Trump, God and the cost of rhetoric
Why the new apparent Trump assassination attempt could have political fallout that the previous shooting didn’t, Sept. 16
We can be thankful that few are drawing any theological conclusions from the recent attempt on Donald Trump’s life. Because the July attempt came within millimetres of killing him, some people have attributed his survival to divine intervention rather than luck or chance. This leads to the conclusion that God sees a special role for him. Trump has not discouraged this belief. We should also be thankful that both would-be assassins were white men who were born in the U.S. An awful rhetoric would likely result if suspects were people of colour or immigrants.
Bruce Couchman, Ottawa
How did the suspect and would-be assassin know that former president Donald Trump was going to be on the golf course at a specific time? Did he obtain access to Trump’s personal schedule? Many questions need to be answered. Let us hope that officials will be more transparent than they were about the Butler, Pa., assassination attempt. But in the meantime, after two assassination attempts, it’s apparent that Trump needs tighter security to avoid future incidents. Once again by the grace of God, Trump’s life was spared. I can’t help believing that God has a greater plan for our former president and that is becoming the 47th president of the United States.
It is despicable that Donald Trump is still speaking of “never surrendering,” as if he is in a war or a physical fight to the finish. Then there is the abrasive, inflammatory talk as he tells his supporters to not give in, as if Democrats are the enemy out to destroy the nation and not simply just political opposition. Adding to this, he makes dangerous overstatements. His own public wording is the cause of the combative tone and the deleterious thinking of others who read off him. He should be thinking about being really lucky to still be alive — nothing less, nothing more. Once more in a tight race for a return to office, is Trump not an asset in theory, one that should be better protected, rather than having us all worried that we may see a terrible horror play out that we do not wish to experience? Memories of him are bad enough!
Norm Ferguson, Richmond Hill, Ont.
There have been two attempts on Donald Trump’s life this summer, both involving gunfire. I have yet to hear anything from the Republican party about limiting guns.
Stephen Bloom, Toronto
A common closing comment for politicians offering reaction is “this is not who we are.” It is unfortunate that statement could not be farther from the truth. The U.S. has more guns than citizens. Mass shootings occur at an alarming rate. Politicians mouth a huge lie when they say this is not who they are. Wake up!
Dennis Toews, Oakville