Trump election belies American values
The forensic analysis of the disaster that befell our nation on Nov. 8 has been informed by self-serving rationalizations that cannot obscure the fact that a racist, misogynistic, historically ignorant, morally bankrupt and culturally illiterate demagogue has been elevated to the office that is supposed to reflect the most noble values to which we as a country aspire.
White working-class angst, Benghazi lies, media-induced hysteria about the use of email servers and unfounded deceits regarding Clinton Foundation fundraising do not in any way justify demeaning the presidency with this craven pretender.
Even legitimate policy concerns regarding taxes, business regulations, health care, and reproductive rights do not negate the fact that Trump supporters, regardless of conscious intent, have failed the basic obligation of citizenship to reject hatred and ignorance.
The central truth, arduously forged, but still underlying the mythology of American exceptionalism, has been that we embrace decency. I have always felt as if I could trust the inherent decency of my fellow citizens, no matter the depth of the political and cultural chasm. Today, I doubt that faith.
Trump will never be my president. I will accord him the respect he and the Republicans in Congress have shown President Obama. However, I will not cede my country to Trump or his misguided enablers. The ideals of America remain too valuable to be so recklessly surrendered.
The lessons that have been discarded and forgotten need to be relearned. Our unfortunate history suggests that to be a continuing challenge to this country. The fight must be renewed today.
Glenn Sulzer
Grayslake