Trump is just a circus barker not being held accountable

Called-for civility will do no good against a bully in power

Football has nothing more to do with the National Anthem than golf does. Bringing the First Amendment into the picture was, at best, done with a whisper after a perfect example of peaceful protest was carried out. The story was distorted into a warped argument about disrespecting the anthem and America instead of honoring a peaceful protest.

The First Amendment outlines freedom of speech and expression. These rights are being factored out of the current public dialogue and behavior. It is apparent that the Fourteenth Amendment is not under attack or threatened, but it is the amendment we hear about. I don’t see any evidence of our guns being taken away. Our First Amendment rights, however, are being threatened and dismissed.

I have watched Donald Trump use his First Amendment rights by making fun of and laughing at a person with a disability, he has shown ugly disrespect for John McCain, he bragged about (female genital) grabbing and favors calling people names instead of engaging in adult dialogue.

I do not recall hearing about “fake news” before Trump waltzed into the political arena. He continues to slur and discredit the media by claiming it is ”fake news” when he is called upon to clarify statements he has made that contradict each other, as well as those who would dare criticize him or his behavior. He started a movement to discredit the media, and it seems to have taken hold of too many people. True news is called for and worth the fight.

I see our country being run by rich, petulant bullies who are getting away with bastardizing the truth and our rights. It seems that the acceptable norm is to allow the president to lie every other day. He is not being held accountable, and neither are his henchmen and henchwomen. We dare not expect decency and accountability or we can expect to be screamed and sworn at by Trumps followers. There has not been room for discussion. His words are nasty, divisive and hateful. He denies that hate-filled words can and do result in hate-filled violent actions.

He is the barker of the circus in town. Not the greatest show on earth. The stars in his side shows consist of (bleating) sheep and hissing snakes seen doing somersaults. It is astonishing that Trump’s behavior is accepted and supported.

Civility has been called for. I don’t believe that being civil will work taking on a bully with power. It seems like that approach will result in nothing better than laying down and waiting for the slaughter instead of fighting for life.

I don’t feel obliged to support or respect anyone who is not respectful or respectable, president or not.