On Acts of God . . . and editors

[Submitted but not published. I wonder why.]

Terre Haute Tribune Star,  July 15, 2024

To the Editor: Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson stated it plainly: “GOD protected President Trump yesterday.” Republican’s, assigning themselves the role of privileged messenger’s of god’s hand and intentions, echo this in varied forms. We’re all thankful Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for President of the United States will not be a statistic in the deaths column of the Gun Violence Archive. This respected source reports guns in America have rung up 372 deaths and 912 injuries over the past week (July 4-10) and 31,345 deaths and 58,714 injuries over the past year. Donald Trump’s bleeding ear qualifies to be entered in the gun injuries column. Are any of us prepared to say, with full assurance and conviction, this is god’s work? The sad reality of the day (I’m writing this on 14 July.) is that one person at the Trump rally did die. Corey Comperatore, former fire chief and father of two daughters was killed. David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were critically injured. Given the waist deep volume of guns in this country and the penchant for violence in our culture, the gun caused death and injury toll is increasing as you read this letter. Is this god’s work? Trump’s wound and escape will be much talked about at the Republican Convention coming up this week. We can be certain screens and print media will be filled with the image of a bleeding Trump, looking for his shoes and raising his fist while being helped off the stage. Behind the on-stage turmoil, a U. S. flag framed by a blue sky stands tall. Are we supposed to believe a Republican god staged this? At the convention, you will hear speeches and on camera comments quoting all of this–the miracle ear nick wound, the fist wave, the flag proudly flying. Though nothing much about those shoes. All this and more will be presented as an Act of God. God working for Donald Trump to save America. Are we supposed to believe the Republican Party, and only the Republican Party, has the Almighty on speed dial? Yet, with grave seriousness, they will be telling us the Trump University scam artist, the man found guilty of sexually assaulting a former Indiana University cheerleader, a 34 times convicted felon, the unembarrassed Bible salesman is god’s candidate and should be yours. OMG (and yours), let us pray. Gary Daily