blaming fearful people for being racist. Start holding educational sessions and make available video of the lives and work of those outside the mainstream.
Change is generational, it just is, and will take many, many years. Let's stop making enemies of each other, and listen to our kids and those who can teach us all. I spoke at a UofO class that brought in community members and had them speak on their lives and needs. That kind of class should be part of every high school in America.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
7
Even his smallest actions betray his racism. It angers him that many people say "Happy Holidays" in December instead of "Merry Christmas".
Mr. Mueller can't finish that report soon enough for me, but I acknowledge that he is right to wait until his case or cases are airtight.
Mr. Mueller can't finish that report soon enough for me, but I acknowledge that he is right to wait until his case or cases are airtight.
5
We already knew that it took a severe, but nonexistent, case of bone spurs to keep him out of Vietnam.
We already knew that he likes to hang around beauty contests to ogle and grope young women.
We already knew that he specialized in separating desperate, ill-advised people from their money at Trump University and Atlantic City.
We already knew that he (and Jared) have forced poor, elderly people out of their apartments.
We already knew that he has problems with several minorities and at least one major religion.
We already knew that he is a braggart and a liar who speaks and tweets in a language known far and wide as argle-bargle.
We already knew that we had nothing to lose.
We already knew that we would get tired of winning.
We already knew that he has “heart” because he has told us so on multiple occasions,
Now we have learned that he likes frightening kids.
The more we see of him, the more we get to know the many dangers he presents.
We already knew that he likes to hang around beauty contests to ogle and grope young women.
We already knew that he specialized in separating desperate, ill-advised people from their money at Trump University and Atlantic City.
We already knew that he (and Jared) have forced poor, elderly people out of their apartments.
We already knew that he has problems with several minorities and at least one major religion.
We already knew that he is a braggart and a liar who speaks and tweets in a language known far and wide as argle-bargle.
We already knew that we had nothing to lose.
We already knew that we would get tired of winning.
We already knew that he has “heart” because he has told us so on multiple occasions,
Now we have learned that he likes frightening kids.
The more we see of him, the more we get to know the many dangers he presents.
17
... he presents to all of us.
3
And more and more of the sleeping masses are becoming outraged. The "once every four years Americans" are beginning to see that government policies do affect their daily lives. They are beginning to see that perhaps the nice neighborhood they live in is not what all Americans have nor is it even attainable by them. It has brought the conversation out of the nice parlors and into the ever spreading slums. And perhaps, just perhaps, that is the good that will come out of this incredible evil. Perhaps American will wake up and no longer believe that an expensive college degree is attainable or even opens the door for everyone. That the degree itself is unattainable for vast numbers of Americans not because they are not smart enough but because they are not rich enough. They will understand that without help many people do starve in this country and cannot get a job in the regular economy. And perhaps they will begin to understand that the biggest impediment to getting a job is the slave labor scam of the great incarceration which Trump is promoting where jobs that could pay enough to people on the outside are forced on people on the inside for pennies on the dollar which are then taken from them for necessities by the company store.. Perhaps AMERICANS WILL WAKE UP. And if that happens well just maybe the Trump presidency will be worth the pain.
3
The man lacks empathy and compassion. His racism is well reflected and synchronous with his "deplorable" base. He lacks a basic education and cares little for learning any historical knowledge of the office he holds. He loves to emotionally torture and publicly embarrass those who fall short of blind allegiance to him. He is, in short, by way of character, word, and deed the worse possible person to occupy the office.
11
Donald trump has no empathy and no compassion.
5
The core of Trumps hate is anything that has Obama's signature on it. Whether DACA, ACA, Safe Workplaces, etc. If Obama signed it, Trump is against it.
8
This all will pass and the damage repaired. Don't forget that a dying cow kicks the hardest.
2
I don't doubt anything you say, and the conviction in how you say it, but white nationalism is not on the rise. They are just more vocal and higher profile.
I ( and others )keep harping that if 39,000 over 3 states had voted the other way, then we would not be having this conversation. I think the backlash to the white backlash is going to be immense come the midterms, and in 2020 ( especially if we have the correct candidate\s )
I also think there was no greater illumination of what this President's convictions were, than what we saw in the oval office yesterday. The ''deal'' made out of pique towards republican leaders and for essentially everything that Pelosi and Schumer asked for is very telling indeed. It says that this President is not keen at governing at all, but rather using anyone to achieve an end game ( whatever that may be )
It could be republicans, white nationalists, loyalists or children. ~ anyone
I ( and others )keep harping that if 39,000 over 3 states had voted the other way, then we would not be having this conversation. I think the backlash to the white backlash is going to be immense come the midterms, and in 2020 ( especially if we have the correct candidate\s )
I also think there was no greater illumination of what this President's convictions were, than what we saw in the oval office yesterday. The ''deal'' made out of pique towards republican leaders and for essentially everything that Pelosi and Schumer asked for is very telling indeed. It says that this President is not keen at governing at all, but rather using anyone to achieve an end game ( whatever that may be )
It could be republicans, white nationalists, loyalists or children. ~ anyone
8
More than the 39,000 who could have "voted the other way" we should call out and excoriate the many thousands who couldn't be bothered to vote at all, or who had been so disgusted by the constant maligning that they were too discouraged to even try.
