After a stunning defeat of Hillary Rodham Clinton (HRC) as President of the United States of America by Donald J. Trump, “We the People,” still find no unity.
It does not facilitate healing when an op-ed piece only further divides an already divided nation across party lines. The piece I am referring to is, “Voter anger over Trump’s election goes deeper than Clinton’s loss.”
In this opinion piece, the author Phil Shailer states, “It wasn’t your politics I found repulsive. No, it was your willingness to support someone who spouts racism, sexism, and cruelty almost every time he opens his mouth… So in response to your post-election of hope, no, you and I won’t be coming together to move forward…”
Mr. Shailer closes his op-ed in the Sun Sentinel by stating, “… but it is the fact that he doesn’t disgust you that will stick with me long after the election.” After reading this op-ed piece on a friend’s Facebook feed, it reminds me what my hometown girl, Melinda Henneberger (Opinion writer, USA TODAY) once said in her feed, “Trump supporters always say, well Hillary did or said…” as a response for justification for any criticism and/or critique of Trump’s shortcomings. In my opinion, Melinda was one-hundred percent correct on her assertion(s).
However, counted as one of those “Trump supporters,” I do not feel compelled to have to defend my vote to you. Nor, do I have to defend Donald J. Trump’s previous actions and/or statements. Quite frankly Mr. Shailer, you state in one sentence that, “It wasn’t your politics I found repulsive.” However, in the next sentence you state your true position, “…it was your willingness to support someone who spouts…” I can say the same of you sir.
According to your own words, you are willing to support your candidate and stand behind their actions. What if I tried and convicted you – guilt by association, of Hillary’s criminal and treasonous actions (still pending FBI investigation).
If millions of Trump supporters or I separated our “politics” from “The Donald,” he would not be the next President-elect of the United States. Can and did I separate my moral outrage over some of POTUS-elect statements?! Yes! Can you tell me that you agreed with all of Hillary’s statements or treasonous actions? If so, then do you think that half of the American population is “deplorable and irredeemable?” Sorry Melinda, it is much harder not to compare/justify Trump to Hillary than I thought.
Nevertheless, there you have it… An op-ed piece designed for justification for your moral superiority for voting for your candidate over the reprobate (in your opinion) that I voted for during this election cycle. What if in my righteous indignation that I made you account for your vote of one of the most morally bankrupt, corrupt, and treasonous individual who ever endeavored to run for elected office?
Sir, I served in the Marines. I am proud of my service. It is not the first or will be the last time that I stand on the front line to defend the freedoms (First) that many of my brothers and sisters have fought and died for on your behalf.
Since I cannot separate the “Man from his politics,” and Hillary’s “politics” are (in my opinion) detrimental to the national security of this great nation, I am delighted sir that you are disgusted with my choice. Because frankly, as a Marine (who held a Top Secret Security Clearance during my entire tenure), I am appalled that HRC even came close to the White House.
As you could have done, but chose not to in your op-ed… This is my reverent prayer for moving forward for this great nation, forgiveness and healing… To quote John Dickinson (Founding Father and writer of “The Liberty Song”), “By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall!”
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