Simply looking at the time line, there can be no doubt that the 800 percent increase in hate crime in America is the result of Trump’s rise to power. Attacks on Muslims, African Americans, Hispanics, Jews, the LGBTQ community and women are now frequent occurrences throughout the nation. These vile actions are committed by cowards who choose ignorance over tolerance and understanding.
Over the weekend, the death of one 17-year-old Muslim teenager, and the injuries of 10 Muslims in north London must be condemned as more of what has become the norm; hate crimes.
Nabra Hassanen, a 17-year-old girl, was apparently taken while standing in front of her mosque in Virginia. Her body was later found, and a 22-year-old man arrested. The police have yet to label this a ‘hate crime.’
In north London a man described as ‘smiling’ intentionally drove his van into a crowd of Muslims leaving their mosque. Ten worshipers were injured. The crowd captured the man, protecting him from angry men who threatened his life until the authorities arrived.
The political upheaval in our own nation, and acts of terrorism around the world, have been distractions from a growing and serious condition. Mosques, Synagogues, and black churches have been damaged. Verbal threats and physical assault have become all too frequent. If you are not white, and Christian, your world has an added component; fear. Out of the shadows have come white supremacists and bigots in numbers unseen for over 30 years. I call it the “Trump Effect.”
Trump is a coward who preached hatred and violence at his campaign rallies; and the worst of America was listening. All they needed was a leader. Trump has accepted endorsements from hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, and extremist right wing publications including Breitbart.
Trump’s circle of sinners are composed of like-minded old, white men and a couple of women. We all knew that Steve Bannon was a white supremacist, and we are learning that others share his beliefs including Betsy DeVos, Jeff Sessions, and your illegitimate president.
If America ceases to exist, we can blame Trump supporters who choose ignorance over reality, but we also must blame ourselves. We, the real Americans, must become activists and ensure that all Americans go to the polls; we are 320 million strong; Republicans and their owners are only one-percent of our nation’s people.
Please-re-post; thank you.
Op-ed by James Turnage
Image courtesy of DonkeyHotey
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