The American Experience and an UnAmerican President

It is most appropriate that these words are being written on the day celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday and 50 years after his violent assassination and death. It is being written in the midst of a controversy about Donald Trump's statements in a meeting with Senators and House Members on immigration policies related to children and young adults who were brought to this country illegally but through no fault of their own.

Many of the things that I'm thinking and writing now, are things that I have said in the past. Perhaps not as clearly or strongly but they have been there, on paper and in words. I don't take pleasure in saying them and my goal isn't to demonize Donald Trump. His actions and words speak for themselves.

I'd like to talk about this before we become too divided to think logically or converse sensibly with each other. Lets really look at the American experience that most of us know and most of us accept. Most everyone knows and accepts that our ancestors, whether they were first, second or third generation immigrants, came to this country with very little in terms of wealth. We also realize that they came from countries where there was extreme poverty, hunger and or oppression of some sort. In addition, those of us who have families dating back to the actual origins of this country also realize that those ancestors were mostly not well off by any means. They were farmers, working new and difficult land. They were hunters, trappers and explorers. We all have our own and unique stories.

My maternal grandmother came from Ireland with a brother and sister without her parents. She was a scrub woman initially, rising to cleaner and waitress in a fancy outdoor club in northeastern Pennsylvania. She met my grandfather, who's farm land had been sold to the club where he became a hunting guide. On my father's side of the family, the story is not that different. His mother was from a German immigrant family of butchers and shopkeepers. His father's family was in this country longer, but they were not wealthy, most working with their hands as carpenters and builders. The fact is, this is most of our experience. This is the American experience. The majority of our early relatives came to this country or lived in this country with little wealth. Oh yes, there has always been a small minority of wealthy immigrants or families in America but they have always been a minority.

At the time our relatives traveled those long distances, the countries they were coming from were most likely in some sort of economic or political upheaval and they were most likely seen as some sort of "hole". The folks who came were not looked up to. They of course were "holers" They had to take the most menial task and sometimes couldn't get a job at all, so they went on and created their own work or business. Not all were successful. Some failed and went in the direction of crime, alcohol or drugs. Yes, all of this is the American experience and we all share some portion of it. It brings us together. America is extraordinary in that it takes people like my relatives and yours and lets them be and do better.

Other things also bring us together. The ability to have different views, to argue and to debate them, with passion and respect. Republicans, Democrats, conservatives, liberals, etc. have been debating each other and trying to come to workable solutions for years. But it's not as easy as it once was. Nationalism and real hatred has begun to appear in these discussions at a much higher level.

The challenge we have today is that we have a President who is not a Republican or a conservative. Instead, we have a President who is unAmerican in everything he says and believes. In addition he says and does hateful things and attempts to divide an entire nation. Some will be shocked that I am saying this but look at the facts. Look at what he says about people of color, people of the Muslim faith, immigrants from poor countries. Look at what he says and does relative to the Judiciary, a separate branch of government. Look at what he does and says relative to the Justice Department and his expectation that it exists for his protection. Look at what he says about the First Amendment and his view of a free press. Look at statements he makes and has made about a former President and his birth. Look at his actions and beliefs relative to going after political opponents and suggesting their arrest and jailing. Look at his statements on Charlottesville. His view and lack of knowledge on the US Constitution are shocking to say the least. His extremely strong belief that his business interests present absolutely no ethical conflicts with his role in government is beyond most of our country's business and ethical standards. He believes other government officials and employees should have unquestioning loyalty to him rather then to the Constitution they swear to uphold. He scoffs at the rule of law and seems to believe it is different for people depending on their status. Last but not least, he is a bully. He makes up nicknames to make fun of his questioners.

To me, these things are at varying levels un American. Many won't say it. Many don't want to say it. Many rationalize their support or silence citing the fact that they're trying to get bigger and more important things done or sadly because they fear his retaliation. But nothing can be more important than telling the truth about the man who would like to be an Emperor or a King. We are at a very dangerous time. The danger needs to be shouted from every corner. This really is unAmerican.

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s last book's title may provide some of the questions we need to ask right now. That title is "Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community?"