John Pavlovitz: Why I Oppose Donald Trump

[babylonsister]

http://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/08/07/oppose-donald-trump/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=John+Pavlovitz

Why I Oppose Donald Trump
August 7, 2017 / John Pavlovitz


We’re now seven months into Donald Trump’s Presidency and I’m aware that some of you take great issue with my pointed critiques of the man, his body of work, and his supporters—because you’re sure to tell me this at every turn.

snip//

If you haven’t yet privately felt or publicly expressed outrage at what Donald Trump is doing to our Government, the way he is targeting the poor and marginalized, or his unfitness for this job—you probably shouldn’t bother asking me why I’m opposing him. You won’t understand my reply, no matter how carefully I craft my words or how intent I am in helping you understand.

At this point there are fundamental differences between us. The things that outrage us are simply not compatible, and probably never will be. I know I can’t change that. I can’t force your eyes to see what mine see, or your heart to be burdened for the things that burden mine, or your stomach to turn at what currently turns mine. You own your eyes and your heart and your stomach—and your response to the world. That’s your responsibility and your right and truly none of my business—but I’m surely not going to stop calling out what I see or temper my disgust simply because it bothers you.

That would miss the point entirely.

My opposition is not about you and it’s not about Donald Trump either—it’s about me.
It’s about my personal convictions as a father, husband, friend, Christian, pastor, American, and a participant in humanity.
It’s about the things that keep me up at night and boil my blood and cause me to grieve.

In the presence of injustice, I believe silence is participation, and these days I am witnessing more of it than I can bear—and so I speak;
not to piss you off, but so I can sleep at night,
not to insult you, but so I’m able to look myself in the mirror,
not to make trouble, but because my kids deserve a father they can be proud of,
not to be divisive, but to keep the peace within my own head,
not to manufacture venom or dispense vitriol—but so on my last day on the planet I can say that I did the best I could with the time I had and the voice I was given, and the great privilege I had to be healthy and loved and able to speak.

That’s all any of us can do with their lives: try and make them matter.

More...

http://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/08/07/oppose-donald-trump/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=John+Pavlovitz

[Cosmocat]

1. W O N D E R F U L

I rarely can say that this person speaks for me.

In this instance, I can.

[Achilleaze]

2. k & r

[smirkymonkey]

3. K&R

[Cary]

4. I have no problem pissing off #fakepresident supporters

Am I wrong for that?

I ask myself if #fakepresident is a 21st Century iteration of National Socialism and the answer I get back is ose.to a resounding yes. I have a residual lingering doubt because, the unthinkable, it rears its ugly head here. I don't like admitting that it is here.

And then to what end does one yield to or compromise with fascism? One cannot compromise with fascism. It.has to be totally defeated and condemned. I have nothing for them but contempt.

It's their incessant lies and smears that must be stamped out.

[lamp_shade]

5. Pavlovitz is wonderful. I'm a big fan.

[carpediem]

6. Exactly how I feel. Well worth the read.