Our Country Has Chosen The Path To War

It seems we are in the the process of starting a war the likes of which has never been seen.  The new President of the United States is determined to take us there and it will be sooner rather then later I fear. In one week he has raised his fist to the rest of the world. He has increased tensions with China, Mexico and the entire Muslim community.

China has moved nuclear missiles close to the Russian boarder aimed at the US. A trade war with Mexico seems pretty imminent and cooperation with that government over security issues is threatened. But worst of all, Donald Trump has in effect declared a war on the Muslim religion with his ban on travel and immigration from Muslim countries. His ban is clearly a religious ban since he has indicated that Christians from those same countries will be allowed entry to the US. His action in this area is most likely illegal and unconstitutional but it is also shameful and goes against every American value. Worse yet it will incite more hatred for the US.

Lets be honest. Terrorism is based on grievances and Donald Trump has just provided more grievances to many people in the world. In doing so he has put us all at risk. Of course if something terrible happens, he and his advisors will point to the actions themselves and not the causes. He and his advisers will take swift and ramped up actions that will again put us all at greater risk. The tough man image and attitude is the last thing needed at this point in such a dangerous world but that is what and who was chosen in the November election.

The only hope we have is that some people who advise him and with specific levels of real authority will stand up to him and let him know that his approach as well as his orders are wrong and dangerous and will not be followed when they cross moral and constitutional lines.

People have argued that he needs to be given a chance. It is only one week he has had in office they say. Perhaps that could have been a valid argument a few days ago but when his actions put us all at risk and in fact go against so much that the US is built on, from values to laws, chance is not the issue. He has shown his mental instability and it could impact the world at this point. We are stuck with a Congress that can't negotiate with itself. They, who should be leaders, are in fact scared followers and weak opponents.

So the path to war is the one we have taken unless Donald Trump changes his ways, his directions and his actions. Everything we've seen doesn't indicate that will happen. In the meantime people who believe in peace have to take actions that they're comfortable with -  from prayer to petitions to protests to active non violent resistance. Our world really depends on it this time.