If you’re anything like me, you can get tongue-tied when encountering media celebrities, politicians, or in Donald Trump’s case, a combination of both. It's a normal human reaction to being suddenly thrust in the company of someone who has enjoyed being in the limelight of constant, fawning media attention. It creates an aura of untouchability.
On those occasions it’s important to remember that someone shouldn’t be viewed as a "star" by virtue of the fact that they’ve taken it upon themselves to run for President. In fact, politicians are not “stars," but people—just like you and me--who have chosen to apply for the job of representing all of us. The job description entails “public service,” at least theoretically for the “public good,” which means that they are answerable to that same public for their statements and policy positions.
Donald Trump made a rare retail campaign stop in Manchester, New Hampshire after a Monday rally, surprising patrons at the famous Red Arrow Diner. The Republican presidential candidate got some grub, but also something unexpected -- an earful from one patron who was clearly not a fan.
“Enjoy your burger, racist!” a young woman shouted from the back of the restaurant before walking out.
The young woman would only identify herself as “Jane,” probably because she didn’t want to be targeted by Trump’s online thug contingent, as she surely would. In fact she probably wanted to say a lot more, but was too intimidated by his “celebrity’ to say it to his face. But it’s clear she felt compelled to speak out at the same time : "If I was silent in there, I would just be agreeing with him tacitly."
“I’m really struck by his racism and Islamophobia,” Jane said. “I wanted to make sure people remembered that he is racist, and that he’s using it to rally voters.”
When someone uses his position and popularity to attack people who aren’t in a similar position and capable of defending themselves, that person is a bully. The lesson from this young woman is not to be intimidated, by someone like Trump or by anyone else. You have as much a right to speak as they do, even if you don't have a thousand television cameras and Secret Service in tow:
“I was shaking all over. I’m still shaking,” she admitted. "I did cry for a few seconds because it’s hard being that close to someone who can make such a difference, but know that I wasn’t able to say anything that could impact him."
Video here: