Dear Donald Trump, The Word You’re Looking For Is 'Terrorism'
Start writing a post
Politics

Dear Donald Trump, The Word You’re Looking For Is 'Terrorism'

America in the year 2017 simply has no place for this kind of racism, bigotry and hatred.

13
Dear Donald Trump, The Word You’re Looking For Is 'Terrorism'
Zain Khan / Twitter

Terrorism is defined as "the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims." Therefore, when an individual plows his car into a crowd of people protesting the "Unite The Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, with the intention of causing harm and intimidating these protesters because of his political standing, he becomes a terrorist. James Alex Fields, the man who killed a woman and wounded 19 others by slamming his Dodger into a crowd of counter-protesters is a terrorist, no more, no less.

Yet, the usual outcry from the right is not present with the same passion this time. A few like, surprisingly, Ted Cruz, had the good sense to call this what it was: an act of terrorism, but the rest are shockingly silent. The same people that compared Syrian refugees to skittles in a bowl and called for Muslim bans and even more screening are not saying much this time. Maybe there should be a better vetting process for white men- let's ban white men, or maybe have them all wear badges? We could bug their churches, ask the other white Christian men to report it to authorities if they think their family or friends are becoming radicalized.

President Donald Trump, the same man that constantly criticized his predecessor, former President Obama, for failing to call terrorist attacks 'Radical Islamic Terrorism' had this to say yesterday about the events that transpired in Charlottesville:

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides, on many sides. It's been going on for a long time in our country. Not Donald Trump, not Barack Obama, this has been going on for a long, long time. It has no place in America. What is vital now is a swift restoration of law and order and the protection of innocent lives. No citizen should ever fear for their safety and security in our society. And no child should ever be afraid to go outside and play or be with their parents and have a good time.

I just got off the phone with the governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, and we agree that the hate and the division must stop, and must stop right now. We have to come together as Americans with love for our nation and true affection-- really, I say this so strongly, true affection for each other. Our country is doing very well in so many ways. We have record -- just absolute record employment. We have unemployment the lowest it's been in almost 17 years. We have companies pouring into our country, Foxconn and car companies and so many others. They're coming back to our country. We're renegotiating trade deals to make them great for our country and great for the American worker.

We have so many incredible things happening in our country, so when I watch Charlottesville, to me it's very, very sad. I want to salute the great work of the state and local police in Virginia. Incredible people…”

The man who repeatedly called for Obama to call terrorism ‘Radical Islamic Terrorism’ refused to call the actions of Fields simply terrorism, let alone ‘Radical Caucasian Terrorism.’ In fact, he refused to even address the white supremacists, the Nazis or the KKK; he never mentioned them by name or openly condemned them when just the same morning David Duke, the leader of the KKK made this statement:

“This represents a turning point for the people of this country. We are determined to take our country back. We are going to fulfill the promises of Donald Trump. That’s what we believed in, that’s why we voted for Donald Trump. Because he said he’s going to take our country back. That’s what we gotta do.”

Trump did not condemn his words or disassociate himself with these groups, which fall under his voter demographic. In fact, he spun off in a completely different direction, praising himself and all that he has ‘accomplished’ as President. It really says something about the President of the United States when he is tougher on Rosie O'Donnell and Mitch McConnell than he is on White Supremacists and the KKK.

He even seems to go as far as to equate the racists, xenophobes and anti-Semites with those there to protest them, by saying that the hatred, bigotry and violence is taking place ‘on many sides,’ making a vague statement even more vague.

The events that transpired in Charlottesville were inhumane, disgusting and tragic. America in the year 2017 simply has no place for this kind of racism, bigotry and hatred. If there was ever a time for the president to pick a side this is it; he cannot ride the fence with vague press conferences and empty rhetoric. The best course of action would be for the president to authorize his attorney general to investigate the hate crimes that took place over the weekend and to act on this kind of hatred and violence. By doing nothing he is sending the message to the entire nation that this is acceptable, the same way he invoked and empowered these same groups with the rhetoric he employed during his campaign.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57046
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36784
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958546
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190033
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments