The Enemy is Us

What’s on my mind? The numbing effect of hate.

Fifty dead and as many in critical condition in massacres at two mosques in Christchurch, NZ. Those shot were practising Muslims, targeted for their culture, their beliefs, and because they are “the other.”

Shortly after this terrorist attack, US president Donald Trump tweeted: “My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!”

He did not - nor has he yet to - refer to “Muslims.”

This is the man who, on announcing his presidential candidacy on December 7, 2015, said: “Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what the hell is going on.” 

Once invested in the office, he attempted to place a full travel ban on entry to the US from predominantly Muslim countries.   

It is depressing. Anger-making. Sickening to heart and soul.

There was a time when anyone who felt the need to say a quiet prayer could pass through the doors of a place considered holy - whether a mosque, temple, synagogue, church, or ecumenical hall. The doors to such places are now routinely locked. 

There was a time when a child seeking help could take refuge in a school. School doors are now routinely locked. 

There was a time when someone seeking help could knock on a neighbor’s door to find it. House doors are now routinely locked. I know people who never open their doors to anyone. 

Everyone’s afraid. Fear governs our lives.

Allow me to draw your attention to the powerful poem by German pastor Martin Niemöller. There are many versions of this poem, written at different times, but 1946 is its approximate genesis.

First They Came …

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out -

Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out -

Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out -

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak for me.

Reading and listening to the constant drumbeat of hateful messages has a negative affect on our mental and emotional health - and so we tune it out. 

Speaking too forcefully and too publicly or too stridently may result in being put on an “enemies’ list” by which - in theory - the complainant may be denied entry or re-entry into a country that is rapidly starting to resemble an isolationist autocracy. 

In that country, lies and hate have gained in strength. The rise of hatred has begun giving over to silence. It has made good people afraid to speak, lest relationships with family members, coworkers, and friends strain and break. 

That country is the United States of America.

How could this have happened in a democratic nation of 327 million people? How could this have happened in less than two years of near-despotic rule? As difficult as it is - as exhausting as it is - it is vital that we raise our voices for and about the US.

After President Trump’s “warmest sympathy and best wishes” tweet, 10 more followed - some focusing on the Muller Report (“ … should never have been appointed and there should be no Mueller Report …”) and some, on himself (“....THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN TO A PRESIDENT AGAIN!”).

It would surely not have been so difficult for the Office of the President of the United States to craft a statement under his name to the effect that “We stand with the Muslim community in this time of pain and fear. Our hearts go out to you.” 

A woman I know wrote those sincere, meaningful, heartfelt words shortly after the tragedy. 

Trump tweeted again hours later, perhaps after having been told his first tweet came up short. In part, he wrote: “… we stand in solidarity with New Zealand - and that any assistance the U.S.A. can give, we stand by ready to help. We love you New Zealand!” 

Glib. Meaningless. Patronizing. Asked if he regarded white nationalism as a rising global threat, Trump’s first words were: “Not really.”