5
Trump, fundamentally is a marketer. He's very good at identifying markets, quantifying them, targeting them and responding to their needs, wants, fears and, yes, prejudices. That's how his brain works. He doesn't have any deeply held ideas, no real platform or mission. He's in the marketing and sales department. Engage, make promises and then turn it over to somebody in "manufacturing." He doesn't fully understand the product, the deliverable, and he really doesn't care. His job is done. The fun part is done. He made the sale! And he generally does his best with discontented fools, the easily sold, people who go for "bling," and folks who, yes, obsess over the color of skin. Yes, it's a market, a powerful market, and he knows the triggers. But he doesn't know how to deliver, doesn't understand "this line of work," as Mitch McConnell puts it. Maybe it's a blessing he doesn't.
5
Go! Blow! Go! I guess the only question I have is whether or not Trump's base is actually small, and whether it is composed of zealots and a lot of people who provide tacit consent to the many outrageous acts put forth by this man? After all, to accomplish all these things, he has needed many doers, and these people do not come from the unemployed working class.
I understand the under educated. They are filled with so many contradictory conclusions, it is no wonder they can't think straight. I over heard a man yesterday talking about illegal immigrants and their use of welfare, for example, when they are simply not eligible at all, but yet this thought fills his mind and his hatred of immigrants, which was so apparent. But others know better, but still go along. Others know that their whole existence was based on their immigrant ancestry, but still go along. What you are saying, blows away in the wind, as if it has never fully been understood in the way you so eloquently describe.
I understand the under educated. They are filled with so many contradictory conclusions, it is no wonder they can't think straight. I over heard a man yesterday talking about illegal immigrants and their use of welfare, for example, when they are simply not eligible at all, but yet this thought fills his mind and his hatred of immigrants, which was so apparent. But others know better, but still go along. Others know that their whole existence was based on their immigrant ancestry, but still go along. What you are saying, blows away in the wind, as if it has never fully been understood in the way you so eloquently describe.
4
All you have to do, Mike Knows, is check the website of the SNAP program and other social services to see that undocumented aliens (they are not "immigrants" when they are undocumented) do not receive benefits.
Even you should be able to understand that a guy can't just walk into the friendliest of social services office and say, "Hi. I need food stamps and maybe some HEAP and whatever else you got." and folks give him stuff without ever asking him who he is and so on. Even you might understand.
Even you should be able to understand that a guy can't just walk into the friendliest of social services office and say, "Hi. I need food stamps and maybe some HEAP and whatever else you got." and folks give him stuff without ever asking him who he is and so on. Even you might understand.
Mr. Blow. You are correct. There is something far, far more sinister afoot. Our President's inverted pyramid of support he truly has mistaken for a "base" and his pointy-headed supporters share his delusion. We can only hope that with enough active and intelligent resistance, not only by citizens, but by the Legislative branch, the Judicial branch, and brave souls in the Executive Branch, we can topple over this unstable, hateful inverted pyramid.
6
What we are also witnessing Charles is the coming out party of the GOP in all their glory. At least we now know who and what they are for certain.
7
He is his father's son still seeking his father's approval. Since racists are made, not born, you can imagine him as a child echoing his father's racism to survive and be accepted. In no way does that excuse his behavior - tout comprendre n'est pas tout pardonner - but it does go to the depth and incurable nature of his racism. everything about him says stunted growth even down to the over-the- top decor of his Trump Tower digs. Meanwhile we are stuck in his Oedipal struggle. Until he's gone, the sooner the better, we're stuck with dealing with an over powerful dead guy, Fred Trump.
9
"We are seeing the end of unity and the rise of factions and fascism." – We are seeing the end, or rather the attempted end, of the Obama legacy. I am convinced that Trump's white nationalism and racism, although it cuts a broader path, has its primary focus on the achievements of our first black president. When Obama made a fool of Trump at the WH Press Corps dinners, he fanned the smoldering fire of Trump's inner racism into white-hot personally directed rage. The white nationalist agenda may be benefiting from it, and racial and religious minorities and immigrants are being hurt by it, but Trump's number one priority is not them; his principal goal is dismantling anything and everything Barack Obama achieved.
6
Donald Trump is the shame of America, Mr. Blow.
