Politicians from the right side of the aisle are quick to label attacks by those who pretend to be Muslims as ‘terrorist.’ That may be true, but they refuse to label mass shootings by non-Muslims as a terrorist event. In addition, they ignore domestic violence which can truly be labeled a ‘hate crime,’ and therefor an act of terrorism.

Donald Trump has encouraged hatred for Hispanics and Muslims. An attack against a mosque is a terrorist attack. We must not allow horrific events which occur daily in our nation to be ignored.

A dramatic attack such as the cowardly murders of 14 innocent people in San Bernardino must not be ignored, but it must not veil equally devastating events.

In 2015 there have been more mass shootings than days in the year. The United States is the most violent nation in the world, and much of it can be blamed on the Republican Party and its continued support for the NRA gun lobby. The remainder of the cause for physical assaults in our nation can also be attributed to the rhetoric of the Republican Party. They have continued politics based on fear which results in anger, hatred, and often violence against others.

I have not always opposed the Republican Party; quite the opposite. I am, and will always be an Independent. I praised many Republicans for their fervor and service to the American people; I don’t see that today.

The party leader, Donald Trump, is not Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, or George H.W. Bush. Bush has, and the other three would, fairly state that he is not a true Republican. He is an ambitious man who seeks notoriety at any cost. His racism and bigotry are an embarrassment to the once Grand Old Party.

But he is not alone in the destruction of the Republican Party. The creation of the TEA Party by the Koch brothers moved the GOP to the extreme right, and created the gridlock which is now Washington. After the horror which was 9/11, Republicans recognized the extreme emotional response from the general public. They observed that by continuing fear tactics they could control ill-informed and brainwashed voters and win elections. The result of using this weakness for the past 14 years has destroyed the ideal which was America. The response to fear has become anger and eventually the creation of a violent nation filled with prejudice instead of tolerance and understanding.

In 2015 the only issue discussed by the GOP candidates has been terrorism. They have exaggerated the dangers by the continued emotional weapon of fear. But they ignore the dangers already within our shores by denying that any domestic issues must be addressed. For 90 percent of the American people foreign affairs have no significance in their daily lives, but gun violence, income inequality, and the unavailability of affordable education do make an impact.

Think carefully the next time you hear Trump, Rubio, Cruz, or Bush speak. They will focus on the half-truth that ISIS is a danger to America. They will never speak of the many far more serious issues facing our nation.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of David Lytle

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