Does Mr. Trump's profanity matter?

A challenge was issued a letter to the editor in the Daily News-Record this morning. In "Everyone Knows Trump Was Right," the writer challenged liberals to answer a question. "How is it hateful and racist to refer to African and Caribbean countries as "shitholes?" Further the writer asks us to focus on "...what immigrants have to contribute to this country and not just what we can give them." 

Challenge accepted.

Please understand that the language President Trump used is not important. The cursing and the barbaric terminology are commonly heard among folks of similar points of view. The President, sadly, is a profane and vulgar man. I’m over it. My indignation is not about the vulgarity. 

It is about the sentiment and the idea being expressed. It’s not just liberals that are offended by Mr. Trump’s racist and hateful remarks, it is every country in Africa, the Caribbean and Central America, large populations of first generation American citizens, and many of us whose ancestors came here from equally destitute circumstances from equally needy countries. All of us have spent our lives giving back to America, repaying the debt in gratitude, working hard and contributing the greatness of our country.  

Understand that the United States of America is not a country club with dues and membership requirements. It is an open society that welcomes those from other lands who are fleeing natural disasters, economic strife, and political turmoil. It’s not only humanitarian concerns but the energy and vitality of our nation that is at stake.

My challenge to you… Try and understand the value of immigration to our society, our history and culture, and our economic system. Do a little research on just how much economic activity and new wealth is generated by new generations of legal and illegal immigrants. Review the history texts concerning the term “melting pot.” Review the history of immigration reform and how badly it has been botched by our Congress. Then join in the call to fix it. We need a secure, fair and just system of accepting new generations of Americans. It is an American value. It keeps America great.

More work to do...