He is the key that is unlocking the well-oiled door that decent Americans thought had been closed--the rampant racism that was so substantial in all--not some--of American life--when the Civil Rights movement forced America to turn inward and confront itself. The gains, which seemed so great then, were, in retrospect, modest.
I was appalled at the glow on the face of Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III as he strode purposefully and briskly out to the podium the other day to parrot his president's decision to "suspend" DACA. All of the meanness of Trump was there on the Alabamian's face as he gloated. He defamed President Obama as a lawless man, one who appropriated the power of his office to himself to divide the country along racial and cultural lines. What I'm saying is that when I saw the attorney general's face, I saw his president's heart and mind.
The fissures in the foundation of American civility, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" are widening daily. Yet, as I go about my daily tasks, I do not see much outrage from the public at large about the presidency that 40% of the electorate has seen fit to hold the rest hostage.
Trump is merely the latest iteration of institutional racism that was preceded by Mitch McConnell, Richard Cheney, Newt Gingrich, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Strom Thurmond, Barry Goldwater and Dwight Eisenhower.
We miraculously survived all these evil men. We may not survive Trump.
He is the key that is unlocking the well-oiled door that decent Americans thought had been closed--the rampant racism that was so substantial in all--not some--of American life--when the Civil Rights movement forced America to turn inward and confront itself. The gains, which seemed so great then, were, in retrospect, modest.
I was appalled at the glow on the face of Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III as he strode purposefully and briskly out to the podium the other day to parrot his president's decision to "suspend" DACA. All of the meanness of Trump was there on the Alabamian's face as he gloated. He defamed President Obama as a lawless man, one who appropriated the power of his office to himself to divide the country along racial and cultural lines. What I'm saying is that when I saw the attorney general's face, I saw his president's heart and mind.
The fissures in the foundation of American civility, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" are widening daily. Yet, as I go about my daily tasks, I do not see much outrage from the public at large about the presidency that 40% of the electorate has seen fit to hold the rest hostage.
Trump is merely the latest iteration of institutional racism that was preceded by Mitch McConnell, Richard Cheney, Newt Gingrich, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Strom Thurmond, Barry Goldwater and Dwight Eisenhower.
We miraculously survived all these evil men. We may not survive Trump.
807
As a man of mixed racial heritage, I cannot let your inclusion of Dwight Eisenhower with Cheney, Thurmond and others go unchallenged. Ike immediately dispatched 1000 combat-ready troops to Arkansas, when that state's governor was defying the federal court system and refusing to integrate its local schools. It matters not what may have been his private beliefs (although he championed integration of the Armed Forces), he took his Constitutional duty seriously and enforced Brown v. Bd. of Education with the might of the national government. When he left office he listed the two civil rights acts passed during his eight years as among the ten he was most proud of accomplishing. If only the GOP had a national leader of his quality today we would all be better off.
11
Agreed. The glow on the man's face was to me repellant, knowing that it reflected Sessions's long history of racism and his conviction that he finally had a club big enough to do some serious anti-brown damage. He's waited all his life for the job he now holds and the opportunities it provides to ride herd on people of color, notwithstanding that he is AG only because his fellow Republicans chose to ignore his rampant perjury during the Senate confirmation proceedings. (Russia? NO, I NEVER met any Russians.)
Shine on, Sessions! But remember that God is watching. And maybe, just maybe, He isn't a dues-paying member of the John Birch Society.
Shine on, Sessions! But remember that God is watching. And maybe, just maybe, He isn't a dues-paying member of the John Birch Society.
7
Excellent commentary/analysis friend.
5
Racism did not start with Donald Trump. The original United States of America was built on white supremacy. The US constitution of 1787 treated black slaves as equivalent to three-fifths of a free white and gave no rights at all to Native Americans who were regarded as belonging to their own nations. American racism has extremely deep and tenacious historical roots but things started changing for the better only during the last century. What is amazing is Donald Trump becoming president of this country in the 21st century and he even today has a sizable and enthusiastic base about 30 to 40% of the country who would not abandon him.
158
If you lived in the South these past years since Civil Rights began to make improvements for minorities, particularly black ones, you would have known this thing has been in a hot simmer on edge just waiting for its opportunity to burst into raging fires. All it needed was the tinder of Trump getting into office to blow it right back into the hot fury you see coming straight through him. It didn't start with him but it has certainly stayed wildly alive in him.
6
Congratulations on stating/admitting that America has warts. It does not mean you must keep warts alive just because you started with them. You can treat them. You can control them. Maybe even eliminate them. You can, in short, improve your quality of life. So, racism existed at the start of the country. Does that mean you must keep it going? Women got the vote. Want to reverse that? African-Americans have the vote. Change that back too? That racism and racists still exist in America is a given. They don't just go away because it is 2017 and not 1817. It really is a game of whack-a-mole. Much like insect pests, crop disease, and assorted maladies affecting people, you can't stop trying to eradicate them. Keeping them down is almost the best we can hope, as far as racists go. Xenophobes too. Mr. Seesions, I am talking to you and your friends and your boss. I hold little hope for Mr. Trump. The best we can hope is he effs up enough to get bounced out of office before he does too much damage. Sorry. Too late.
