So @realDonaldTrump today called for an end to racism, bigotry and white supremacy, the very attitudes and emotions that he continues to stoke and that influence the vile creatures who continue to perpetrate acts of mass murder.
"In one voice, our nation must condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy," he said, reading from a teleprompter in the White House. "These sinister ideologies must be defeated. Hate has no place in America. Hatred warps the mind, ravages the heart and devours the soul."
And that statement came after he sent a tweet blaming the media for contributing to the anger and rage that divides America today.
Mr. President, @realDonaldTrump, the media has a big responsibility to report what you say and do, which is exactly what it does. Your actions, your words, those constitute the fuel that stokes the anger and rage that has built up, especially during your presidency.
You are responsible, sir. Not the media.
And so, today, you call for stronger background checks coupled with immigration legislation. What is the connection? The white supremacist shooters who carry out these despicable acts are not the illegal aliens who you constantly vilify.
If you are serious that stronger background checks are needed, call your friend #MoscowMitch and tell him to call the Senate into session and pass the background check legislation already passed by the House of Representatives.
Do something useful. Do something concrete. And stop trying to shift the blame to the media, your favorite scapegoat.
Speaking of the media, Beto O'Rourke expressed the view today of many Americans who are fed up with Trump's BS. In an El Paso parking lot following an address there, he was asked by a reporter if there is anything Trump can do to make this better.
"What do you think?" he asked. "You know the shit he's been saying. He's been calling Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals. i don't know, like, members of the press, what the fuck? Hold on a second. You know, I--it's those questions that you know the answers to. I mean, connect the dots about what he's been doing in this country. He's not tolerating racism, he's promoting racism. He's not tolerating violence, he's inciting racism and violence in this country. So, uhm, you know, I just -- I don't know what kind of question that is."
O'Rourke will be criticized for his salty language. But he is right. His city has been devastated and he is upset, and has a right to be. And he is calling out @realDonaldTrump for his part in all of this. As he should.