Donald Trump read a speech about the two shooting massacres from the teleprompter when he finally returned from hiding out in Mar-a-Lago. His monotone had all the enthusiasm of a fifth-grade kid forced to do a book report — even saying “Toledo” instead of Dayton, Ohio. Yet, his white supremacist words at his rallies, feed off of the crowds’ energy. Now, he is heading to the grieving people of El Paso, and here is what awaits him.
People have told him to stay away, but no such luck. He still owes the city nearly half a million dollars from his rally in February, too.
Representative Veronica Escobar joined with the Border Network for Human Rights and Women’s March El Paso for an event in a park near the hospital that treated shooting victims and where Trump was expected to visit with some of the survivors.
Organizers said the event was to honor the dead, demand for gun control, and call out white supremacy, according to Arizona Central:
‘El Paso was targeted for the horrific shooting because we are a welcoming city that advocates for immigrant families. We were targeted for fighting against the dehumanization of our immigrant brothers and sisters, for pushing back against the criminalization of our border and for denouncing President Trump’s attempts to paint our communities as something they’re not.’
University Medical Center medical workers who treated some of the wounded started a petition telling Trump to stay away. Over 300 people signed it in the first five hours it was on change.org:
‘We are the nurses, physicians, and medical staff who have cared for those injured and killed in the terrorist attack on our community. Given President Trump’s rhetoric on immigration, we believe that a visit to our medical campus will be harmful for both the families affected and medical teams caring for those families.’
Obstetrician Lisa Moore has privileges at two El Paso medical centers. She was concerned that Trump has “created an environment of fear,” particularly among her Hispanic coworkers:
‘Given President Trump’s rhetoric on immigration, we believe that a visit to our medical campus will be harmful for both the families affected and medical teams caring for those families. Obviously the president of the United States did not put a gun in his hand or drive him here, but I do believe the president sets the tone that gives people the freedom to express things they previously wouldn’t have expressed and do things they previously wouldn’t have done.’
A member of the city council who represents the area where the shootings happened wrote on Facebook:
‘Don’t come here President Trump, you are not welcome.’
Congresswoman (D-TX) Veronica Escobar was invited to see the president when he came, but she said no. She had just asked for something very simple, a phone call before POTUS arrived. The president’s people told her he was too busy. She tweeted:
‘My message would’ve been that he needs to understand that his words are powerful and have consequences. Using racist language to describe Mexicans, immigrants and other minorities dehumanize us. Those words inflame others.’
Escobar added that she did not want to be an “accessory” to his visit without the call:
‘I refuse to join without a dialogue about the pain his racist and hateful words & actions have caused our community and country.’
The representative continued:
‘The White House invited me to join @realDonaldTrump during his visit to El Paso. My response was clear. I requested a phone call with him today in order to share what I have now heard from many constituents, including some who are victims of Saturday’s attack’
State Senator José RodrÃguez (D-TX) released a statement:
‘It depends on the nature of his visit. His hateful campaign rhetoric of the past is not welcome. I do welcome constructive dialogue on how the federal government can help the victims, families, and our community heal.’
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
