Breaking tradition and embracing modernity, the Harvard Republican Club announced on Facebook that it would not endorse Donald Trump for president. For the first time since 1888, the club refused to support the Republican nominee. Apparently, it’s their tradition to meet, debate, and eventually endorse the nominee. And of course, it’s always helpful to debate when you already agree on the outcome. It’s great preparation for careers in business and politics.
Their reasons are the same ones we all use to explain why a President Trump would be a Very. Bad. Idea. I must admit, though, that they wrote well, mostly.
Formal Style, Using as Many Words as Possible
“Donald Trump holds views that are antithetical to our values not only as Republicans, but as Americans. The rhetoric he espouses—from racist slander to misogynistic taunts—is not consistent with our conservative principles, and his repeated mocking of the disabled and belittling of the sacrifices made by prisoners of war, Gold Star families, and Purple Heart recipients is not only bad politics, but absurdly cruel.”
In other words, he’s racist, sexist, and mean, even to people who have sacrificed more for this country than he ever will and who deserve the utmost respect.
“Perhaps most importantly, however, Donald Trump simply does not possess the temperament and character necessary to lead the United States through an increasingly perilous world. The last week should have made obvious to all what has been obvious to most for more than a year. In response to any slight—perceived or real—Donald Trump lashes out viciously and irresponsibly. In Trump’s eyes, disagreement with his actions or his policies warrants incessant name calling and derision: stupid, lying, fat, ugly, weak, failing, idiot—and that’s just his ‘fellow’ Republicans.”
In other words, he takes disagreement as a personal insult and lashes out with name-calling in response. Yes, we’ve noticed.
Note to Republicans: Political Correctness Is Human Decency
I do love this line:
“He isn’t eschewing political correctness. He is eschewing basic human decency.”
Actually, that’s what “political correctness” is. Being decent to other people, and respecting their experience of reality. Even when they aren’t the same color as you, or believe in a different religion, or, for any other reason, might be excluded from discussions or decisions that affect them.
So, you’ve figured out Trump is not the man. You say you’ve known for over a year. And you’re speaking up in August, after the nominee has been selected. Where were you from January to June, when the parties were holding primaries? Your input might have been helpful then. Now, you’d better prepare to vote for Hillary Clinton.
Image via Flickr by Gage Skidmore under The Creative Commons 2.0.
