Perhaps the most disturbing thing about our President Donald Trump’s recent remark about “sh–hole” countries, is the absence of outrage of our many Republican leaders. Denial in the face of worldwide outrage is but an attempt to minimize the impact such a statement has made on the millions of Americans who originate from Africa and Haiti, or perhaps Mexico, if indeed it could be included in this unfortunate category.
I think it’s time that we review the words of the Declaration of Independence: “…that all men are created equal”, and “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, Life Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The pledge of allegiance to the flag: “one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.” And finally, the Statue of Liberty, “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free”.
We must consider that the millions of American school children, sons and daughters of African and Haitian immigrants, will read these words and wonder “do these great promises apply to me?” Should these Haitian and African children be expected to stand for the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag?
The words our President Trump spoke so carelessly are not just an unpleasant mistake. They are in conflict and disdain for the very foundations of our democracy.
Vivian Marlene Dunbar resides in San Ysidro.
