Can we have a little nuance on the $hithole comment?
Here is the quote attributed to Mr. Trump:
"Why are we having all these people from $hithole
countries come here?"
First, I duly note that the President is actively denying
this specific wording. Given other comments he's made, on the record, I
personally assume it is a correct quote.
Argument 1:
Suppose I, as a rural Californian, said, "Why are all
the people from that $hithole Los Angeles coming through here?"
Am I racist? Or am I "simply" expressing an active
dislike for that city?
I gather that people excusing the quote are treating the
quote in this way. "He's not calling all the people that, just the--you
know--conditions there and all."
Argument 2:
When you balance his comment with the immediately-followed
"why can't we bring in more Norwegians?" it equates black, brown, and
Latinized nations with "$hithole" and a homogenously white nation as
something to welcome to America.
Plus, you know, the ACTUAL WORDS.
Many of the times that Mr. Trump has made a speaking gaffe,
his supporters will claim that when you look at such quote in context, it is
more understandable as to intent. And most of the time, there's a modicum of
truth to that.
In this situation, however, I feel he is damned both by the
specific words as well as the context.
For shame, Mr. President.
