Fuel for Faith

Mrs. Clinton has attempted to back-track on her recent condemnation of Trump supporters as being “a basket of deplorables”. They are “deplorable” because (she is determined to make you to think) they are “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, you name it”

These comments were made to an audience which compliantly laughed profusely, agreeably and hysterically. Such accusations are common and will continue to be thrown at Trump and his supporters, such as myself, this election season. So what about it: am I “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, you name it?”

I have to “come clean” and “fess up” at the outset: I’m white. Not only am I white, but I’m male. Some of my white counterparts and some white women think that these two facts alone require profuse apologies and hand-wringing: I suggest they take it up with my mother and father.

As if being a white male weren’t bad enough, I just happen to be heterosexual, and…gulp…I’m also a professing Christian. To those who are at the extreme end of the politically-correct spectrum these confessions are sufficient to throw me into Mrs. Clinton’s basket of deplorables for life.

AM I RACIST?

To my mind all “races” are equal in value, gifts, and talent, and should be treated accordingly, though I’m convinced there’s only one race-the human race. African-Americans, as Mr Trump said himself recently, have contributed to the culture and success of this nation to an incalculable extent and in countless ways, as have Hispanics and many others. They make America what it is. They enrich and color (excuse the pun) the culture, and they’re loved by our Creator every bit as much as I’m loved by him. They are my brothers and sisters in the flesh.

SEXIST?

Believe it or not, I married a woman, which I still see as a very shrewd and sensible move. She’s my equal in almost every way, and certainly my better in some things. I am, however, physically stronger than her. I don’t see that as a “sexist” remark: if she and I were to have a boxing match you’d be wise to bet on me and not her. If there were a woman running for President who gained my respect by being honest and supporting good, godly policies, I may well vote for her, because women can be amazingly well organized, practical and determined. Men and women are equal in value: we just have some differences, and I say, “Vivre la difference!”

HOMOPHOBIC?

While I don’t agree with the lifestyle I’ve had several gay and lesbian friends over the years, and some of them were amazing people. It’s been my experience that in general they have a tremendous sense of humor, are caring and sociable, and take a positive view of their lives. Being human, they’re equal to me in value and talents. Again, I think their lifestyle is wrong, but I know that God loves them, and wishes them to repent of their sins and be saved just as he wishes me to repent of mine. It seems to me that people who want to take away my right to an opposing view (such as Mrs. Clinton) and to call me “hateful” suffer from “homophobia-phobia”.

XENOPHOBIC?

I’ve spent time in several different countries, and I love to experience other cultures. I have a special admiration and fascination for the people and culture of Asian countries such as India and China. I’ve had friends from many different countries and ethnic backgrounds. I love to learn about other places, other art forms, foreign food, architecture, literature. If someone from Syria were to move in next to me I would be happy to befriend them as I would any Westerner. I just happen to believe we should take care who we let into the country, that’s all.

When I immigrated, I had to wait five and a half years in my country of origin before receiving my green card, during which time my background was thoroughly researched and my body examined for various diseases. I did not resent it at all, in fact it felt good to know that the US cared that much about who immigrated. Currently such precautions are virtually non-existent.

ISLAMOPHOBIC?

Some people share President Obama’s view that to question someones motives for coming into the US is being “fearful”. That’s poppycock. He locks his doors at night, and he has an armed guard, as does Mrs. Clinton. Is that being “fearful”, or is it being prudent? I’m convinced it’s the latter. There are plenty of people around the world who’ve expressed the determination to kill as many Americans and Westerners as possible, and most of them are extremists of a certain religion we all know the name of. It’s not being fearful to examine their motives for coming: it’s being wise. Trump has not suggested banning all Muslims from immigration, but only much more cautious approach than Mr. Obama has. Yes, the great majority of them really are ”peace-loving” people, but even if only one percent of the world’s Muslims take their scriptures literally, that’s still many millions of people who believe the world must be conquered for Allah one way or another-by violence if necessary. Let’s love them, but be wary. Again, that’s not fear, it’s prudence.

“YOU NAME IT”

Alright, I’ll name it. The current administration supports and defends abortion on demand for any reason and without question, and Mrs Clinton feels the same way. So I would say that at the top of her “you name it” list would be pro-lifers, of which I am a proud member. I will never change my view on that, and I will never apologize for it.

Another “fear” I’m said to have is of globalism, and perhaps I really do have a fear of that: America should retain its individuality and its strengths, and not be watered down by lowest-common-demonator thinking. Most particularly, if some people have their way, the gospel of Jesus Christ will be silenced in order to avoid “offending” people of other religions-one in particular-who will have all the freedom they wish to further their own religion. To me this is the deep-down un-stated aim of globalism: the end of the influence of Christianity and the gospel of Jesus. I think it’s right to be wary of the attempt to bury the Way to life…

I suppose I’ll just have to get one of those t-shirts, which reads “PROUD TO BE A DEPLORABLE!”