Pat Wandling: Extreme polarization is dangerous
From small towns to big cities to the nation’s capital, there is division and discontent with the Trump administration, our agencies, our leaders. To me, it’s cause for alarm.
It’s alarming because of the current world situation and the historic role the United States has played in defending freedom and preserving peace. The war between Israel and Iran demands a solution because nuclear-weapons technology is in the hands of a rogue, terrorist-funding country and the United States is the only nation that can broker a deal – or end the conflict by eliminating Iran’s nuclear development centers.
Political division at home is part of our competitive system, but when we’re on the precipice of a war, it seems someone or something is hell-bent on dividing us.
The Democrats are fighting a political war against President Donald Trump, his policies, and the Republican Party. We’ve known that. However, the world is watching Iran and Israel rain fire on each other against the backdrop of underground nuclear development and potential weapons, while Trump Derangement Syndrome manifests itself on the streets of America and in the halls of Congress.
Extreme polarization is dangerous. And it goes from top to bottom – from the Oval Office to the states and county seats. Demonstrations and protest marches and everything in between are directed at Trump and others. At this moment, our president is critical to the resolution of the Iran-Israel fight — and the end to Iran’s would-be nuclear power.
Does he have everyone’s backing? Of course not — not even within his own party. All of that is the norm in American politics. But this is not about an election and it is not normal.
But nothing needs more attention than the recent rioting in major cities and the attacks on law enforcement, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Notably, we did not hear from one leading Democrat calling for a halt to it. Instead, some like Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) attacked the president and opposed his National Guard mobilization. Some Democrats like longtime far-left Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) shouted at a few of the stoic Guardsmen outside a federal building. Most dismissed it as “politics, as usual.” I disagree.
It’s not the first time we’ve heard anti-American rhetoric and vitriolic political outbursts on the street, radio, or TV, or anti-American diatribes. But I heard it loud and clear this week from one U.S. House member.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) said this week that America is fast becoming “one of the worst countries” in the world! Her broadcast comments were in reference to ICE arrests and National Guard soldiers on some city streets, called there by the president.
Where was the outrage when we heard her rhetoric? Maybe I missed it, but Omar was not publicly chastised or challenged for her nasty and untrue comments by members of her own party or the left-wing media. The congresswoman is known to be openly anti-Israel and antisemitic. Free speech is available to all; but as a member of Congress, her remarks are viewed through a different lens, here and abroad.
Omar recalled coming from Somalia, calling it a dictatorship, adding Somalia had nothing similar to what is going on here. Therefore, Omar concluded, we’re on our way to becoming one of the “worst” countries.
She has an interesting, sad background. Omar came to the United States after years of living in refugee camps and fleeing Somalia. Here, she found a safe home, a career, power, and wealth. If she should say anything, it’s thank you!
On the other hand, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, also a Democrat, has sided with Israel’s attack on Iran and was castigated by members of his party. Also, this week, he exalted the “patriotic” 250th anniversary parade of the U.S. Army, held on June 14. In the next announcement, Fetterman said he was blasted for that. “I guess, I’m an outlier,” he said.
Actually, Fetterman represents what is needed at this time in our country — unity and awareness. Unity on fighting the demagogues, the evildoers, those who seek to oppress.
And as a nation whose system was founded on the principles of free speech and the right to assemble, we might want to criticize the recent rioting in major cities and the un-American attacks on law enforcement, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Pat Wandling hosts Speak Your Piece weekdays at noon on WBCB 1490.
