American Values
They fled from Britain, persecuted by ruling-class Anglicans.
They fled, fearing their lives and their children’s lives were at risk.
They fled across the Atlantic.
They landed here.
Our nation was founded on many basic principles: some say it’s all about guns, others free speech, others the right to protest, and others the right of the free press. When the Founding Fathers gathered to write the founding documents of our nation, they inscribed these rights and beliefs into our Constitution. But one right made this great country: the right to practice religion without persecution, and hence, fear.
Months ago, Donald Trump held a half-scripted speech against Ted Cruz for bringing up New York values as a response to a January Fox News debate question. Trump referenced honesty, straight talk, and bravery. Even as a Pennsylvanian, I couldn’t agree more to the values on display after 9/11 where New York stood united in its “darkest moments”.
Yet, when Trump began his run for the Presidency, he started by bashing Mexicans. Soon, he attacked women. His most recent and prominent assault is on Muslims, after attacks in San Bernardino and Orlando by likely lone-wolf terrorists.
I may not know what New York values are.
But, I do know what American values are. When Trump goes after people because of their religion, sex, or ethnicity, he violates the values that founded this country: freedom from fear and persecution. At a time when Muslims fear to wear hijabs and go to mosques, when Latinos and Latinas are attacked for being from somewhere else. and when women are attacked for wearing certain clothes, Donald Trump is right when he says American values are under attack. They are under attack, and by him.
When Trump explained New York values as standing together in the city’s darkest moments, as love and unity, he highlighted a value that this entire country embraces: love. Yet, he preaches more and more hate against different groups of people, echoing the sentiments of Nazi-era Germany.
It’s time we unite under American values against the hatred of Donald Trump.
We must remember the words of Dr. King:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that”.