Today's MOZEN: Never Trumped

F LoBuono

A few months ago, at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, I had an enlightening conversation with a delightful correspondent from Portugal. A petite woman, she reported in her native tongue but also spoke perfect English. Of course, she was there to chronicle the American political scene with a Portuguese perspective. During our conversation she said something that has stuck with me today, and will forever. To the best of my recollection, this is what she had to say:

I am from Portugal. Let's face it, on the world scene, Portugal is not very significant. We are a small and poor country. We have little to offer the world besides our culture. So, we look to America to be great - to be a force for good in the world. Europe still needs the United States to be the Shinning City on the Hill - an example for all the world to follow. Yes, you need to reform your immigration policies, but isolationism and bigotry is not the answer.

I asked a follow-up question: With that in mind, what do you think of the candidates?

She responded: Quite frankly, we are terrified of the prospect of a Trump Presidency! We find his rhetoric and xenophobia most troubling.

So, you may ask, if it happened months ago, why bring it up now?

Well, I do so because I'm listening to a stump speech from Donald Trump on TV and he just said; America is the laughing stock of the world. And, in typical Trump bombast, he repeated it at least two more times - America is the laughing stock of the world - just to make a point.

The laughing stock of the world - Really.

Well, Mr. Trump, once again, from MY experience, you are just so full of shit. America is NOT the laughing stock of the world and I resent and reject that notion COMPLETELY! We are the beacon, the light, the inspiration, and the best hope - still - for ALL. And, the WORLD knows it. The only one who doesn't seem to get that with his message of FEAR AND LOATHING is Donald Trump. And, sadder still are the millions who can't see through his shameless charade.

Well, the jig is up. In just over two weeks we will see what version of America the world will get. I know what example they are praying for and why. It's now up to us to live up to their, and our OWN, expectations as the leader of the FREE world.

Let's not disappoint.