Donald J. Trump is a Divider, Not a Unifier

Mr. Trump can not unify his views on any one single issue, much less unify the Republican Party or the country! His heart is filled with ugliness, contempt, and hate, even towards his own followers. Asking followers to beat up protesters at his rallies is asking them to commit a crime, not only against individuals but also against freedom of speech, a solemn right enshrined in the First Amendment. Mr. Trump is a dangerous agitator of a very dangerous variety and if he had not been for his wealth, he would have been arrested by now, for inciting violence. 

The assault on Brietbart journalist, Ms. Michelle Fields, a couple of days ago by Mr. Trump's own campaign manger, Mr. Corey Lewandowski, within a few inches of Mr. Trump himself, constitutes a qualitative escalation of which authorities should take notice. It is against the law. If Trump becomes president, this could change; he recently said he would aim to change the law in order to curtail media's ability criticize public officials. In other words, he intends to set into motion actions that would ultimately curtail freedom of speech, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. Ms. Fields has rightfully filed charges against Mr. Lewandowski, who should have been fired promptly by the man who loves to fire people. Ms. Fields should also file charges against Mr. Trump, who gave Mr. Lewandowski and his followers a mandate to "rough up people," "punch them in the face," and "throw them out in the cold without their coats," etc. This mandate constitutes a brazen disregard for the law. He even promised his followers from the podium, repeatedly and publicly, to pay their legal fees in the event they are prosecuted for assaulting a protester. It is all on tape and will in a court of law be indispensable in establishing his complicity and instigating role in inciting violence and criminal activity. 

Being roughed up, punched in the face, thrown out in the cold without a coat, and degraded in many other already documented ways, comprise what every American should expect from Mr. Trump one day or another. Remember, you will not always agree with him on everything, even if you are a supporter, and when and if that moment of disagreement comes, and it will, be prepared for his hellish wrath. America needs to step back from the abyss that is Donald J. Trump. America is better, much better than that, and America is already great. America is great precisely because she stands for most of what Mr. Trump is against, and America is great precisely because she stands against most of what Mr. Trump is for.

Dr. Azzam Elayan (@A1ELA)

March 12, 2016.