Today’s political rhetoric has reached new lows. We call it “political correctness” but in reality it is nothing more than bombastic propaganda skillfully used to discredit opposing points of view. In this new generation of linguistic bullies, no word is more abused than racism. With the arrival of America’s first Black presidential candidate on the political stage, the word was effectively used to silence all criticism against someone who has lead America to the brink of disaster. Although there were innumerable red flags to indicate the path ahead, those voices that dared to speak up against the charismatic young Marxist were vilified and silenced. And now, this very same linguistic tool is being used again to try to disenfranchise a legitimate presidential candidate – calling his desire to end illegal immigration racism against Latinos. Since presidents are expected to uphold our laws (meaning to oppose what is “illegal”), the logic of this argument is flawed. You can be sure that if Americans keep believing that these claims of racism are true, claims of racism will continue regardless of their veracity.

What racism really means

Frank Gorshin (left) and Lou Antonio, as Bele and Lokai, illustrate the absurdity of racism in “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield” (Star Trek: The Original Series, S03E15; copyright 1969 Paramount Pictures). This is how American television treated racism 47 years ago.

One of Merriam Webster’s definitions of racism is: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities… Whether it is this definition of racism that is applicable or any of the other many definitions, all divide one group of people from another – with prejudice. For Americans who believe “all men are created equal” the word imbues a spirit of shame for past national sins, which makes it all that more effective when wielded against an American political opponent. Even if the person being targeted is personally and generationally free from the historic sins of slavery, the KKK, and Jim Crow laws, defending themselves against such charges can be futile. It can be difficult to defend what and who you are, but it can be nearly impossible to defend against what you aren’t.

Perhaps the person most recently maligned by the racism label, as well as suffering character assassination charges of sexism and misogyny, is presidential hopeful, Donald J. Trump. However, his extensive business history strongly defends him against such allegations. One need look no further than the long list of celebrity names appearing as contestants on The Apprentice to realize that such claims are stunningly bogus. Among the list of well-known minority names are Omarosa Manigault, Holly Robinson Peete, Arsineo Hall, Dennis Rodman, Sinbad, Dionne Warwick, LaToya Jackson, and Nene Leakes, just to name a few. Additionally, the Trump organization has employed and nurtured females and minorities well before national averages were calculated. The Trump organization practiced fairness and equality – not because it was popular or expected; the Trump organization practiced fairness and equality because the man at the helm, Donald Trump, believed in fairness and equality: fairness and equality for all regardless of their ethnicity or biology. In addition to calling Trump a racist, pundits have also resorted to calling him a sexist and misogynist because of his remarks against Megyn Kelly and Rosie O’Donnell. This is indicative of a selective point of view that totally ignores the fact that Mr. Trump is an equal opportunity name-caller. Just ask Little Marco or Lyin’ Ted – neither of whom are females.

On the other hand, Mrs. Clinton has a well-established history of annihilating the long list of females that were unfortunate enough to cross paths with her sexually aggressive husband. While Trump elevates women without prejudice, God help those women who get in Mrs. Clinton’s way.

It can also be argued that Mrs. Clinton’s pandering to Black Americans constitutes racism in and of itself, since she apparently believes that race is a primary determinant of human behavior and thus she has no problem playing that card for all its worth. This behavior is indicative of someone who believes the color of one’s skin determines their beliefs and actions, as opposed to the content of their character. Therefore, Mrs. Clinton will claim she carries hot sauce in her purse, as well as speaking with a southern drawl when it panders to a certain demographic.

Breakdown in law and order

Unfortunately, using charges of racism to disenfranchise a political opponent has had repercussions in the social realm as well. We see it full blown in the Black Lives Matter movement, that has been fueled by Obama and men such as Jeremiah Wright and Al Sharpton. These opportunists have all used charges of racism to further their careers . They preach the oxymoron of social justice – the antithesis of justice, which is either impartial or non-existent. They preach that the crimes you may be committing are not your responsibility but the fault of those that have kept you oppressed. They preach victimization instead of freedom. Their philosophy of life was subtly supported by Obama’s recent speech wherein he stated that you need luck in order to be successful. This is the direct opposite of encouraging graduates to be victors in the world they are entering based on their own volition.

For those that do not submit directly to victimization based on racism, many still fall into the trap it has laid by submitting to the intimidation of the charges. When lying panderers are able to intimidate a culture into not speaking truth, many times it is because of the insecurity of their verbal victims. This type of intimidation has been successful because many have lost their ability to discern propaganda from truth and the ability to stand strong knowing that you are not what others claim you to be. On the other hand, those who are able to stand against the onslaught of these vile charges often find strength in knowing the truth – about themselves and about others as well. And as always, it is the truth that sets you free – or in this case – will keep you free. The political machines would not be able to thrive in a culture where citizens are able to discern truth from the lies of propagandists. Donald Trump’s life’s work and campaign just may be the a test for us rather than him. It may separate those who look to a person’s life to discern who they are rather than the political rhetoric of propagandists who throw stones.

The fate of this country hangs in the balance of this campaign season. We as a people will suffer either the consequences of our gullibility or will survive because of our discernment. Either way, God is watching. Above all, those who choose truth will be victors, regardless of the shortcomings of others. Therefore: choose truth.

Reprinted from The Daily Rant, copyright 2016 Mychal Massie. Used by permission.