I am shocked and disappointed by what President Trump said at the press conference Tuesday. He should have stuck to the script and stood by what he said the day before. There is no equivalency between the Nazi white supremacists in Charlottesville and the counter-protesters, which he implied.
Folks supported him because he wasn’t a politician, not understanding that part of being a politician is to weigh your words (and tweets) wisely. Pastor Scott Richards, of Calvary Christian Fellowship, used to say “Emotions are a great slave, but a terrible master.” When we run on our emotions and speak (or tweet) before we think, we aren’t being wise.
When Trump was elected, many of us voted for him reluctantly because we wanted to stop the march of “progressive” socialism, and there were only two choices.
We were heartened by some of the people he surrounded himself with, such as Rex Tillerson, Gen. James Mattis, Ambassador Nikki Haley, national security adviser Gen. H.R. McMaster and Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. Then the same erratic behavior that made us cringe surfaced again, characterized by undisciplined tweets and unscripted remarks at press conferences.
Roy Drachman wrote in his book, “From Cowtown to Desert Metropolis,” that he learned it was wise to sit on his letters before he sent them (in case he said things he would regret), and keep every letter that others sent to him, (since you never know when you might need them).
In today’s world of tweets, emails and social media, we should wait to hit “send” until we have had time to think (and pray) about what we have said. The example our leaders set is vitally important, since the people follow the lead of their leaders. There is way too much of this free-flowing, emotionally fueled rhetoric and not enough wisdom and restraint.
The Scripture tells us, “that without vision the people cast off restraint.” In other words, the wise person who sees clearly, restrains his or herself.
We must oppose the evil intent and hateful rhetoric of racist groups and come together under the banner of the love found in Christ. As an honest conservative, I condemn them without equivocation as my liberal friends with integrity have also condemned Antifa and other hateful fringe groups.
I believe in forgiveness and have been forgiven much by God and people. Americans are a forgiving people when folks sincerely repent. Actors, athletes and politicians have sinned and been forgiven by the people. I believe that President Trump would also be forgiven for his off-the-cuff remarks and tweets.
However, if he isn’t able to change and mature in wisdom and demeanor, it would be better for the country if he resigned.
