
by Will Espero
All of us were taught not to lie when we were children. This is a basic tenet or belief parents teach their children so they grow up to be truthful, believable individuals.
No one wants to be around someone who lies often or someone who likes to tell half-truths and spread false information. We don’t want this behavior or attitude in our homes, our workplace, or our social life.
Unfortunately, Donald Trump has a habit of not telling the truth and saying things he should not be saying.
A recent case in point is the comments and false statements about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio. Trump stated in his televised debate against Kamala Harris that Haitian immigrants are stealing people’s pets and eating them.
What a disgusting thought and lie.
There is zero evidence that Haitians are doing what Trump shamefully expressed on national television.
One would think that before a presidential candidate espouses such vial statements, he would check for their truth and accuracy. Not Donald Trump.
This is par for the course for Trump, and it adds to the reasoning why he should never be elected again to lead our nation. His derogatory comments have no place in any public or private domain, and he has vilified a group of immigrants who are legally here and trying to be productive, participating residents of Springfield.
Sure, there are challenges to overcome with a large influx of new residents. But spreading lies about people is wrong and inappropriate for a presidential candidate and his running mate.
The Haitians were directed to Springfield to secure jobs and boost the economy after many residents had left the region. Sadly, they are now targets of bigots and others who believe Trump’s lies.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine made it clear that Trump’s and J.D. Vance’s comments and statements are false.
The governor noted the Haitians are working and helping in an economy that had lost thousands of residents and manufacturing jobs over the years.
Governor DeWine has praised the work ethic of the Haitians and has noted the importance of these individuals working in companies established in Ohio.
Local Springfield officials and the police have also stated that there are no credible reports or incidents of Haitians stealing cats and dogs and eating them.
Trump’s rhetoric and propaganda have no place in our political arena. His lies have placed the Springfield Haitian community in danger as neo-Nazi organizations and extreme right-wing individuals have descended upon Springfield.
Moreover, there have been bomb threats at government offices, medical centers, and schools in Springfield.
Republican J.D. Vance even tried to defend his comments stating he wanted to get the media’s attention to what’s happening in Springfield. Hogwash!
What a pathetic comment for a U.S. Senator and someone who wants to be vice president.
This shows he has no business being vice president of the United States of America if he is willing to tell lies and spread hurtful, dangerous rhetoric.
Would he do the same if he held the number two position in our nation?
Political campaigns can be tiring, stressful, and brutal for candidates. They are exposing themselves to scrutiny and criticism, and they know their words will be reviewed and challenged by others.
With this stated, I wonder why Trump continues to say false facts and expose himself to ridicule and scorn. Is it because he doesn’t care and will say anything to win the presidency and stay out of prison? His future freedom is certainly at stake here.
Many television pundits, news organizations, journalists, and political watchdogs have written and spoken of Trump’s penchant for publicly not telling the truth. The evidence is present for all to see and hear.
But Donald Trump’s bad habit of lying should be a red flag for all undecideds and independents to question his capacity and temperament to be president of the United States a second time.
Trump’s loyal supporters are willing to look past his criminal convictions, weaknesses, flaws, indiscretions, and legal problems for various reasons.
However, the rest of us must not put our trust and faith in the hands of a controversial individual like Trump to lead our nation. His words, actions, and behavior are not worthy of a man who would represent our country on the world stage.
Springfield’s Haitian population now lives with apprehension and fear caused by Trump and Vance. This is a sad commentary started by the Republican ticket and indicates a willingness to say anything to get elected.
Voters must reject the bully and his sidekick in November and bring truth and sanity back into the public discourse.
The turnout for the recent primary election was dismal in Hawaii, with just under 33 percent of eligible voters casting their votes. With mail-in ballots, this figure should be higher.
As the general election approaches, all voters should vote. It is easy and simple and can be done in your living room or dining room.
Don’t forget to sign your mail-in ballot. Some races might be close, and every vote does count and makes a difference, regardless of whom one supports.
WILL ESPERO retired from the Hawaii legislature after serving 19 years in the state House of Representatives and State Senate. He is currently a novelist, poet, and supporter of the arts. Lingering Thoughts provides a glimpse of his perspective on current events and issues.
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