A term often used to describe views that are out of the mainstream is “extreme.” Synonyms include the words “fundamentalist,” or “ultra-,” or even “evangelical.” Depending on who is using the word(s), the intent may be complementary or harsh. In such cases, distortion, not accuracy, is often the result.

When, a few weeks ago, Donald Trump stood before a church near the White House in the midst of a Black Lives Matter rally, he held a Bible (upside-down I might add), to supposedly signify his “reverence” in the face of violence. This is the same man, of course, who ordered the forced removal of children from their parent’s arms. He has also abused women, and expressed ant-Semitic and and anti-Muslim views alongside his racist remarks directed towards Hispanics and Black Americans. Yet, many Christian and some Jewish “leaders” still regard him as a shared believer in Judeo-Christian traditions, a “man of faith.”

Such generalizations, when directed towards Trump and his Enablers, seek to envelop them in a righteous and benign posture. Of course, that is not the case, and understanding about the essence of their beliefs and actions is purposely obscured. Let me provide an example of the dangers of relying on such broad terminology, especially when intended to be injurious.

When I lived in Houston, Texas in the mid-1980’s, I met Rev. John Hagee. He was—and remains— a prominent Evangelical Minister whose mega-church is in San Antonio. He is probably best known for sponsoring, in locations throughout the state, a massive yearly celebration known as “A Night to Honor Israel.” Suspicions, especially among the Jewish communities of Dallas and Houston (wherein I worked), quickly arose. Jews in San Antonio assured everyone he was “for real.” Hagee periodically noted that he was not out to convert anyone. Rather, he contended, his attention was based on the premise that “you cannot be a good Christian if you don’t love and support Israel.”

The last time I talked to Rev. Hagee was about five years ago, in Israel, where he was meeting with Israeli leaders. As far as I was concerned, his growing reputation as an honest broker between Christians and Jews remained intact. Yet, today, in the press and among many in the nation’s Jewish leadership, he’s been labeled, without substantive evidence, an anti-Semite. Yes, he is an Evangelical Christian; yes he is a religious fundamentalist. No, he is not anti-Semitic. Again, an example of the massive harm of over-generalization by way of purposely-pejorative interpretation.

For the United States, presently, an immediate problem is the unfortunate and dangerous use of generalized, extreme terms against opponents designed to allow politicians to escape direct responsibility for their behavior. Too many of them are racial and religious bigots; yet the Conservative press relies on euphemisms; they are called “conservatives,” or “right” or “left wingers,” or, getting a little closer to the truth, “extremists.” When this occurs, the discussion gets side-tracked and meaning is obscured. While perhaps seeming far-reaching to some, the explicit term “Moscow Mitch,” correctly centers upon Sen. McConnell”s fawning and obeisance to Vladimir Putin. The colorful and pointed term”Pandemic Don,” should remind everyone of how many lives could have been saved if a competent and intelligent President was in office. In Texas and Florida, their respective Governors have demonstrated criminal liability regarding the stupidity of their actions as they deny science in favor of personal political gain. I could go on and on.

The American people deserve honesty, not pandering. The debate over actions, words and consequences must cease. Too much is at stake. With 150,000 dead in the United States, it is no longer time for evasive language; racism and other forms of evil must be specifically called out. Those who violate that premise, must not be allowed to escape by using generalities and extremes. The facts should be debated in a pointed and honest manner. Otherwise, Trump succeeds and the vast majority of us lose.

See you in September. Stay safe.