4
Trump is not a racist and you are seriously misinformed about the 3/5ths compromise.
The goal was for 13 sovereign States to cede some of their power to form a federation (after the confederation failed). The goal was not to solve all the world's problems.
Everyone at the time knew that slavery was wrong and was going to end someday. However, the economies of slave states was dependent upon slavery and they did not know how to transition to another economic form.
In the new federation, each State had two Senators and a number of representatives based on population. Since slaves were property, not citizens, free states would have many more representatives than slave states. This would put the economies of slave states in jeopardy, because the free states' representatives and senators could simply declare slavery illegal.
The compromise of counting slaves as 3/5th of a person has nothing to do with their worth as a person (they were property). It had everything to do with balancing the free and slave state votes to maintain the status quo, and it turned out that at the time, 3/5ths was the factor that did it. That is what they had to do in order to get ratification of the Constitution. That is all.
The goal was for 13 sovereign States to cede some of their power to form a federation (after the confederation failed). The goal was not to solve all the world's problems.
Everyone at the time knew that slavery was wrong and was going to end someday. However, the economies of slave states was dependent upon slavery and they did not know how to transition to another economic form.
In the new federation, each State had two Senators and a number of representatives based on population. Since slaves were property, not citizens, free states would have many more representatives than slave states. This would put the economies of slave states in jeopardy, because the free states' representatives and senators could simply declare slavery illegal.
The compromise of counting slaves as 3/5th of a person has nothing to do with their worth as a person (they were property). It had everything to do with balancing the free and slave state votes to maintain the status quo, and it turned out that at the time, 3/5ths was the factor that did it. That is what they had to do in order to get ratification of the Constitution. That is all.
1
It does not matter how well an argument is constructed if the opposition is not concerned with finding a solution which is beneficial to society if the oppositions primary concern is consolidating power.
32
Exactly. The Left won't allow the border to be sealed - even if they could get a widespread amnesty in exchange - because they want an unending flow of illegals to ensure their one-party rule like the PRI ruled Mexico for 71 years.
2
His documented racism extends back to his first housing projects.
It continued with his bullying for the 5 innocent young men who he labeled a "wolf pack" and demanded the death penalty before they even went to trial - lying for full page ads in their paper and others.
Then there was that birther nonsense, which he touted and re-toured and beat until death, despite t being a lie, and some low-info people still wonder about Obama's origins because of Trump's doubling down on what he knew was a lie.
You don't even have to scratch the surface to see Trump's racial biases - it is all out in the open.
Is anyone surprised?
It continued with his bullying for the 5 innocent young men who he labeled a "wolf pack" and demanded the death penalty before they even went to trial - lying for full page ads in their paper and others.
Then there was that birther nonsense, which he touted and re-toured and beat until death, despite t being a lie, and some low-info people still wonder about Obama's origins because of Trump's doubling down on what he knew was a lie.
You don't even have to scratch the surface to see Trump's racial biases - it is all out in the open.
Is anyone surprised?
252
Weren't those housing projects Trump's father's creation and responsibility? And could it be that the housing discrimination was in response to requests by tenants?
2
Is the moon made of Cheddar or Gruyere? But you make a good point, inadvertently perhaps. Trump's father made the money. Donald failed as a business man.
4
@m3.....the son was already working at his daddy's knee. And requests by the tenants? Are you kidding? Don't know where you're from, but please recall how the voters in NYC, who knew him best, cast their ballots. He was one of the most despised public figures in town for years.
4
Here we are in 2017, and unbelievably, the best that Donald J(ohn Birch Society) Trump can do for America's 320 million people and storied reputation is summon the worst and lowest Confederate, Jim Crow and Know Nothing Whites R Us instincts that have helped tear this country apart for 150 years.
“As a nation, we began by declaring that 'all men are created equal.' We now practically read it 'all men are created equal, except negroes.' When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”
― Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Letters
“I’ll tell you what’s at the bottom of it,” he said. “If you can convince the lowest white man he’s better than the best colored man, he won’t notice you’re picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he’ll empty his pockets for you.”
- LBJ 1960
With a 'leader' like Donald Trump and a share citizens that would willfully flush the country down the comprehensive moral-economic-and-intellectual bankruptcy that is the Trump Toilet, let's hope that the 2016 Election enema has largely expelled and exposed the complete moral rot of radical, right-wing America and we can begin to rebuild the nation from this giant pool of raw, rancid, Republican sewage.
