As we celebrate the second Fourth of July under the Trump administration, it is hard to ignore how much we are divided as a country.
“E Pluribus Unum,” our nation’s motto, literally means “Out of many, one.” Donald Trump seems intent, on a daily basis, to make a mockery out of the sentiment our Founding Father’s held so sacred.
Donald Trump does not even hide his disdain for national unity; for the notion that America is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities; that we are, and have always been, a nation of immigrants.
To Donald Trump, he is the president of his base… a group of mostly white nationalists who make up a minority of the American population. When Trump speaks about our nation, it is always “us” (his supporters) against “them” (everyone else).
In a recent interview with Maria Bartiromo, Trump was asked, “As the commander-in-chief, as the president of this great country, what can you do to bring us together?”
Without hesitation Trump replied, “Our people are so incredible,” making it quite clear his reference was limited to the people who voted for him: “Do you know, there’s probably never been a base in the history of politics in this country like my base. I hope the other side realizes that they better just take it easy.”
In what seems so long ago, another president had a different take on the question of national unity.
At a speech at the University of Indonesia back in 2010, President Obama said, “In the United States, our motto is E pluribus unum — out of many, one. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika — unity in diversity…our nations show that hundreds of millions who hold different beliefs can be united in freedom under one flag.”
And yet, as a preview of what we are seeing today, Obama’s simple statement caused an uproar among tea party U.S. House members—including then-U.S. Representative Mike Pence—who called for Obama to issue a correction stating: “By misrepresenting things as foundational as the Declaration of Independence and our national motto, you are not only doing a disservice to the people you represent, you are casting aside an integral part of American society.”
Obama was right … we can’t let Trumpism change that.
This Fourth, as you feast on burgers and franks, try to remember we once had a president who understood the source of America’s greatness. We just might survive the Trump nightmare to have such a president once again.
Photo | thedistrict.com
Sad but the Pledge of Allegiance should be changed to: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Divided Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for some.”
So sad.
One of your best columns. Everything you said was right on point. He is the the President of his base and cares not for them as well as everyone else. His tariffs are killing Iowa but Senator Joni Ernst said that we all want to support Trump but if our economy collapses(Iowa)…. Nothing like waiting for the horses to be out of the barn. They (GOP) have no one who can stand up to this bully. He just doesn’t have a clue. Except for enriching himself and his family. This whole thing is just mystifying.
Thanks Jay. Happy Fourth!
The more I listen to his anger, the more I believe that he knows he’s in trouble. That is why he continues to dump on anyone who doesn’t agree with him. His ignorant deplorable base eats it up and he is depending on them to put enough space between reality and his false narrative that he can survive out his term. So sad.
I’m anticipating something big pretty soon vis a vis Mueller.
Hope and pray