Donald Trump and Sympathizers Should Apologize
It was disappointing to hear Donald Trump say the words, "I am very proud of myself…" in relation to President Obama releasing his long form birth certificate. A man of character would have taken the opportunity to apologize for disparaging the president and ultimately, his family.This whole birther "silliness," to use the president's phrase, has served only to demonstrate the hatred that a whole lot of people have for Barack Obama. Sadly, many people, including some Christians have participated in this shameful display of distrust and disrespect for a fellow citizen and our national leader. This is clearly unbiblical behavior.
Politically, it would have been a greater "in-your-face" tactic for President Obama to let his haters continue to stew in their birther foolishness, and later release the long form to their greater embarrassment. He demonstrated character by doing something that was completely unnecessary and beneath him. The man is 49 years old, an accomplished American citizen, devoted family man of one wife, and the President of the United States of America!
There are those who will have the gall to say, "Well, he should have released it sooner!" Only a racist or hateful person would suggest that a duly elected President of the United States is an illegal alien. Regardless of your views of Mr. Obama's policies, he has clearly shown himself respectful and "presidential." He seems to show more personal Christian qualities in these matters than those who belittle him.
The inconvenient truth is this: If President Obama had a "normal" name and "pedigree," none of this would have been an issue. Then again, most minorities in our great, but flawed, nation precisely understand what has occurred.
It's not enough to simply dismiss Mr. Trump (and others) as a fringe element, because his views are shared by an alarming percentage of political partisans. Christian leaders, especially in the GOP and Tea Party need to deal with ungodliness if they claim party membership/ideology or follow the biblical mandate to, "Be separate...come out from among them." (2 Cor. 6:17)
