Although President Donald Trump is not directly to blame for the New Zealand shootings, the alleged shooter hailed Trump as “a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose.”

Words matter, and as president, Trump has a responsibility to choose his words carefully.

King Henry II was said to have shouted, “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” After hearing it, four knights decided to do just that, killing the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, in 1170.

Henry II was not responsible for Becket’s death directly, but the four knights would not have slain him had Henry II not said what he did.

Hate crimes are up in the U.S. and several of the attackers quoted Trump after their attacks.

One said, “Donald Trump was right, all these illegals need to be deported.”

Although legally Trump is not to blame, he is morally responsible. Just as a rousing speech can inspire people to do good, careless words can cause great damage.

Terrence Ching

Wilhelmina Rise

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