Iowa voters let America down
I have always believed the people of Iowa to generally be good-natured, decent individuals who make up the heartland of America. That image has sustained a hard hit through its stunning and sad selection of Ted Cruz and Donald Trump as the front-runners in its Republican presidential caucuses.
Although the finish of the top two contenders was forecast by polls, I did not want to believe that it would happen, hoping that when the browsing stage was over, that the voters would not act recklessly. It is particularly tragic that evangelicals could offer widespread support for those with fatal character flaws, individuals who act in a manner which is anything but godly.
Misters Cruz and Trump represent the forces of anger, hatred, intolerance, and the scapegoating of immigrants, gay men and women, and minorities. Additionally, Mr. Trump is known as one who commands attention and headlines by crudely and coarsely insulting anyone and everyone who dares to cross him and by making things up: the more outrageous the better. It is tragic to recognize that he is likely correct when stating that if he were to stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue (in Manhattan, I presume) and shoot someone, that he would not lose any supporters, an assertion which says a lot about the mindset of the Trump enthusiasts.
John Kasich, the experienced, accomplished, dignified, and cheerful individual in the race who might be able to save the Republican Party from itself, finished in eighth place with a paltry 1.9 percent of the vote. It would appear that in this, the era of rage, someone in his mold does not stand a chance of bringing his talent and skill in governance back to the national stage.
I would ordinarily be inclined to vote for a third-party candidate for president, but if this year’s contest finds Hillary Clinton facing an extremist Republican, I will rally to her side and cast my ballot for her with the hope that American will not become a laughingstock of the world.
Donald Trump likes to refer to his many foes as “losers.” America would be the greatest loser if it were foolish enough to place him or his partner in bigotry into the Oval Office.
May God bless (and help) our once-great United States of America!
Oren M. Spiegler is a resident of Upper St. Clair.