Bigotry, Lying and Stream of Consciousness

We've all been witnessing the debates, the rallies, the conventions, the interviews, protests and everything else associated with the Presidential election in the U.S. We've also seen history. There have been historical events that have helped identify the moral compass of the world. There have also been historical events that have helped identify the moral compass of the U.S. These things include the rise of Hitler, the atrocities of the Holocaust, the use of nuclear weapons in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the spectacle of Sen. Joseph McCarthy, the Nixon tapes and Watergate. When I say moral compass I would emphasis a notion of and a recognition of the times when people decided, usually after the fact, the importance of speaking up about injustice, immorality and hate.

So here we are in 2016. The reality is that we have a candidate for the highest office in the country who is promoting bigotry on various levels and who, based on his own words, lies and changes stories about his own history, beliefs and accomplishments. The challenge is, as it always has been, are there people willing to condemn not just the language of one man but in reality, the movement he's created.

I think it's important to be clear. This candidate is a bigot. He's proven it over and over again. His statements about Mexicans, Muslims and immigrants in general. He seems to be able to lie without any effort and with no sense of remorse or apology. In some cases he seems to be proud of his lies. Most disturbing though are his stream of consciousness rants, where people, real people are subjected to his hateful speech and attacks. Journalists, political figures, parents of soldiers, immigrants and so many more, are subjects of his hatred.

We sit and wonder, how can this be? Where did he come from? Who is he speaking for? Sadly it is us. He came from us, our own insecurity, fear and mistrust. He speaks for so many who feel as though the world has left them behind. He is a fear monger in a time when fear is rampant. He is a divider.

All I know is that people who believe in justice, freedom and peace must speak out.