“As a nation, we began by declaring that 'all men are created equal.' We now practically read it 'all men are created equal, except negroes.' When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”
― Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Letters
“I’ll tell you what’s at the bottom of it,” he said. “If you can convince the lowest white man he’s better than the best colored man, he won’t notice you’re picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he’ll empty his pockets for you.”
- LBJ 1960
With a 'leader' like Donald Trump and a share citizens that would willfully flush the country down the comprehensive moral-economic-and-intellectual bankruptcy that is the Trump Toilet, let's hope that the 2016 Election enema has largely expelled and exposed the complete moral rot of radical, right-wing America and we can begin to rebuild the nation from this giant pool of raw, rancid, Republican sewage.
468
That will depend on We the People doing our part and not waiting for or expecting the Democratic Party to do all of the heavy lifting.
Whether your particular democratic candidate is perfect or not vote for them.
That is our choice.
Whether your particular democratic candidate is perfect or not vote for them.
That is our choice.
5
thank you.
3
No, me, he doesn't hate this country. He just hates that part of it that hates this country.
2
The support the DACA people are receiving by a majority of white Americans is encouraging. Yes we have a large minority of racists in our society, but they are a minority. Unfortunately, they can be a deciding factor in elections. The republican party has used them very successfully in recent years. Aided by Fox and talk radio they are easily led. They are the people that believe that there is huge voter fraud, they believe that minorities are the largest beneficiaries of government programs, they believe that minorities are replacing them unfairly in colleges, etc. none of this happens to be true, but they believe.
151
A large minority of racists whose minority status is run over by their violence and tenacity makes for an ongoing sad and pathetic situation we don't seem to be able to extinguish with laws and churches and education and awareness. These tenacious people make up for a lot of decent people in pushing their hate everywhere.
3
Many of those churches also fuel the fire.
2
Something else is at work, too, that being djt's obsession with erasing everything Obama-related, exceeding even the Dubya era's all-consuming obsession with reversing every last thing Clinton-related.
Looks like this is a tactic which goes into hibernation in rightist think tanks during Dem administrations, where it gestates and awaits rebirth in the next GOP'er coup.
Looks like this is a tactic which goes into hibernation in rightist think tanks during Dem administrations, where it gestates and awaits rebirth in the next GOP'er coup.
205
Republicans began trying to destroy the FDR legacy even while he was still in office and to this day they seem to focus on dismantling what's left of the New Deal as well as the policies of the most recent Democratic president.
Many of them, like Mitt Romney in his comments about the 47 percent, divide the world into makers and takers -- the rich and the poor -- neglecting to recognize that much of the money in this country is taken into the accounts of those getting rich off the labor of the real hands-on makers, who struggle to get by.
Many of them, like Mitt Romney in his comments about the 47 percent, divide the world into makers and takers -- the rich and the poor -- neglecting to recognize that much of the money in this country is taken into the accounts of those getting rich off the labor of the real hands-on makers, who struggle to get by.
12
This is the ideological politicized thinking that supersedes common sense. it won't die easily.
"To the aspirational he could be landlord, but to the racists he could be overlord."
Brilliant, Charles.
Last night, NY state Attorney General Schneiderman was interviewed on a range of topics from Russia ("no comment) to the lawsuit he's pursuing with other state AGs against Trump's rescinding of DACA. The foundation of this lawsuit is the president's "racial animus."
Donald Trump seems to have been born with animus, carefully honed as began his career discriminating against blacks, hanging with the belligerent Roy Cohn, and taught by his dad to "win" at all costs. Donald Trump virtually spews resentment over any action he perceives as favoritism towards those weaker then he.
But like you, I feel his DACA decision, made with such pomp and professions of love, was particularly repugnant because the "I love these kids" lines were so gratuitous.
What part of them does he love if he is forcing them out of the country after they made a deal with our government, submitting a trove of personal data to prove themselves "worthy " of residence?
Donald Trump has an manipulative version of love towards the weak, toying with their lives before crushing them, like a kid plays with a bug before removing its wings.
Donald Trump is overlord of his kingdom but who wants it except white supremacists, racists, bigots and vengeful haters?
Brilliant, Charles.
Last night, NY state Attorney General Schneiderman was interviewed on a range of topics from Russia ("no comment) to the lawsuit he's pursuing with other state AGs against Trump's rescinding of DACA. The foundation of this lawsuit is the president's "racial animus."
Donald Trump seems to have been born with animus, carefully honed as began his career discriminating against blacks, hanging with the belligerent Roy Cohn, and taught by his dad to "win" at all costs. Donald Trump virtually spews resentment over any action he perceives as favoritism towards those weaker then he.
But like you, I feel his DACA decision, made with such pomp and professions of love, was particularly repugnant because the "I love these kids" lines were so gratuitous.
What part of them does he love if he is forcing them out of the country after they made a deal with our government, submitting a trove of personal data to prove themselves "worthy " of residence?
