(DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca)

OPINION

There are tens of millions of Americans - Republicans - who believe they know best…and that somehow they have the right to tell all other Americans not only how to live but where they can “go back to” if they don’t like it.

The trouble is - and some haven’t figured this out yet - being white doesn’t give you any more or any fewer rights than any other American. So, this is an open letter to those who call themselves Republicans — or more accurately — Trump Republicans.

Regardless of the alarming idiocy that comes out of Trump’s mouth or from his tweets daily, you’re somehow able to look the other way. If you care about America you would be better served to watch what Trump and his corrupt administration do rather than listen to what they say. You and other Trump Republicans don’t get to decide anything for the rest of us. You have a voice — like everyone else — but you don’t get to dictate. That’s not democracy.

Perhaps that arrogance comes from the old days when black people were enslaved…and later during Jim Crow when blacks were Americans…just not quite as good as white Americans. Among the many tragic flaws of Donald Trump…he’s a racist. He’s proven his bigotry his entire life…and has turned it up in recent weeks.

Trump dog-whistled to a huge group of white people…long before he co-opted the Republican Party and ran for President. He started his campaign of fear and hatred decades before his official presidential campaign.

He realized…even though he’s no more Republican than one of my hound dogs…that the Republican Party had some weaknesses…and he could exploit its members. Scare the hell out of white people…especially after the first black president…and his racist rhetoric and actions could win him the White House.

So, that’s what he has done…full bore for years. Scaring white people…intimating that blacks are taking over…that Mexicans are taking over. They’re all murderous gang members and rapists, according to Trump.

The Religious Right and the other do-gooders in the former Grand Old Party have looked the other way every time - every single time - that the most despicable man to ever occupy the Oval Office has done the most amoral, un-American things imaginable.

I don’t think you Trump Republicans are stupid. But, that only leaves one choice…you’re racists. Now, the news media has tip-toed around this obvious fact for years. And I’m sick and tired of it. Sorry, folks, but if you choose not to rebuke a racist and rather chant “send her back”…you’re a racist.

Further, I don’t give a crap whether you like being called a racist or not. You are. But you can change…you have a choice. It’s a big decision. Do you want to let this semi-ignorant president define your America? Will you accept what he hopes you will buy into…that Democrats and Liberals and blacks and Mexicans are going to somehow take for themselves what you have.

Now, listen closely because this is where the stupid or smart comes in. Trump’s betting on you being stupid. He believes you’ll buy into his racist lies…that somehow your freedom and rights and privileges as an American will be diminished because others - people of colour - become Americans.

There are already tens of millions of Americans who are people of colour…most were born here. A huge number of them serve or served in the military. Real patriots…not like the draft-dodging coward that lives in the White House.

And just in case you somehow missed the irony…the folks telling Americans if they don’t like their government they should leave…are the same folks telling asylum seekers if they don’t like their government they should stay and fix it.

Those who think I’m being too harsh. Again, I just don’t care. You looked the other way for this disgusting president…and Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham and almost every other Trump Republican. So, just look the other way for me and the tens of millions more who simply aren’t putting up with people acting un-American anymore.

Unfortunately, you haven’t learned what every Democrat…every person of colour…already knows. We want an America for everyone…including white people. You don’t lose because someone gains freedom…and safety…and dignity…and economic viability. What’s so hard about embracing a better life for everyone?

No, no, no. I really don’t want to hear more of your bullshit. Don’t fall further for the racist lies of Trump and the vast majority of Trump Republican lawmakers. You’re living better than ever today…you’ve not given up anything. Those who go to church every Sunday…spend a little more time talking with your Lord. Do you really believe He wants for America what Trump and the Trump Republicans are doing? Is that His America? Is it your America?

History won’t treat Trump or anyone who follows him kindly. But it’s never too late to change…to renounce racism…and hate…and corruption. I’m pulling for you…because you’re an American.

C’mon folks. The tide rises and falls…every day. And if you somehow believe it rises for some…but not others. You’re not only a racist…you might, indeed, be stupid.

— Don Thompson, an American awaiting Canadian citizenship, lives in Vernon and in Florida. In a career that spans more than 40 years, Don has been a working journalist, a speechwriter and the CEO of an advertising and public relations firm. A passionate and compassionate man, he loves the written word as much as fine dinners with great wines. His essays are a blend of news reporting and opinion.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2019