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Words Matter

On October 22, Donald Trump posted a tweet comparing the current impeachment process to a lynching. On both sides of the aisle, members of Congress condemned the tweet. In their criticism, they raised valid points. The current impeachment investigations follow a standard procedure involving due process and have legitimacy under the Constitution. The investigating committees involve members of both parties. There are precedents for the impeachment process. On the other hand, lynching represents an illegal mob-based action, primarily targeting African Americans. Almost 5000 died as a result of lynchings during a time of extreme brutality directed towards usually innocent African Americans.  Does the president’s tweet, in fact, lack sensitivity? Is he completely unaware of important historical facts? Do his words influence our divided country?
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A recent video produced by right-wing Trump supporters and shown at Trump National Doral Miami resort superimposes the head of of Donald Trump on actor Colin Firth in a violent scene from the movie Kingsman: The Secret Service. Images of political rivals Mitt Romney, Maxine Waters, and deceased senator McCain also appear as a result of edited film. The short scene captures Donald Trump shooting, stabbing, and using a blowtorch to violently attack media outlets and said opponents. Like other manifestations of current political discourse in our sharply divided country, the film represents toxic bias. It portrays the press/"fake news" and Trump's political opponents as legitimate targets. In the original movie version of Kingsman: The Secret Service, Colin Firth plays protagonist Harry Hart pursuing individuals corrupted by evil technology. By suggesting an appropriate comparison between Harry Hart and Donald Trump, the edited film represents dangerous bias.  I