Since 2001 the most common word used by politicians is ‘terrorism,’ and words related to terrorist attacks. George W. Bush used ‘9/11’ in every speech to remind the American people that other attacks on America were possible. His reelection victory was entirely based on fear tactics used during his campaign. During the 2016 campaign, Republicans attempted to use ISIS as a selling point. For nearly 16 years politicians have attempted to use terrorism for political gain.

First of all, let’s tell the truth. Terrorism will never be defeated by military action. Terrorist attacks are based on ideology. Although it is fueled by leaders who profess anger and hatred aimed at influencing the innocent people of the world, those who choose to join their ‘army’ are convinced that their beliefs align with their own. Of course we know that they have been fooled. Regardless, our leaders must be more intelligent than the leaders of ISIS, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, and others who would murder anyone who refuses to share their twisted view of the religion of Islam.

Donald Trump, his white nationalist associates, and many members of his own party would like you to believe that all Muslims seek the destruction of western civilization. They are only accomplishing one thing; making it easier for terrorist organizations to recruit young Muslims by using emotions inspired by hatred.

Only by joining with Muslim leaders can we convince young men and women who practice the religion of Islam that theirs is a religion based on peace, not anger, hatred, and violence.

This last week has exposed a serious omission by our lawmakers. They have ignored a single fact for seven decades. American domestic terrorism is a danger which must be addressed.

Republicans refuse to call white supremacists ‘terrorists.’ There are no statistics about ‘hate crimes;’ and hate crimes are acts of terrorism by definition. In June of 2015 Donald Trump declared his candidacy for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination. Since that time, the Southern Poverty Law Center has estimated that hate crimes have increased by 800 percent. That means that domestic terrorism has risen to an alarming level. African Americans, Hispanics, the LGBTQ community, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and women live in constant fear.

The mainstream media and our politicians refuse to discuss these facts. The evil which exists in America is ignored. Journalists and politicians would prefer that the focus be on outside threats. But the fact remains that domestic terrorists are a greater danger to most Americans than ISIS or any other foreign terrorist group.

The Trump Effect is very real, and our nation is far less than ‘great’ because of that fact.

Please re-post; thank you.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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