And Now…More about Trump’s Vile Comments about Other Countries
I rarely compose an entire post responding to commenters, but this time I feel a prophetic compulsion to do so.
First, many of you who jumped to defend Trump in response to my most recent blog post (about his calling certain other countries than the U.S. “sh*thole countries”) often missed my point entirely. It was not aimed at Trump’s presidency as a whole or even his politics or policies. And it certainly was not a defense of any other politicians. Do NOT make unjustified assumptions about me based on things I say or do NOT say here. I will no longer post comments to my blog like that. So beware; you will be wasting your time.
Second, IF you defended Trump’s remark about other countries—as true about them—let me ask you this (or ask you to consider this). What effect do you think his labeling of those countries will inevitably have on children adopted from those countries—in their schools, in their neighborhoods, on their playgrounds—possibly for years to come? If you think “nothing” you cannot be thinking clearly or empathetically.
In the U.S. today there are literally thousands of children adopted—many by evangelical Christians—from the countries Trump reportedly labeled “sh*thole countries.” And the overall implication of his remarks (as reported by senators who were present of both parties) is inescapably that the U.S. should not permit people from those countries to immigrate here. I don’t care what his private intentions were—inside his own mind—I’m talking here about the implications of his comment, the predictable consequences.
Without any doubt some of the children adopted from those countries will suffer because of his comment. Even if he thinks it’s true (even if you think it’s true!) he should have kept it to himself or at least stated his opinion in less inflammatory language.
I ask you who defend his comment this question: What would you think of a person who made such a comment about certain other countries in the world in the presence of children recently adopted from them? President Trump’s comment predictably went out to the whole world—including those children and those who love them and those who don’t love them—because of their race or national origin.
I have to say to you that you simply lack empathy (as he apparently does).
*Sidebar: The opinions expressed here are my own (or those of the guest writer); I do not speak for any other person, group or organization; nor do I imply that the opinions expressed here reflect those of any other person, group or organization unless I say so specifically. Before commenting read the entire post and the “Note to commenters” at its end.*
My prophetic rant—aimed at those evangelical leaders who defend his comment or remain silent about it—was not about immigration policy; it was about empathy and compassion—for those from those countries already living in the U.S.—and for those Christians (and others) in those countries working to lift them up with the gospel and with aid.
Now let me shift to that—those Christian missionaries and others living and working in those countries that Trump labeled “sh*thole countries.” Imagine the impact that must have on them! What a horror—to be there, working hard to bring them the gospel, to be in solidarity with them in their vulnerability, to live and work among them for their good and to have your own president label the country you are working so hard to help a “sh*thole country.” Unimaginable. No, I’m wrong…totally imaginable (even though I cannot feel what they must feel because I’m not there with them).
Those of you who call yourselves Christians and defend Trump’s comment are either ignorant or lacking in empathy or both. I don’t care what your thoughts or feelings are about immigration policy or even illegal immigrants. Why could you not immediately think of adopted children from those countries? Why could you not immediately think of Christian missionaries (and other American aid workers) living and working in those countries?
That you didn’t simply baffles me beyond comprehension—if you consider yourself a Christian or just a caring, empathetic person. The only way to get you off the hook of condemnation is to assume you were just not thinking of these people (viz., adopted children and missionaries). Clearly Trump was not, but I don’t expect him to. What I do expect is that YOU—who defend Trump’s comment and call yourselves Christians would.
*Note to commenters: This blog is not a discussion board; please respond with a question or comment only to me. If you do not share my evangelical Christian perspective (very broadly defined), feel free to ask a question for clarification, but know that this is not a space for debating incommensurate perspectives/worldviews. In any case, know that there is no guarantee that your question or comment will be posted by the moderator or answered by the writer. If you hope for your question or comment to appear here and be answered or responded to, make sure it is civil, respectful, and “on topic.” Do not comment if you have not read the entire post and do not misrepresent what it says. Keep any comment (including questions) to minimal length; do not post essays, sermons or testimonies here. Do not post links to internet sites here. This is a space for expressions of the blogger’s (or guest writers’) opinions and constructive dialogue among evangelical Christians (very broadly defined).
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