Donald Trump has an manipulative version of love towards the weak, toying with their lives before crushing them, like a kid plays with a bug before removing its wings.
Donald Trump is overlord of his kingdom but who wants it except white supremacists, racists, bigots and vengeful haters?
495
"Donald Trump virtually spews resentment over any action he perceives as favoritism towards those weaker then he." Perfect. Embroider it on towels, hang it up in the Senate.
And here's one more quote, from a HUMOROUS book by Shelly Laurenstone: "It's fair because it's to my benefit. If it wasn't, then it would be unfair."
And here's one more quote, from a HUMOROUS book by Shelly Laurenstone: "It's fair because it's to my benefit. If it wasn't, then it would be unfair."
7
Give both his mercurial personality, history of sexual misconduct and harassment, and his statement that "If Ivanka weren't my daughter, perhaps I'd be dating her", Trump's love is most certainly something to be feared.
2
Regarding your statement "Donald Trump is overlord of his kingdom but who wants it except white supremacists, racists, bigots and vengeful haters?" -
I add to that the following: "Donald Trump is overlord of his kingdom but who wants it except white supremacists, racists, bigots, vengeful haters"... and people who are plain old ignorant... some people simply don't care, at that is truly scary.
I add to that the following: "Donald Trump is overlord of his kingdom but who wants it except white supremacists, racists, bigots, vengeful haters"... and people who are plain old ignorant... some people simply don't care, at that is truly scary.
1
Much of what this president has done grows out of his mania to destroy every vestige of Barack Obama’s legacy. He knew he would be invisible in the glare of Obama’s intelligence, compassion and grace, so extinguishing every beacon of hope left by his predecessor had to be his first order of business.
He has set out to do that by every means possible. Years before he tried to preempt the very possibility of Obama by lying about his birth. Now he lies about the size of Obama’s inauguration crowd, or he lies about Obama tapping his phones. It’s an unhealthy obsession, but it’s only one of many.
Lying is practically the only string of the president’s bow. When a man can’t rise on his own merits, he can only stand tall if he tears everyone else down.
We should have known better. We had all the evidence we needed long before we allowed a deceitful fraud into the White House. We knew that money, power and ignorance are an explosive mixture.
And yet millions of Americans decided to light the fuse, just to watch the fireworks. They recognized a kindred spirit in this resentful, bigoted and unlearned man, with his shallow views, his knee-jerk intolerance and his transparent spite.
He’s what a democracy gets when it forgets what the word means.
He has set out to do that by every means possible. Years before he tried to preempt the very possibility of Obama by lying about his birth. Now he lies about the size of Obama’s inauguration crowd, or he lies about Obama tapping his phones. It’s an unhealthy obsession, but it’s only one of many.
Lying is practically the only string of the president’s bow. When a man can’t rise on his own merits, he can only stand tall if he tears everyone else down.
We should have known better. We had all the evidence we needed long before we allowed a deceitful fraud into the White House. We knew that money, power and ignorance are an explosive mixture.
And yet millions of Americans decided to light the fuse, just to watch the fireworks. They recognized a kindred spirit in this resentful, bigoted and unlearned man, with his shallow views, his knee-jerk intolerance and his transparent spite.
He’s what a democracy gets when it forgets what the word means.
1450
"He knew he would be invisible in the glare of Obama's intelligence, compassion, and grace......." I think that is the best sentence I've seen in the almost two years of the horror of the Trump era. You always say it best, Gemli.
11
Make ABSOLUTELY no mistake about it. The destruction of the Obama legacy, the erasing from history of the existence of a black man as president, is not solely on the shoulders of Trump. There are many, many others who are complicit in that effort starting with McConnell. They aren't racist, they just play them on TV. Can you imagine if Obama had been president decades ago? McConnell's first piece of legislation would be demanding any statues of Obama be taken down. Racism first. Hypocrisy second. Lying third. Or rearrange the order. Doesn't matter. Really, it's their heart and soul.
16
It is also the case that the Congress is filled with (mostly) men who believe the same thing as DT but are way more subtle in their language and actions. Between the two and the Conservative Court we are witnessing the destruction of values and efforts to expand democracy over the past one hundred years and the poisoning of the social well being for another fifty.
11
Perhaps the worst thing about Trump is the willful ignorance and the lack of empathy.
All of Trump's words and proclamations are built on a foundation of lies and must be fought each and every day with the truth until we are finally rid of the man and his abhorrent administration.
All of Trump's words and proclamations are built on a foundation of lies and must be fought each and every day with the truth until we are finally rid of the man and his abhorrent administration.
395
Here, here!
The main is nothing but a stain on this country. I'm so ashamed that we (the American people) gave him this job.
The main is nothing but a stain on this country. I'm so ashamed that we (the American people) gave him this job.
