America is a great place to live if you are white and wealthy. What many in our nation once believed to be fading is moving in the opposite direction. The last words of the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ no longer have meaning, and our Constitution is in danger. Fear, anger, and even hatred have replaced compassion, understanding, and tolerance.

If supporters of Donald Trump are the model for American principles, our nation has lost its way. Trump’s candidacy has exposed what was previously a clandestine group of our nation’s people. The change most believed had occurred in our nation was an illusion.

Trump’s supporters are moved by emotion, not intellect. His rhetoric is filled with hatred and intolerance. Trump began with an attack of 12 million undocumented residents, calling them ‘rapists and murderers.’ His vile message was applauded by his supporters. He added women to his list of those he disrespected during the first debate. His next attack was directed at all Muslims. Standing in front of large crowds Trump encouraged violence against his detractors.

This is not intended to be an attack on Trump; this is meant to denounce those who support his un-American tirades. His expressions of racism, bigotry, and misogyny are in direct opposition to the qualities which once made America great. Those in attendance at his rallies cheer wildly as he wages his attacks.

I fear that Trump’s supporters represent 40 percent of the Republican Party who are examples of the worst human weaknesses and revel in their ignorance.

Every developed nation in the world has moved forward with the exception of the United States of America. Our country once led the world in its support of ‘liberty and justice for all.’ Obviously, this is no longer the truth. Special interests receive the attention of our legislators, while the needs of the many are ignored.

Racism is increasing to a level experienced in the 1950’s. Changes in voting laws and the effort to defund Planned Parenthood are two definitive examples of actions directed at low income and impoverished men and women; many of whom are African Americans.

Our nation’s judicial system has been proven unfair to men and women of color, but half of our nation’s citizens refuse to recognize this truth. However, the facts reveal that more black men and women are incarcerated than any other demographic, and more are shot and killed by law enforcement than any other group.

Although the Supreme Court ruled in support of same-sex marriage, some who call themselves ‘Christians’ continue to deny the rights of the LGBT community. They choose to mix politics and religion in direct opposition to our first and 14^th amendments.

Women continue to receive ‘second class treatment’ by our government. They are denied equality with their male counterparts. Men continue to seek control of women’s rights including decisions regarding their own bodies. Once again religion has raised its ugly head and forced itself into our political system. This is un-American and defies the Constitution.

I grew up in the ‘greatest nation in the world,’ but I do not live in that country any longer. Real change is needed, but that will not come as long as one prejudiced person is allowed to influence millions of others.

A nation’s greatness comes from great people. Intelligence must replace the weakness of emotions.

It appears that we must wait until millennials are in control of our nation for change to occur.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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