As the world sinks deeper into Donald Trump’s abyss, this was the most depressing of weeks — except for two extraordinary developments that should give us some inspiration.
The carnage from his most recent actions was certainly strewn all over the place. We could see it in the faces of Muslims now banned from Trump’s America, as his policies threaten to set the Middle East ablaze.
We could see it in the shell-shocked reactions of Western leaders, once thought to be the closest of American allies, as their far-right political opponents revel at home in their good fortune.
We could even detect traces of Trump’s racist influence in the horrific massacre last Sunday at a Quebec City mosque. The 27-year-old Laval University student charged with the murder of six Muslims was described by friends as being inspired by the extremist politics of Trump and of France’s National Front leader Marine Le Pen.
But two other important things emerged at the same time that may have a far more enduring impact on how Trump’s era as U.S. president unfolds.
First, the resistance to Trump’s rule is beginning to build in every corner of America, and in many parts of the world. This silent majority — yes, majority — is no longer silent.
It began the day after Trump’s inauguration with the breathtaking women’s marches in more than 600 American cities, as well as many world capitals, denouncing his policies. This event is now regarded as the largest day of demonstration in American history. Since then, there have been countless protests across America, both inside and outside of government, fuelling a growing resistance movement similar to the emergence of the conservative Tea Party in 2009.
Second, these first two weeks of Trump’s presidency have been remarkably clarifying: we should have no doubt anymore how potentially radical — and dangerous — his agenda is.
Even if there is no evidence Trump has ever read a complete book, he is no dummy. With his cronies, the new president is determined to reshape American society to enrich his family and friends. He will try to do this by closing the borders, ditching America’s allies, rigging elections and eliminating dissent wherever it surfaces.
Trump’s ban has been a propaganda victory for Islamic terror groups. It affects citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations, allegedly to end “radical Islamic terrorism” in the United States. Yet none of the attackers on 9/11 in 2001 or any of the terrorist incidents in the U.S. since then came from these seven countries. The countries not covered by the ban — Saudi Arabia, for example, the birthplace of most of the 9/11 attackers — happen to be countries where Trump has considerable business interests.
Also ignored in the presidential executive order outlining the new policy is the fact that white supremacists and anti-government fanatics have committed the vast majority of terrorist incidents in the U.S. since 2001. In other words, non-Muslims.
In spite of all this, the Trump administration seems determined to demonize Muslims. On Wednesday, the Reuters news agency reported that the new government intends to revamp a U.S. government program that is now directed at countering all violent ideologies. It will be changed to focus solely on “radical Islamic extremism” — and will no longer target white supremacist groups.
The intense events of Trump’s first days in office have created shock waves across the country. A Gallup poll this week indicated that about half of Americans, 51 per cent, disapproved of Trump’s performance. Since this poll began in 1945, no president has ever reached the 51-per-cent disapproval mark so early in his presidency.
Some of the protests have been evident in overflowing town halls and besieged congressional offices, while others have been more discreet. In an unprecedented act of disapproval, more than 1,000 State Department employees signed a letter condemning Trump’s anti-Muslim ban.
In Austin, Texas, meanwhile, the sentiment was more dramatically expressed.
Every year since 2003, a small group of Muslims in Texas have met in Austin to visit with lawmakers. It is called “Texas Muslim Capitol Day” and last year’s event was disrupted by protesters shouting anti-Muslim slogans.
At this year’s event on Tuesday, more than 1,000 people showed up to form a human barricade around the Muslim group to show solidarity.
As this unpredictable Trump era unfolds, it will take considerable willpower and work on the part of Americans for this face of America ultimately to win out.
Tony Burman is former head of Al Jazeera English and CBC News. Reach him @TonyBurman or at tony.burman@gmail.com .
Tony Burman is former head of Al Jazeera English and CBC News. Reach him @TonyBurman or at tony.burman@gmail.com .
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