The author, a Detroiter, is a literacy consultant and adjunct professor. She is a former prekindergarten through 8th grade teacher, assistant superintendent of curriculum, and early childhood education professor. Mongo earned a doctorate in literacy education from Oakland University..
By Jonella Mongo
Former President Donald Trump
Disgraceful is only one of many words to describe the lies Donald Trump continues to spread as his campaign crisscrosses the country. The fact this presidential race is as close as it is, is astonishing to me. It’s hard to believe millions of Americans keep accepting his lies, his racist rhetoric, his homophobia, attacks against immigrants, and mistreatment of women.
And add to this, his downright criminal behavior. You know and I know, if former President Barack Obama had been accused or convicted of a crime he would never have been up for re-election in 2012. I keep asking myself how can Trump continue to get away with this disgusting behavior? Why has his inappropriate conduct been tolerated? Is hatred and bigotry at the root of his popularity? And is this the type of person we want to return to the most important job in the nation?
After the election in November 2020, I wrote an article asking how Trump would go down in history. I didn’t hesitate to label him as one of the worst presidents in modern history. So, to have this “unfit” individual, as he has been described by his own former employees at the doorstep of the White House, run a second time is incredible and downright shameful.
Again, what message are we sending our children and the world? That it’s okay for an American president to be a blatant liar, demonstrate incompetence, as well as endorse anti-democracy, violent extremism. As the prolific author Maya Angelou said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Sadly, Trump had four years to show Americans and the world who he is and if that wasn’t enough, there's January 6th, his two recent trials, multiple pending criminal charges, and excessive unhinged behavior that paint an unfortunate picture of who we are dealing with.
We can either accept how dangerous he is to the wellbeing of our children and the nation or look the other way and ignore reality.
He has proven not only by what he says, but what he does, that he cares about one person and that’s himself.
Come on voters, I don’t have to tell you, we deserve so much better in the most powerful office in America.
