Rob Fried, in his plea to understand our neighbors who voted for Donald Trump, falls into the trap of underestimating the racial, homophobic, anti-immigrant and sexist attitudes of Trump voters (Monitor Forum, Jan. 28).
Polling after the election reveals that 53 percent of Republicans are not sure that former President Obama is an American citizen while about the same percentage think that “black people get special treatment” in our country.
In all probability, forthcoming poll results of Trump voters on the administration’s Muslim ban will also show widespread support for that policy.
The comment by Hillary Clinton that Trump supporters were “deplorable” was in itself deplorable and one of many mistakes made by that campaign. People are not deplorable, but racist, homophobic, anti-immigrant and sexist attitudes are. We should not back away from that standard.
Common ground with Trump voters can be found on the need for jobs for everyone that pay a living wage. I am happy to enthusiastically join with them in a political campaign to reach that goal, but I will not abandon my respect for other groups and individuals in our society, nor will I remain silent when others continue to attack or demean those individuals or groups.
There is much work to be done. Let’s get on with it without selling out our commitment to compassion for those in society who are most in need of our efforts.
Art Ellison
Concord