Newspaper in denial

The members of the Editorial Board of the Daily Herald are either delusional or engaging in magical thinking when they state that the election of Trump does not mean that the values embedded in the Pillars of Character are a farce. This election has proven without a doubt that the majority of American voters do not care one whit about character. That is the harsh reality that cannot be wished away by “refusing to believe it.” Not useful.

New York Times opinion writer, Carlos Lozada, very clearly articulates this repugnant truth in his essay, Stop Pretending Trump is Not Who We Are (Nov. 6). I encourage everyone to read it and acknowledge this problem.

In 1930s Europe, many Jewish people couldn’t fathom that their neighbors would turn on them. Indeed, some Polish Jews were momentarily relieved that the Germans whom they saw as advanced cultured people in comparison to the barbaric Russians invaded. We know how that story ended.

Yes, it sickens me to know that my belief in the fundamental goodness of my fellow citizens has been shattered, but trying to wish away horrific character and behavior does not work.

So, after acknowledging that the enemy is not simply one man but us, we need to try to figure out how to reset our collective moral compass. Tragically, many of our religious institutions have forfeited their moral authority - some by throwing in with Trump, a blasphemer who breaks most of the Commandments with impunity - so I won’t look there for leadership.

I do not have any answers and right now have little hope. Perhaps our nation will have to suffer greatly in order for people to engage in the soul-searching needed to right the ship. But, although I do not have answers, I do know that denial will only prolong and worsen the situation. As is said in AA, the first step is to admit you have a problem.

Kim Freitag

Elgin