Saturday, June 4, 2016

Trump's Opponents Need to Dial it Back

I get why people don't like Donald Trump and fear a Trump presidency. Like many people I think he's remarkably ill-informed and rather mercurial in his decision-making. The thought of him at the head of the most powerful country in the world is frightening. I get it. I don't want it either. But Trump's opponents need to dial it back. This past Thursday in San Jose protestors attacked Trump supporters at one of his rallies. This only makes Trump look sympathetic. As an editorial in the San Jose Mercury News stated ("Donald Trump rally violence shames San Jose"):
We understand the anger and passion of protesters Thursday outside the San Jose Convention Center, in a city where Mexican heritage is something to celebrate and tolerance is a hallmark. We know violence is a human response to bullying, and Trump early on encouraged his own supporters to rough up protesters. 
But what happened in San Jose actually elevates Trump, making him a victim and his opponents thugs out to silence free speech. We know not everyone outside the convention center was there for a fight -- our reporters talked to many who felt strongly about Trump but wanted no part of the fighting -- but the fights are what people see all over the internet.
So, if you don't like Trump, don't vote for him. Voice your concerns. Sign up for a workshop on nonviolence. But please, please, don't attack his supporters. It's not helping.

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