Blind support of a political leader is wicked

Printed in the Bloomington Herald-Times, July 11, 2017

To the Editor:

It does not help President Donald Trump when sycophants mindlessly praise everything he does. If people want to support Trump, then they need to push him to be better, including calling him out when he is wrong. Those who never find fault in the President are not Trump supporters. They are cultists.

I did not vote for President Trump in the 2016 election. I do not regret that choice. However, Trump has successfully converted this former #NeverTrump voter. I am happy with his anti-abortion policies and his rollback of environmental regulations that have harmed our economy. I would vote for Trump if the 2020 general election was today.

But when Trump launches depraved personal attacks, like the one he spewed against Mika Brzezinski, Republicans must rebuke him for it. Many conservatives love that Trump is a fighter and a counter-puncher, but there are many ways to fight back that are within the realm of civil discourse. This was way out of bounds.

It is especially important for Christians to not support these attacks. Our loyalty is to be to Jesus Christ, not any politician or political party. Blind, unwavering support for a political leader is idolatry and is terribly wicked.