During Trump’s first run for office Hillary Clinton described him and his supporters as “a basket of deplorables”. They are “deplorable” because (she was determined to make you think) they are “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, you name it”. Mrs Clinton was, of course, hoping to divide and conquer: to gather up the support of as many minorities as she could identify or create, while painting the idea that anyone in her “basket” was the scum of the earth. These accusations prompted me to write a rebuttal, knowing that she would never read it or if she did, care what I had to say.
I decided to re-air my response, because there is still a percentage of people throwing the same tired old accusations at we Trump supporters. My ex-friends and my family, and some of my in-laws in the United Kingdom, shaped by years of propaganda from the media and education system they have there, are convinced to this day that Trump is Hitler’s reincarnation and all his supporters fascists and bigots. They wait with trepidation for us to don swastika armbands and herd them all into concentration camps.
Having once been a far-leftist myself while I lived in the United Kingdom, I can now say with confidence that they are completely misguided and hoodwinked, not to mention judgmental. So here I’ve decided to repeat the response I gave to Mrs. Clinton in answer to her accusations. Am I truly “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, you name it”?
WHITE
I have to “come clean” and “fess up” at the outset: I am white! PLEASE FORGIVE ME! Forgive me for the colour (English spelling) of my skin! Not only am I white, but I’m male! How could anyone be so evil as me! I should probably be dunked in the duckpond until I repent or drown!
In all seriousness, some of my white counterparts and some white women think that these two facts alone require profuse apologies and hand wringing, and probably severe punishment. Why I am guilty for being white and they – including Mrs. Clinton – are not guilty, white as they are, I’m not sure. I suggest they take it up with my mother and father. I suggest they take it up with all my ancestors and my God. To tell the truth, I’ve always wished I’d had browner skin, but I don’t: I didn’t have any say in the matter.
If we want to talk about guilt for the atrocities of past generations, we’re all linked genetically to invaders and marauders: Vikings, Romans, Normans, Genghis Kahn and the Mongols, and who knows how many others over the millennia. Africans and native Americans had their own atrocities going on in past centuries: they weren’t all boy scouts singing cum-by-yah and picking flowers. Human nature is collectively guilty – hence the need for us to forgive one another and seek the mercy of God.
In short, I’ve never owned a slave, never will, and never want to. Call me guilty if you want, but let him who is without sin cast the first stone.
FAITH IN GOD
As if being a white male wasn’t bad enough…gulp…I’m also a professing evangelical Christian. To those who are at the extremely woke end of the political spectrum these confessions are sufficient to throw me into Mrs. Clinton’s basket of deplorables for life.
AM I RACIST?
Here’s my heart. To my mind all “races” are equal in value, gifts, and talent – while having differences – 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 colour (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 gay lifestyle I’ve had 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 and sinful, and they need to repent of it, but I know that God loves them and wishes them to repent and be saved, just as he wishes me to repent of mine and be saved. 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 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 to the United States decades ago 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 closely 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. Under the Democrats such precautions were virtually non-existent.
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, as any nation should, and not be watered down by lowest-common-denominator 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. This turn of events has already occurred in European nations. To me this is the un-stated core 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.
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 that we should have a 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 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 (the Democrats at the time of writing) 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.
I suppose I’ll just have to get one of those t-shirts, which reads “PROUD TO BE A DEPLORABLE!”
Fuel for Faith, Food for Thought 