Donald Trump won the election Tuesday and there have been numerous takes from pundits and experts on exactly why. Columnist Ingrid Jacques wrote in Friday's Detroit News sexism isn't to blame for Hillary Clinton's loss. That is true, character is to blame instead. Not Secretary Clinton's character, which for sure has numerous flaws, but rather the character of those that voted to put their personal interest in front of their own professed integrity. Ms. Jacques, stated that she did not vote for Clinton and that does not make her sexist, racist, or deaf to protecting the rights of all Americans. She said she could not support Clinton because of her policies. Fair enough and end of story for her or anyone that voted for a candidate not named Donald Trump.
But many people that did vote for Trump put forth the same argument and it simply rings hollow. Trump's platform to tear up trade deals, repeal Obamacare, and cut taxes resonated with half the electorate. Supporting Trump's policies should not be condemned as evil by those that disagree. Civil discourse over difference, even heated at times, is expected as the country together defines a future path. However, there is a line of right and wrong that Donald Trump crossed to deliver his message during the campaign. His language was inflammatory, sexist, racist, and intolerant. His words were even meant in some cases to condone violence and his refusal to disavow support from actual deplorables like David Duke and the KKK is indefensible.
Defending the basic rights all Americans against discrimination and intolerance must "trump" differences in policy and economic issues. Those rights make up the core of values the United States was built upon and are at the heart of what truly makes America great. Regardless of whatever else Trump stood for in the campaign he clearly did not stand for those rights.
Trump voters that made the claim they are not sexist, racist or intolerant, may try and believe it themselves but their action demonstrates complicity. At best, their anger over government, Clinton, or economic fortune caused them to put their self interest in front of their personal character when it came to choosing between basic right and wrong.
If there ever was a time to ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country, it was Tuesday. Voting to repudiate intolerance, even at personal expense, truly would have made America great again.
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