Opinion

Trump, Duke and the Ku Klux Klan

Posted August 08, 2016 1:00 am

Donald Trump ranted, GOP convention delegates roared their approval, and David Duke announced his candidacy for U.S. Senator from Louisiana.

Duke said, "I believe my time has come … the climate of this country has moved in my direction." He added that Americans are "embracing the core issues I have fought for my entire life."

David Duke's core issues are the tenets of the Ku Klux Klan. They are the embodiment of one of the darkest and most shameful aspects of American history.

The fact that Duke is inspired by what he heard at the GOP convention should be a wake-up call for all Americans. Donald Trump is preaching hate at a time when there has never been greater need for mutual understanding, and David Duke is inspired.

The theme of the GOP convention seemed to be, "There are many reasons to be afraid, but Trump will keep you safe." In fact, however, Trump, himself, is the greatest threat to our republic. Surely, a vast majority of Americans find repugnant his policies based on hate. Surely, the Trump-Pence ticket will be soundly defeated in November.

Donald G. Westlake

Wheaton

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