Political pundits claimed that Hillary Clinton lost the election because of her comments about “deplorables.” Specifically, Hillary said that half of Trump’s supporters belong in a “basket of deplorables” characterized by “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic” views. Trump capitalized on that theme during the final month before the 2016 election. He made it clear that Hillary didn’t care about a huge segment of America. Instead she found them “deplorable.”
I’ve been thinking a lot about that word. The fact is many “deplorable” things are going on in America right now. Perhaps some would call these occurrences by another name. But if we are honest, we would own up to this reality. Let’s just review some items on that list of deplorable actions.
First, make no mistake about it. It is deplorable to separate children from their parents at the border and put them in cages. It just is. The fact that 545 children cannot be rejoined with their parents is an unconscionable dereliction of duty on the part of the United States. Some of these children were babies when they were separated and have been without their parents for more than two years.
Second, it is deplorable to speak about women in misogynistic terms. Comments made recently about Kamala Harris are beyond the pale. Disagreeing with her political views is one thing. Personal comments about her are quite something else. Recently, posts have questioned whether she’s really an American citizen and qualified to run for President. Some question whether a Jamaican and an Indian qualifies as being Black. Others claim that she slept her way to the top. Still others question her competence, including the President of the United States, who also has called Harris a monster. He seems to have a major problem with powerful women whom he does not control.
Third, the hate groups on both sides—Antifa, the Proud Boys and others– are deplorable. Inciting violence and stoking hatred is never a good idea. In fact, it is a deplorable way to act. It is the opposite of what John Lewis would call “good trouble.” Rather it is bad trouble that should have no place in our society.
Fourth, Trump jumped all over Biden’s comments about curtailing the oil industry during the last debate. He attempted to stoke the “Biden will tank the economy” fires, claiming that Biden would cause mass unemployment in states like Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas. To my way of thinking, it’s deplorable if we don’t make efforts as a nation to reduce pollution and create new ways to get the job done using renewable energy. It’s deplorable that we worry only about short-term optics and not the future of our environment. Why is the United States government continuing to subsidize fossil fuels at all? Already oil companies see the writing on the wall, and the smart ones are taking steps to migrate in that direction. To not do so, is short-sighted and demonstrates a clear lack of concern for future generations.
Fifth, it’s deplorable to care about no one—not even yourself–during a pandemic and refuse to comply with recommended CDC guidelines. It’s been proven, without a doubt, that motorcycle rallies, political rallies, campus bar hopping, and massive beach parties are super-spreader events. Shortly after each of these activities major COVID spikes have occurred. By being cavalier about your own behavior, you can spread the virus to others who may be much more vulnerable than you.
Sixth, it’s deplorable that we have not progressed further in implementing reasonable gun control legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of criminals and those suffering with mental illnesses. It is possible to do so and still protect second amendment rights. Because of the lack of vision and leadership on this issue, thousands of innocent people have died.
Finally, it’s “deplorable” for politicians to capitalize on the prejudices or lack of understanding of some voters by playing on these deficiencies to their own benefit. Examples of this strategy include such statements as; Mexicans are taking your jobs. They are rapists. Democrats want to turn America into a Socialist country. It will be like Venezuela, etc.
Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
We know that separating children from their parents is wrong. We know that making sexist, racist, and homophobic comments is wrong. We know that continuing to pollute our environment and not taking proper remediation efforts is wrong. We know that putting other people’s health in jeopardy is wrong. We know that allowing dangerous people to own firearms is wrong. And we know that feeding on people’s prejudices solely for our own benefit is wrong.
As a nation, we know better and we should do better. We can set an example. We can be a beacon of hope. We can push reset and try again.
Maria Grant served as Principal-in-Charge of the Federal Human Capital practice of Deloitte Consulting. Since her retirement, she has focused on writing, music, reading, travel, gardening and nature.
Mike Huffstetler says
Ms. Grant:
You omitted the most deplorable thing possible, which Joe Biden, with the assistance of his son, Hunter, has performed with perfection:
The use of his political office to peddle influence to increase the wealth of his family at the expense of the very people who voted for him (costing them their jobs, taxes, income, etc.)!
It’s surprising that a single person can vote for Joe Biden with the knowledge of the information found on Hunter Biden’s laptop.
Despite the efforts of the MSM and unconstitutional censorship by Twitter, Google & Facebook, this information is both rapidly spreading among and disgusting those voters who truly want to know what Joe Biden has been doing for the last 47 years instead of working for them! He certainly has accomplished nothing as a former Senator or Vice President!
President Trump cares about, and uses his efforts to benefit, United States citizens, not to benefit himself and his family at the expense of US taxpayers!
Maria Grant says
Mike, Thanks for your comment. I disagree. Biden was a public servant for more than 40 years. He sponsored more than 80 bills. None of that laptop information has been validated. And every investigation has concluded that Joe Biden did nothing wrong.
Suzanne Todd says
It seems to me that your comment regarding Joe Biden aptly fits the president and his family.
Carol Voyles says
Even the conservative-leaning Wall Street Journal refused to print this story, as it offered virtually no proof that Joe Biden had either participated in or profited from his son Hunter’s unfortunate associations.
We’ll assume you agree that the other activities cited are deplorable, although your last statement was puzzling. Trump may not take a salary, but he has been violating the Emoluments Clause and raking in hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars at his properties.
Laurie says
Ms. Grant, thank you for your thoughtful and beautifully articulated article. I’m praying that we heed the call to be the beacon of light and hope that this country and the world need.
Maria Grant says
Thanks for your comments. I appreciate them.
Karen Hayes says
To Mike Hufstetler:
Do you remember Donald Trump ranting about “chain migration”? Interestingly, his in-laws became citizens, were actually rushed through the citizenship process, all through CHAIN MIGRATION! How did Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner get highly classified positions within the administration, with absolutely no experience! And talk about Hillary’s emails???? Ivanka does personal business from her government server. I feel sorry for Joe Biden if he wins. Donald the Destroyer has created a damaging, divisive and embarrassing mess of our democracy! Donald cares ONLY about himself….if you think he cares about you, you’re either a “sucker or a loser”…don’t shoot the messenger……those are Donald’s words!!
Karen Hayes says
Do you remember Donald Trump ranting about “chain migration”? Interestingly, his in-laws became citizens, were actually rushed through the citizenship process, all through CHAIN MIGRATION! How did Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner get highly classified positions within the administration, with absolutely no experience! And talk about Hillary’s emails???? Ivanka does personal business from her government server. I feel sorry for Joe Biden if he wins. Donald the Destroyer has created a damaging, divisive and embarrassing mess of our democracy! Donald cares ONLY about himself….if you think he cares about you, you’re either a “sucker or a loser”…don’t shoot the messenger……those are Donald’s words!!
ckayhoe says
IT is deplorable for all media giants to suppress Hunter Biden laptop story.
Suzanne Williams says
Thank you for putting words in perspective. So much has gotten lost in sound bites that we stop thinking meaning.
Mike Huffstetler says
Wow!
Are all of you guys who intend to vote for Joe Biden blind?
Or do all of you simply refuse to believe the truth?
The laptop has been validated by both the DNI and the left leaning Deep State DOJ & FBI.
The laptop contents have also been validated by two of Hunter Biden’s former business partners, Tony Bobulinski, CEO of Sinohawk Holdings, and Bevan Cooney, currently serving time in jail (where both Joe Biden & Hunter Biden should be!) for financial crimes committed with Hunter Biden!
If you guys choose to vote for a crooked politician who belongs in jail and ignore clear evidence of that fact, so be it!
Luckily, I don’t believe that over 50% of those eligible to vote are so willing to ignore the facts!