Reich writes: "The difference between a leader and a demagogue is a leader brings out the best in his or her followers; a demagogue brings out the worst. History is filled with both."
Robert Reich. (photo: Perian Flaherty)
18 October 15
ensions erupted Wednesday night at a Trump rally in Richmond, Virginia when about a dozen Latino student protesters shouted “We’re here to stay” and “Dump Trump.” Trump supporters then stole the protesters’ signs, shoved them and yelled, “Go back where you came from!,” and at least one Trump supporter spit in the face of a protester and yelling “F--- you!” until fellow supporters pulled him away.
This is at least the second time racial and ethnic tensions have broken out at a Trump rally. Trump has inspired other ugly incidents as well. In August two Boston men beat and urinated on a homeless man, telling police, "Donald Trump was right. All these illegals need to be deported," according to CNN. Less than a month ago, Trump remained silent as a man at a New Hampshire rally told him Muslims are “a problem in this country” and insisted President Obama is one. Trump’s response: “We’re going to be looking into these things.” After Wednesday night’s Richmond rally Trump posted a crowd photo on Instagram and wrote: “Incredible crowd in Richmond, Virginia tonight! So much spirit and energy!”
The difference between a leader and a demagogue is a leader brings out the best in his or her followers; a demagogue brings out the worst. History is filled with both. A sane and civil society repudiates the demagogues. Donald Trump must -- and will -- be repudiated by America.
What do you think?
Tensions erupted Wednesday night at a Trump rally in Richmond, Virginia when about a dozen Latino student protesters...
Posted by Robert Reich on Friday, October 16, 2015
