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Trump’s careless rhetoric betrays deep contempt for principled conduct

Inverness Oran / Chronicle Herald: February 12, 2025

Dear Editor,

During Donald Trump’s recent public appearance with Benjamin Netanyahu, the U.S. leader declared that Gaza’s Palestinian population must accept his vague promise to settle them elsewhere. Without acknowledging the source of Gaza’s destruction, Trump then claimed that America would rebuild the battered territory, transforming it into a paradise.

He then advised Palestinians to except more Israeli bombing if they dared remain in the territory. Netanyahu’s body language betrayed significant discomfort with Trump’s bizarre pronouncement, perhaps due to Trump’s failure to note Israel’s Gaza settlement plans. Of course, he omitted mention of Israel’s 15 month assault or America’s pivotal role in shielding, funding and arming its expansionist Middle East ally.

Of course, Gaza’s people will not leave, preferring a defiant life in the rubble to surrender. This diehard attitude is obviously beyond Trump’s comprehension, accustomed as he is manipulating and bullying his way through life, surrounded by sycophants and cynical opportunists eager to benefit from his scheming.

Trump might be a habitual entertainer and deal-maker but he remains the most powerful person in the world, with a tremendous responsibility to communicate clearly and even graciously. His casual rhetoric betrays a deep contempt for the gravity of his office and welfare of those effected by his careless speech and behaviour.

Donald Trump does not understand or respect the value of principled resistance to illegitimate authority. Nevertheless, this is the only course available to working people, including those Palestinians who prefer uncomfortable freedom to de facto slavery.