Trump’s rants

The father of an American Muslim soldier who died in Iraq chose to speak up against the Islamophobic rants of US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Democratic National Convention a week ago. A more sensible candidate would have refused to take the bait. Trump responded, not with dignity, but by accusing Khan of silencing his (Khan’s) wife due to his ‘culture’ during his DNC speech. Trump insisted that the only solution to the problem of terrorism was to stop immigration from a selected list of countries. Trump continued to become more and more personal in his attacks on Khan as condemnations of his attitude continued to come in from both Republican and Democratic leaders.

It is beneath the dignity of a US presidential candidate to take on the family of a US soldier killed in combat with such vigor. Trump, however, thrives on controversy. Moreover, it seems that any criticism of Trump will be met with hatred from him and his supporters. The issue is not just one of Trump versus Khan, but about the future of cultural tolerance and freedom in America. Trump is an insult to religious, cultural and personal liberty. And yet he finds himself as a candidate for the world’s most powerful office. This is not the first or the last such controversy that caused by Trump. In all likelihood, they will get worse. In Khan’s words Trump truly has a ‘black soul’ and is incapable of empathy. What does it mean for the American people if such a person enjoys such support across the country?

Ahmad Rashid

Lahore