7
While we may be rid of the man in time, what will rid us of the ignorance, hate and greed that has spurred nearly half of the American electorate to support this man?
6
I agree wholeheartedly. But will ignorance and lack of empathy are two things. Two things at which Trump is the "Best the world has ever seen."
This list could be the new "Spanish Inquisition."
We have 2 incompetencies;
1. Willful ignorance
2. lack of empathy....
and 3. incredibly in-grained racism.
Among Trump's incompetencies we have...
This list could be the new "Spanish Inquisition."
We have 2 incompetencies;
1. Willful ignorance
2. lack of empathy....
and 3. incredibly in-grained racism.
Among Trump's incompetencies we have...
According to a Politico poll this week, "support for allowing these immigrants to remain in the U.S. spans across party lines: 84 percent of Democrats, 74 percent of independents and 69 percent of Republicans think they should stay." Our representational democracy is absolutely falling apart in this new age of the Trump oligarchy.
646
All these figures shows is that participation in the democratic process, i.e. voter behavior, at election time is unrepresentative of people's actual feelings and intentions. To a large extent this is because the voters typically do not consider the implications of the choices they make. This is made exponentially worse in countries like the US, where the alternatives presented are reduced to two, to all intents and purposes, Republican or Democrat.
This means that, for a lack of options, a voter will choose the person who claims to be most attentive to the one or two issues that are most dear to him (or her), and resign him- or herself to accepting the whole package. Or, if the voter doesn't find a candidate to his or her liking, he or she will abstain...
So, you are right, the democratic outcome no longer represents the diversity of feelings and points of view present among the voting public. And, yes, Donald the Magnificent benefited from this, but let's be fair, had she been elected, Hillary would have, too.
This means that, for a lack of options, a voter will choose the person who claims to be most attentive to the one or two issues that are most dear to him (or her), and resign him- or herself to accepting the whole package. Or, if the voter doesn't find a candidate to his or her liking, he or she will abstain...
So, you are right, the democratic outcome no longer represents the diversity of feelings and points of view present among the voting public. And, yes, Donald the Magnificent benefited from this, but let's be fair, had she been elected, Hillary would have, too.
31
According to a Politico poll this week, "support for allowing these immigrants to remain in the U.S. spans across party lines: 84 percent of Democrats, 74 percent of independents and 69 percent of Republicans think they should stay."
------------------------
Voters get the final say, not people polled.
Remember all the polls that told us people preferred Hillary to Donald Trump, and how that played on in our system of voters who count in the electoral college? States have two senators each, and clearly some states have greater incentives to urge open borders and continual amnesty programs, while others do not. All the talk about racism and bigotry and hatred of others ignores the fact that some Christians in non-coastal areas believe that undocumented immigration encourages exploitation that leads to deaths of these unseen people.
If we want dignity for our brown brothers and sisters, as well as for our black and white and yellow and red ones here at home, we should honestly address the limitations of our immigration system as it exists today, with bodies being carted across non-existent borders in unheated trucks, so the "wage slaves" can be put to productive use helping farmers and ranchers upkeep their properties for an efficient (unregulated) wage under government-unregulated labor conditions.
------------------------
Voters get the final say, not people polled.
Remember all the polls that told us people preferred Hillary to Donald Trump, and how that played on in our system of voters who count in the electoral college? States have two senators each, and clearly some states have greater incentives to urge open borders and continual amnesty programs, while others do not. All the talk about racism and bigotry and hatred of others ignores the fact that some Christians in non-coastal areas believe that undocumented immigration encourages exploitation that leads to deaths of these unseen people.
If we want dignity for our brown brothers and sisters, as well as for our black and white and yellow and red ones here at home, we should honestly address the limitations of our immigration system as it exists today, with bodies being carted across non-existent borders in unheated trucks, so the "wage slaves" can be put to productive use helping farmers and ranchers upkeep their properties for an efficient (unregulated) wage under government-unregulated labor conditions.
4
Our representative democracy had been falling apart before Trump thanks to the Electoral College anachronism and gerrymandering.
11
Trump is a true believer--racism is one of the few things he has been consistently loyal to throughout his life. But let's not forget Jefferson Sessions, the racist operator.
Resist the Attorney General's lies. The DACA program is not illegal; if it were, court actions would have killed it, making Session's lies unnecessary--a related Supreme Court 2016 case split 4-4. Resist Sessions' paternalism, his “Big House” mentality. Named for the Confederate President who headed a government in rebellion against the country Session now serves, he has lessons to unlearn before he can teach others the meaning of citizenship and American values. He has been quoted as saying his only problem with the Klan was its drug use, civil rights groups were anti-American, and am Alabama judge was a “traitor to his race.” He denies being a racist, but his actions fit the mold. If Trump vision is the looking glass, Session's mission is teach the natives and “illegal aliens” the importance—and power--of being white.
