Man Of Faith Should Not Defend Trump

To The Reader’s Forum:

I was astonished by the letter from the Rev. Mel McGinnis in the Reader’s Forum on Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2020) because, as a man of faith, he defended Trump.

I’m not upset that Hillary lost. I did vote, but not for Trump or Clinton. I didn’t vote for Trump because I didn’t want a 12-year-old running the country. After three years of his presidency, I have many more reasons, but that’s not what this is about. I am an 80-year-old woman who retired at 77. I lived my life based on what I was taught in my youth: The Golden Rule. And in turn I taught it to my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I don’t always succeed in living to its standard, but I always try.

I have for three years tried to understand why people of faith would defend and follow Trump. The fact is I’ll never know any of them and I can’t ask them. Then I read your article and thought, “Here is somebody in this small town who is a senior pastor and is defending Trump.” So, I am asking you to help me and perhaps others understand your reasoning.

I can think of two primary reasons: you are pro gun and/or pro life.

It blows my mind that parents and grandparents could watch Trump on TV with children unless they make it a teaching moment. “Don’t do what the president says or does.” His language is obscene. What he calls other nationalities, people who don’t agree with him and even veterans and war heroes is indecent. He’s mocked people with disabilities — how is that virtuous? I could go on, but I think you get my point.

Trump is a bully at a time we’re trying to teach our children how bad bullying is. The first lady made bullying her cause and he doesn’t respect her enough to stop. But we already know that he doesn’t respect women. He has had three wives and has cheated on at least two of them. He’s admitted that.

Trump claims he’s the second coming and his base applauds and cheers. Isn’t that blasphemy? He claims he is religious, yet he has broken most of the Ten Commandments. I hope you understand why I’m inquiring about your support for someone so morally corrupt. You would be in the true role of a pastor to help me make sense out of this nonsense.

Betty Stefanczak

Lakewood