Hatred, bigotry must be rejected

To the editor: 

People are not garbage. They are human beings. These statements should not require any explanation. Unfortunately, our president’s recent remarks require he be reminded of these facts.

In a cabinet meeting on Dec. 2, President Donald Trump said the Somalis living in the United States are “garbage.” He further proclaimed they should be sent “back to where they came from.” Vice President J.D. Vance pounded on a table in agreement. No cabinet member expressed reservations with such bigoted nonsense. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s remarks represented an “epic moment” and that Trump’s comments were “amazing.”  

Indeed, Trump’s “amazing” remarks underlined the disdain he holds for those who are different. In this case, it was those of Somali descent. But our president has a long history of throwing bile at anyone who holds different political opinions or religious views. It’s readily slung at people different due to physical or mental disabilities, sexual orientation, or females who are unattractive to him. 

It's important to note that Trump did not distinguish in his “garbage” label between Somalis who are citizens and those who are not. Trump believes all those of Somali descent should leave the country.

There are about 260,000 people of Somali descent in the United States. According to the Census Bureau, over 90% of them are U.S. citizens. Nearly half of those citizens were born in this country. While results vary by state, around 70% of working age adult Somali Americans are employed. Thousands are highly trained professionals. Yet, Trump doesn’t want them here.  

There is disturbing logic to Trump’s use of the word “garbage” in reference to humans. Garbage can be thrown out or run down the disposal. You can incinerate it. If those sentences don’t give you pause, just substitute the word “Jews” for “Somalis” and think of Germany in the 1930s. Calling a group of people “garbage” is designed to remove their humanity. You can treat ‘garbage’ any way you want without shame. 

I don’t believe most Americans think Somalis or any group of people are “garbage.” But it’s critical that the public tell President Trump and Congress that we don’t accept this kind of behavior. 

Trump will justify his remarks based on the massive governmental fraud committed by about one hundred individuals of Somali descent. Those people need to be prosecuted. But lumping an entire ethnic group in with these crooks is wrong. It’s bigotry.  

By Trump’s apparent definition, if anyone in a group is guilty of illegal or offensive behavior, all in that group should leave the country. If that were so, then the place to start would be at the White House. Our president is a convicted felon and sexual predator. By Trump’s own logic, he, his cabinet, and the White House staff all need to leave the U.S. That’s not going to happen. Nor should it. Citizens have a legal right to remain here. Even Trump. While he should be responsible for his misdeeds, we don’t exile our presidents once their terms are over.    

The president is elected as head of state of all the people of the United States, not just those who share his political views, religion, or skin color. We, as a citizenry, must reject Trump’s bigotry and hatred. Our country stands for something better. We might start with a healthy dose of compassion.       

While my words may not change any minds, remaining silent is not an option for this writer. For those who agree with this letter, but have yet to publicly raise your voice, now would be a good time. 

Eric R. Rogers

Portland