Washington Post: Bomb Targets and Trump’s Words

Nationalism is defined by Oxford Living Dictionaries as “Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations.” The extreme ideology regarding any criticism as threat is especially dangerous when so many challenges are global in scope. Yet Donald Trump proudly proclaims his stance as nationalist and describes Democrats as “evil” and “dangerous.” The rhetoric has predictable results with bombs sent to former President Barack Obama and other Democrats named by Trump during political rallies. Authorities intercepted the bombs before detonation and a suspect was arrested after four days. “For many politicians, the day was a reckoning – a sobering pause just 13 days from Election Day to reflect on a political atmosphere notable for apocalyptic imagery and violent confrontations,” writes Philip Rucker for the Washington Post. Trump suggested that the media “has a responsibility to set a civil tone and to stop the endless hostility and constant negative – and oftentimes, false – attacks and stories.” The November 6 midterm elections decide all seats in the House of Representatives, one third of the Senate as well as many governorships. Voters must assess campaign messages, sorting valid criticism from extreme rhetoric. – YaleGlobal