Trump is no model for Christianity
I don’t know whether to be saddened or angry in response to the letter from Patricia Costantino, “No choice but Trump,” which appeared in the Tuesday Observer-Reporter. As a devout Catholic, I find it hard to accept that so many members of my faith and family can be so mistaken in their support for Donald Trump in this election.
Costantino will indeed be supporting Trump’s insensitivity, racism and offensiveness when she votes for him. These characteristics cannot be separated from him. She also states that she will vote for Trump because religious liberty is under serious threat in America today. I agree that liberty is being threatened, but the threat comes from those who think that unless you believe as they do, you are not welcome, nor can you practice your faith. Trump has made it clear that Muslims are not welcome here, and that he would deny them rights that members of other faiths are guaranteed.
Costantino is appalled by the anti-Catholic beliefs of Clinton staffers. I’d like to ask whether she is equally appalled by Trump’s advocacy of torture against the wives and children of suspected terrorists, the use of nuclear weapons and support for the use of guns and fists in response to those with whom we disagree?
Finally, Costantino, admits to having been conned by Trump into thinking that a vote for him will end abortion in America. Many politicians have used this same cynical claim to create a wedge issue in order to attract votes of the religious right. Trump has never stated nor acted upon his “opposition” to abortion. In fact, he has been quoted in the past in support of it. His sudden conversion was a ploy to garner the nomination. But, in reality, he can and will do nothing to end the practice.
Trump is in no way a model of Christian virtue, nor is his campaign a path to follow for Catholics desirous of reforming our laws and society in accordance with their deeply held beliefs. He is, in fact, considering the totality of his views and actions, the polar opposite, regardless of any cynical con job involving abortion. Shame on the Republican Party, and on all of us really, for providing such a fool a platform to spew his ruinous venom.
Bob Thornton
Washington