Key Takeaways
- The recent shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national has led to a disproportionate and bigoted response from Trump.
- Trump’s plans to "permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries" and deport legal immigrants born in "high risk" countries are unconstitional and stir up nativist impulses.
- The concept of being an American is not just about nationality, but about adopting the principles of the country, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
- America is a nation of immigrants, and almost all citizens are descended from "foreigners" who came to the country seeking a better life.
- Trump’s response to the shooting is fueled by bigotry and a desire to fuel hate against anyone who is not a Straight White Male Christian.
Introduction to the Issue
The recent shooting of two National Guard members by a gunman identified as an Afghan national has sparked a horrific and bigoted response from Trump. The president has vowed to "permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries" and deport legal immigrants born in countries deemed "high risk" by the White House. Additionally, Trump plans to strip U.S. citizenship from naturalized migrants who "undermine domestic tranquillity" and detain foreigners deemed to be "non-compatible with Western Civilization" without due process. These actions are not only unconstitional, but they also stir up the worst nativist impulses in America, blaming and scapegoating entire groups of people for the act of one gunman.
The Concept of Being an American
The idea of being an American is not just about nationality, but about adopting the principles of the country. As Ronald Reagan once said, "Anybody from any corner of the world can come to America to live and become an American." This is because America is an idea, a set of aspirations and ideals, more than a nationality. A person becomes an American by adopting America’s principles, especially those principles summarized in the "self-evident truths" of the Declaration of Independence, such as "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This concept is beautifully summed up by Carl Friedrich, who wrote that "To be an American is an ideal, while to be a Frenchman is a fact."
The Danger of Nativism
Trump’s response to the shooting is fueled by bigotry and a desire to fuel hate against anyone who is not a Straight White Male Christian. This kind of nativism is dangerous and goes against the very principles of America. As a nation of immigrants, almost all citizens are descended from "foreigners" who came to the country seeking a better life. Some came eagerly, while others were forced to flee their homelands due to persecution or war. Regardless of their background, these immigrants have contributed to the rich tapestry of American society, bringing with them their unique traditions, cultures, and perspectives. By scapegoating entire groups of people, Trump is not only violating the principles of America, but also undermining the very fabric of the country.
The Importance of Standing Against Bigotry
In the face of Trump’s bigoted response, it is essential to stand against intolerance and hatred. We must call out bigots and protect hardworking members of our community, especially those who are being targeted by Trump’s policies. We must also alert them when ICE is lurking and be prepared to defend their rights. By doing so, we are not only upholding the principles of America, but also ensuring that the country remains a beacon of hope and freedom for people from all over the world. As the author so eloquently puts it, "We won’t buy Trump’s hate. To the contrary, we’ll call out bigots. We won’t tolerate intolerance. We’ll protect hardworking members of our community."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national has led to a disproportionate and bigoted response from Trump. However, it is essential to remember that America is a nation of immigrants, and that the concept of being an American is not just about nationality, but about adopting the principles of the country. By standing against intolerance and hatred, we can ensure that America remains a beacon of hope and freedom for people from all over the world. As the author so aptly puts it, "America is better than this. We won’t succumb to the ravings of a venomous president who wants us to hate each other."