An Open Letter to the 45th President of the United States
- Rev. Arda Itez
- Dec 16, 2017
- 3 min read
Today, I’d like to thank you Mr. President, from the bottom of my heart.
It is because of you that the world is changing in the the most challenging yet wonderful ways and I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.
Almost one year ago to the day, I wrote a piece after you were elected titled, “What Cannot be Seen Cannot Be Healed.”
I knew then that you were the catalyst to “make America great again” and sure enough, you have not let me down.
Allow me to explain….
It’s because of you that we have peeled back the layers to reveal the dark underbelly of this nation. We were lulled into complacency by believing that because we had elected a black president we had somehow “arrived” in sociological thinking and behavior. That we were steadily putting racism and homophobia behind us. That the David Dukes, Steve Bannons and Roy Moores of the world would fall silent. We engaged in highbrow conversations where we tsk-tsked the past and believed that equanimity was possible. That we could save the planet. We scoffed at the notion that someone as unqualified and boorish as you could ever be elected POTUS.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
It’s said that you have to hit rock bottom before you can rise again. Well, it appears that after almost a full year, we are still continuing the steady, downward spiral. So, in the interest of full disclosure - I will admit that I knew you’d be a nightmare. However, I also knew that great change is always preceded by tremendous chaos. Yet, it appears that you have taken it upon yourself to try to single handedly destroy this country as we know it. Every time you do something horrific and we name it “the most terrible thing you’ve ever done” - you take it as a personal challenge.
America: “Things can’t get any worse”
Trump: “Hold my beer”
Well, some people may be angry about this. Some may even feel hopeless.
Not me, Donald.
I might even dare to say I love you for it. As a matter of fact, let me count the ways.
Because of you, nazis, bigots, misogynysts, xenophobes, and those of their ilk who have hidden just beneath the surface have been (some voluntarily) outed and identified - which now allows us to confront them once and for all. The most dangerous enemy is the one you can’t see.
Because of you, the existence of systemic racism has been proven over and over again.
Because of you, the hypocrisy of the evangelical right has been beautifully exposed and given rise to a new crop of outspoken and progressive spiritual leaders who are determined to build bridges across diverse faith AND secular communities (myself and my fellow One Spirit clergy included).
Because of you, the spineless and self serving character that permeates the current Republican party (with the exception of a few) has been revealed.
Because of you, #Metoo has gained traction in a way that could never have been imagined. Women who were shamed and threatened into silence are finally speaking out and the repercussions they faced are coming to light.
Because of you, different communities are banding together and forging friendships simply to stand against you.
Because of you, one of the most marginalized demographics in our society, our strong, beautiful, black sisters finally said “ENOUGH.” They literally saved the entire country with their votes and turned a deep, redder than red state blue - something that hasn’t been seen in 25 years. Thanks to you and yours, the African American community is finding their power, taking action - and will soon be a political force to be reckoned with.
YOU did all of this! And it’s only the tip of the iceberg - how amazing is that??
I won’t lie, it’s been a rough year. There have been days I have cried, kicked, screamed and mourned because of you. Yes, there are people who are truly suffering, even dying because of you… but I can see the forest for the trees, Donald. This too shall pass and when it does, we will emerge stronger, smarter, awake, involved and proactive. Triumphant, even.
Yes, it will happen.
When it does, you’ll be a distant memory, albeit a stain on our humanity and a thorny remnant in our collective consciousness. Until then, I’m going to resist your divisive and dangerous ideologies and reach out to any and everyone that will take my hand.
So thank you again, Mr. President. We will evolve light years after this.…and it will please you to know that history will remember you quite well.
You’ll be the other reason why future generations proclaim “never again.”
Sincerely,
Reverend Arda Itez
Comments