THE DEMONIZATION OF TRUMP

2016 was an exciting year, politically, for the UK with the unexpected Brexit vote and it ended with an all-time political shocker; Donald Trump was elected President of The United States. I have seen leaders come and go but have never before witnessed the strength of hatred toward a politician as I have in the last recent days. It seemed to reach its summit during the world-wide ‘Women’s Marches’ the day following Trumps inauguration. Whilst Donald Trump was in church praying for divine help and wisdom millions were on the streets waving banners. Captions were personal ‘Not my president,’ ‘Dump Trump,’ ‘Hate Trump, ’and emotive with captions such as ‘abortion on demand & without apology’ & ‘don’t mess with my reproductive rights.’ Scenes unfolded that were more reminiscent of demonstrations on the streets of Gazza or Iran.  I was waiting for the voice of wisdom to speak out against the hysterical scenes that were being played out before the world’s eyes. The women’s marches showed forth an ugliness of humanity that has left many shocked, dismayed or even bewildered.

The demonization of any individual or people is abhorrent. I remember my visit to the holocaust museum in Jerusalem where I saw slogans, pamphlets and propaganda demonizing the Jewish people. This atmosphere paved the way for their murder. Donald Trump it would seem is fair game but I can’t help feeling a sense of unease. Trump is daring to go where other men have feared to tread, abortion, immigration, Israel and the Palestinians, all areas he is impacting. Trump is keeping his promises to those who elected him but stirring up those who didn’t. Any president who dares to take a stand on these political hot potatoes as Trump has should be at least admired for his courage.

During Trump’s campaign my overwhelming feeling was the strength of a Judgmental spiritual at work.  It cannot be denied that Donald Trump has made mistakes, doing and saying the wrong thing, but hey who hasn’t!   Jesus instructed his listeners “Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?” Luke 6:41. I have heard people repeat parrot fashion how ‘Trump is the most dangerous man in the world.’ But I feel far more dangerous is the refusal of the losing side to democratically and graciously accept that Donald Trump is in The Whitehouse.