“The crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon come to an end,”
Donald Trump declared, as he accepted the GOP nomination in the summer of 2016.
“Beginning on January 20, 2017,” he further pledged, “safety will be restored.”
Four years later, America under Trump is experiencing a spike in murders, while looting and vandalism are on the uptick nationwide.
The latest Republican fear-mantra purports that Democrats are intent on “defunding the police.”
POINT OF FACT:
All four of Trump’s annual budget proposals called for cuts in police spending.
And, for decades, he has been vociferous in his criticism of legislation that included increased support for policing.
Trump’s opposition to the House CARES act is primarily predicated on his complaint that money goes to prop up states and municipalities failing under Democratic leadership. The bill’s urgently needed funds are partially earmarked for schools, fire, EMT, and police departments. But, not just in regions governed by Democrats — also, in financially strapped states like deep-red Oklahoma.
Under Trump, the DOJ halted police-abuse investigations, stopped pursuing civil rights lawsuits, and sabotaged federal consent decrees.
The president has repeatedly encouraged officers to utilize their most controversial, often-banned strong-arm tactics, while doling out a pardon to racist Sherriff Joe Arpaio, and re-opening the pipeline of military gear to local law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Republicans have conscientiously blocked all police reform legislation. And, contrary to their traditional opposition to unions, have thrown in whole hog with police associations’ defense of any and all misconduct, regardless of severity, evidence, the offending officer’s character, or pattern of behavior.
The “law and order” president obviously believes he is above the law. Apparently, in Trump’s America, the law also doesn’t apply to those who are charged with upholding it.
These regressive policies, misguided priorities, and Trump’s abject failure of leadership have ignited a nationwide wildfire of mass protest against longterm, systemic, racially biased police brutality.
Bottom line: The crime and violence presidential aspirant Trump promised to quell have only increased during his first term, as has persistent racial unrest.
Ultimately, no American can feel safer under this president.
Add these details to your list of promises made, promises broken.
Rand Bishop (Gimpy Ol’ Norman) is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and the author of four books. His latest tome is the memoir TREK: My Peace Pilgrimage in Search of a Kinder America.