Donald Trump once again shook the nation with yet another plan to purportedly keep America safe following the San Bernardino massacre that killed 14 people and injured 21 others. The Republican presidential frontrunner wants a total shutdown of all Muslims entering America — whether they are immigrants or tourists.
While Trump’s fans cheered when he made the announcement on Monday, Dec. 7, many were outraged, even among members of the Republican Party.
Recent investigations revealed that the perpetrators of the San Bernardino shooting were radicalized, drawing inspiration from the ideology of extremist group ISIS.
As he himself announced on television, “Donald Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what the hell is going on.”
This proposal excludes Muslims who are already living in the US and those who serve in the US military.
The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” reported on the reactions from individuals on either side of the political spectrum, who are against Trump’s proposal.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest challenged the Republican Party to denounce Donald Trump, and said this proposal disqualifies him from serving the country as president.
“What was proposed yesterday is not what this party stands for,” Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said, contending that Trump’s statement is in violation of the Constitution.
Presidential candidate and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush called Trump “unhinged”.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, another presidential candidate, criticized Trump, saying his comments clearly show the frontrunner does not have the experience to be president.
Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham said it is time for all Republicans to unite against Trump.
On “Balitang America,” I interviewed Abu Qadir Al-Amin to get his reaction to Trump’s plan. Located in the Excelsior District of San Francisco, which has the highest concentration of Filipinos in the city, the Center is where many Filipino Muslims go to pray.
While the Imam categorically stated that America is not and should not be at war with ALL Muslims, he said they choose not to respond to Trump, and just live by the very essence of the Muslim faith: to live in peace.
This is also the message kababayans in the Philippines want to spread through an art exhibit that they staged, in order to shine a positive light on the stories and contributions of Filipino Muslims.
Do you agree with Donald Trump’s proposal?
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Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
