Since 2016, hate crimes in America have risen by 800 percent. In the last two years there have been more mass shootings than days on the calendar. Unless you are Christian, you are unwelcome in America. Our nation is divided and filled with angry and even hate-filled individuals. Protests against the thinly-disguised and destructive policies of Donald J. Trump are frequent in our cities. Tourism is down since Trump’s election; does anyone understand why?

At first glance a four percent decline does not appear catastrophic, but this is one of our nation’s largest industries. It touches every one of our 50 states. Any travel destination would be euphoric if it experienced a four percent increase.

The travel industry is beginning a new campaign focused on downplaying Trump’s ‘America First’ campaign, and welcoming tourists from around the world.

I wish them luck. Personally, I refuse to travel outside of my own state. Any thought of flying on our airlines, which have become far too expensive, uncomfortable, and very inconvenient, is in the past. Recognizing the growing dangers of traveling as an American eliminates any thought of international travel.

I admit that if I were a citizen of any European, Asian, or African country, travel to today’s America would not be on my list of ‘vacation destinations.’

Please re-post; thank you.

Op-ed by James Turnage

SOURCE

Image courtesy of John Drake

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