While I understand that it is the political silly season with a presidential campaign in full swing, I think it would be a grave mistake, although tempting, to treat Donald Trump as a joke. His latest offer to forbid Muslims entry into the United States is a case in point. The suggestion is a terrifying attempt to assuage the somewhat justifiable fears of ordinary Americans using xenophobia and religious and ethnic bigotry.
I have been hoping to see an outcry from the public, but most of the outcry has come from overseas. Instead, Trump’s poll numbers rise and candidates behind him in the polls look to raise their numbers by following Trump’s lead in attacking Muslims. Will we ever learn?
It’s time for journalists to take strong editorial stands and for faith communities to use the strength of their pulpits and their influence to denounce Trump along with the xenophobia he stands for. As was proven in the Nazi takeover of Germany, silence is not a proper or adequate response to hate-mongering.
Katherine A. Burgess
Durango
