What Trump actually said
Re: Trump Calls For Muslim Ban, Dec. 8; Chattering Classes Respond To Trump’s Call, Dec. 9; Stop Calling Conservatives ‘ Fascists,’ Matt Gurney; Canary In The Coal Mine, letter to the editor, both, Dec. 10.
Amid all the hysteria surrounding Donald Trump’s plan there seems to be little or no reference to what he actually said, which was to call for a temporary halt only to Muslim immigration until the authorities can be sure terrorists are not entering the country. It might be a bad idea, it might even be unconstitutional, but it certainly does not warrant the outrage, insults and charges of bigotry and racism being expressed by so many.
Derek Frew, Vancouver.
In fairness to Donald Trump, a man who may be the Republican Party’s candidate for the 2016 U. S. election, Matt Gurney should present his position accurately. Trump called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on.” The comment was made with reference to timing — “until we can figure out what is going on” — and not “anytime, for any reason,” as suggested by Gurney.
I find there is much more real controversy of the issue with Trump’s position being considered racist. If he called for an indefinite ban only on Muslims, that would be racist. However, it seems he is concerned about a problem that is resulting in the deaths of many of his countrymen. As a prospective leader, he is reasonably looking to slow things down until intelligent minds can come up with a solution that is in the best interests of those constituents he wishes to lead. Ultimately, it will be these people who determine his fate and so far many subscribe to his views.
Gordon Akum, Toronto.
The 19th- century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer wrote, “All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” Donald Trump’s comments about not allowing Muslims into the U.S. has instantly evoked the first stage. Should there be another attack along the lines of San Bernardino, my guess is the U. S. will go directly to stage three.
Barry Lubotta, Toronto.
Of course, Trump’s call for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. is to be condemned. But shouldn’t there be similar condemnation of all those who ban members of a religion from their country? Let’s start with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who has declared there will be no Jews living in a future Palestinian state. Jews are also not welcome in several Arab states, such as Syria and Saudi Arabia. Discrimination should be condemned wherever it is found and not only when spouted by an American presidential candidate.
Mark Walsh, Toronto.