THE POWER OF WORDS

The common thread between the Jamal Khashoggi murder, domestic right-wing terrorist Cesar Sayoc, and the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting

Words have power

Washington’s farewell address, “four score and seven years ago…”, “with malice towards none…”, Teddy Roosevelt’s man in the arena, Franklin Roosevelt reassuring the nation there is nothing to fear but fear itself, Churchill vowing to fight on anywhere for as long as it takes, Eisenhower on balancing the needs of a country, “the torch has been passed from one generation to the next”, Kennedy saying we’re going to the moon, Martin talking about a dream he had, LBJ reassuring the nation after his predecessor’s assassination, Malcolm and Shirley talking about taking political power, Fannie Lou declaring that she was sick and tired of being sick and tired, Barbara Jordan recognizing her unique place in America, Harvey saying he was here to recruit you, Barack’s “there is no red America, there is no blue America, there is the United States of America”, Michelle’s “when they go low, we go high”

All but two of those listed are gone from the physical realm, but their words will certainly live on

Even my words have power loyal reader. Certainly, they inspire people with either, hey, this guy somewhat knows what he is talking about, or, fuck him, he is nuts. Either way, it is my chance at immortality in this small, corner of the internet

Recently an arrest was made in the mail bombs that were sent to several prominent Trump critics. Those targeted were former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle, former Vice-president Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Eric Holder, former intelligence head John Brenan in a package that was delivered to CNN, Representatives Maxine Watters and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris.

The suspect is identified as Cesar Sayoc, 56 of Aventura, FL. To say that he is a supporter of Donald Trump is an understatement. When he was arrested, authorities towed a white van in his possession that was covered in bumper stickers that supported Trump and advocated violence against Democratic officials and the press.

Last weekend, the nation was reeling from yet another mass shooting; this time at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh that killed 11 and injured 7.

Prior to committing these heinous acts, Robert Bowers posted on a social media website that (a refugee resettlement organization) likes to bring invaders in that kill our people. I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I’m going in” and screamed “All Jews must die!” before committing the crime. Bowers had been a regular on neo-Nazi and white supremacist websites.

And earlier in October, a Saudi Arabian hit squad brutally tortured and murdered Jamal Khashoggi in their embassy in Turkey.

All of these events have one common thread

Trump regularly uses his rallies to attack the press by constantly calling them the “fake news” and “the enemy of the people.” Given his closeness that he and his family have with the Saudis, where do you think that Saudi Arabia got the idea to murder a fierce critic of their kingdom? Saudi Arabia does everything it can to stifle and silence opposition voices, but having the president of the United States who frequently attack the press with ferocity certainly adds some support to those efforts.

Who can forget Trump’s announcement speech in June 2015 when he said that Mexicans were coming over with drugs and raping people along the way. Or how about the times that Trump has insulted his critics with childish and at times racist insults. Even during this midterm election campaign, Trump rallies still chant “Lock her up” as a reference to Hillary Clinton. These words, as well as his attacks on the press, certainly played a role in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the attempted pipe bombings of prominent Trump critics as shown that these perpetrators have echoed those words.

Even after those attacks, Trump is still using those words. He even blamed the perpetrators - not for their crimes – but instead claiming that they slowed whatever momentum Republicans had in the upcoming election.

The only way that Trump will be held accountable for his words and actions will be with a vote for a brand-new Congress this Tuesday.

And Trump’s voice will be muffled by our collective voice through our votes