Recently, Buzzfeed News shared an account of Donald Trump helping to save an Annabel Hill's farm from foreclosure. It truly is a touching account of Trump using his money and influence to effect positive change.
In brief, the farm was to be auctioned, despite Hill's husband, Lenard's, last attempt to save the farm by committing suicide, hoping his life insurance would pay off the debt owed. It was truly an unfortunate turn for the Hill family, and to have a man of power like Trump come in, pressure the bank to give the family a month to gather the funds, and then help pay a portion of the debt is remarkable. The family is truly in a much better position financially and emotionally, as they are no longer in debt, and they do not feel that Lenard's death was without purpose.
The gift he gave them is priceless and timeless. However, if we were to put a date on this event, we are looking at 1986. This is nearly 30 years ago. In that time, an infant has the opportunity to grow into a respectful, well-rounded adult. It appears, in that time, that Trump has done the opposite.
Just since declaring his candidacy, Trump has proved himself unfit to be any sort of role model. He opened his presidential announcement by putting down his fellow candidates, which was unpleasant and juvenile as far as opening statements go, but his comments on Mexico were beyond belief.
“They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
Despite the obvious faults and prejudices in the statement, some want to defend Trump. As if the tacked on, "And some, I assume, are good people," alleviates tensions or absolves him of his hate speech. If a prominent woman in media said, "Men are rapists, but some, I assume, are good people," no one would champion for cause. Generalizations like that are hateful and dangerous. His statement goes on to include the Middle East saying, "probably [...] But we don’t know." How can you speak in such a fashion on something you "don't know"? (The video of Trump's presidential announcement is available on Youtube.)
As if the prior statements weren't enough trouble for Trump, he attacked Megyn Kelly for her line of questioning during the GOP debate. Each candidate was asked about a weakness, and Trump's obvious failing is respect for women. He showed this vividly in days following the debate. Trump, upset with the line of questioning, said Kelly had “blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever." Although he later indicated he meant nose, many are taking the statement to mean Trump believes Kelly's questions were unfair because she was menstruating at the time. (A soundbite is available here.)
In light of Trump's recent media hurdles, I believe the Buzzfeed article was poorly timed. It read very much like a get out of jail free card for Trump's actions as of late. As if doing this great kindness in saving this farm somehow exempts him from human decency. If anything, it shows decades of missed opportunities for Trump to effect positive changes.