Sessions is a spineless errand boy. A wide swath of America believes DACA take “hundreds of thousands” of jobs from Americans. How did that happen? Were these residents (not aliens!) with work permits better qualified when competing head-to-head? For their success, they are condemned! Racists love scapegoats; but at 5% unemployment, anybody who wants work can find a job. Barack correctly observed removing 800,000 adults who grew up American won't increase anybody's paycheck.
Resist the Attorney General's lies. The DACA program is not illegal; if it were, court actions would have killed it, making Session's lies unnecessary--a related Supreme Court 2016 case split 4-4. Resist Sessions' paternalism, his “Big House” mentality. Named for the Confederate President who headed a government in rebellion against the country Session now serves, he has lessons to unlearn before he can teach others the meaning of citizenship and American values. He has been quoted as saying his only problem with the Klan was its drug use, civil rights groups were anti-American, and am Alabama judge was a “traitor to his race.” He denies being a racist, but his actions fit the mold. If Trump vision is the looking glass, Session's mission is teach the natives and “illegal aliens” the importance—and power--of being white.
Sessions is a spineless errand boy. A wide swath of America believes DACA take “hundreds of thousands” of jobs from Americans. How did that happen? Were these residents (not aliens!) with work permits better qualified when competing head-to-head? For their success, they are condemned! Racists love scapegoats; but at 5% unemployment, anybody who wants work can find a job. Barack correctly observed removing 800,000 adults who grew up American won't increase anybody's paycheck.
782
Actually, it is not true that "anybody who wants to work can find a job". Ask job applicants over 60 if they have been welcomed by employment agencies and hiring directors. And, btw, if you believe "anybody who wants to work can find a job", doesn't that apply to African Americans, as well? So, in fact Mr. Blow's weekly accusations of employment discrimination against this particular group are not reality based, since you just said "anybody" can find a job....
4
Trump wins a global award for firing and is incapable of hiring. All these political crackpots that we hear about today, gone tomorrow, turning us into a Nation with hearts of stone and antelope souls.
If there is one true American in this volatile, erratic and destructive government, regardless of gender, culture and creed, it is not 'Our Man in Washington', and Sessions is part of the Mob of Self-Righteous, embroiled in their own lies, deceit and conceit, the cause of our repulsion, repudiation.
America is reacting poorly to being inoculated with this new vision of its Nation and we show low tolerance. Let these politicians try it on a Country with No Men and spare the Blind Mice among US.
If there is one true American in this volatile, erratic and destructive government, regardless of gender, culture and creed, it is not 'Our Man in Washington', and Sessions is part of the Mob of Self-Righteous, embroiled in their own lies, deceit and conceit, the cause of our repulsion, repudiation.
America is reacting poorly to being inoculated with this new vision of its Nation and we show low tolerance. Let these politicians try it on a Country with No Men and spare the Blind Mice among US.
2
Agreed.
And worse, Sessions is a spineless errand boy with power.
It is chilling to watch him smirking through an announcement, droning on about the rule of law while at the same time denigrating innocents as he initiates the project of ruining their lives.
Orwell is howling in his urn.
And worse, Sessions is a spineless errand boy with power.
It is chilling to watch him smirking through an announcement, droning on about the rule of law while at the same time denigrating innocents as he initiates the project of ruining their lives.
Orwell is howling in his urn.
9
Don almost makes me for Bush yearn
Despite all the lives he did burn,,
His vile racist lies
,His seven foot ties
A POTUS who manners won't learn.
Trump threatens a Nuclear War
Thinks that’s what the Red Button’s for,
Hairdo artificial,
Hates rulings judicial,
Loves being stroked, always wants more.
Despite all the lives he did burn,,
His vile racist lies
,His seven foot ties
A POTUS who manners won't learn.
Trump threatens a Nuclear War
Thinks that’s what the Red Button’s for,
Hairdo artificial,
Hates rulings judicial,
Loves being stroked, always wants more.
289
Larry it wasn't just a case of lives burned. An ancient civilization was destroyed. And rendered impotent.
10
His years-long racist birther lie about President Obama was particularly ugly. His racism throughout his campaign is equally well-documented from the Mexicans are rapists and criminals to his defense of the white supremacists at Charlottesville as including "very fine people".
Why do Trump supporters pretend there is no racism and bigotry in their president who also issued the Muslim ban, the transgender ban, the policies that are anti-women, and others mentioned in this column?
They need to look in a mirror. They enjoy attacking a black columnist but Mr. Blow is only one voice (though eloquent) among many who have pointed out the obvious.
Trump is racist. The main determinants for Trump voters were racism and sexism. (http://people.umass.edu/schaffne/schaffner_et_al_IDC_conference.pdf)
Denial ain't just a river in Egypt. It runs deep through Republican waters these days.