Can do without these

Here are four phrases I can do without:

“Trump tweets.” While social media is a useful tool for keeping constituents informed, it is a dangerous weapon in the hands of the man who is apparently incapable of understanding where his personal beefs should end and his presidential role begins.

“Fake news.” Overused and overly simplistic, this phrase is the 21st century version of crying wolf—especially when accompanied by the phrase “Trump tweets.”

“Genetically conservative.” Once is too often for this phrase that smacks of fake science (as opposed to fake news). Pseudo-scientific genetics claims have been used to justify invasion, subjugation, and the attempted annihilation of entire races of people. Anyone using this or other similar phrases should be immediately returned to seventh-grade science class until they understand what genes really are—and can do.

“Good Christian.” A tear falls in heaven every time someone brags about being a good Christian while fighting to ban immigrants, deny fellow citizens’ rights (including reproductive and LGBTQ), and restrict or eliminate social welfare programs. Not only is this phrase boastful and judgmental, it implies that only those who agree with one morally limited viewpoint have worth.

You either follow Christ’s teachings, which include charity, humility, and tolerance, or you don’t. Good and bad will be determined by a higher authority. Rather than belabor this point, I suggest re-reading the words written in red.

KATHERINE TUCKER Perryville