Breaking a Taboo: Thank Donald Trump for Not Making War

by Rich Rubenstein on June 21, 2019 · 6 comments

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I posted the following message today on Facebook:

 

THANK YOU, MR. TRUMP! THANK YOU FOR NOT BOMBING IRAN! There are reasons, of course, why members of the anti-Trump opposition (a group of which I am a charter member) find it difficult to utter these words. But, for heaven’s sake, let’s congratulate the man when he does the right thing, and encourage him to continue to avoid taking the advice of John Bolton and the Pentagon hawks.

To be sure, the current problem with Iran would not exist if Trump hadn’t pulled America out of the nuclear enrichment deal two years ago. Also, the President clearly does not understand that economic sanctions can be seen, accurately, as existential threats to a nation’s welfare and survival. But the man apparently has a praiseworthy aversion to starting new shooting wars.

Let’s give him credit when credit is due. And let’s NOT play the dangerous game indulged in by the “liberal” press (including CNN, MSNBC, and the New York Times) of criticizing Trump for being “inconsistent,” and implying that is “weak” because he hasn’t made up his mind to blow things and people up. With friends like these, the lovers of peace don’t need enemies.

So I say again (reserving the right to criticize Trump’s racist, sexist, xenophobic, plutocratic policies without letup), “Thank you, Mr. President, for avoiding a shooting war – at least, so far – in Iran.”

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

tom sharp July 17, 2019 at 7:13 pm

Richard,

Agree with you on this one. A disaster was averted and cooler heads so far have prevailed. However, there are ominous lines in the sand drawn by Iran upping the nuclear threat with ultimatums and deadlines. Time will tell, but, personally, I’m hoping some Western leader(s) other than Trump gets to make a call when the deadline nears.

Unfortunately, Trump’s brief flirtation with decency and common sense seems to have been just that. The recent debacle concerning the rant against the ‘Fab Four’ minority congresswomen is the latest sign and serves as a case study in tweeting and politics run amok. I can’t remember the country being so widely divided by a President on myriad issues. Even during the Viet Nam War, both sides made periodic efforts to seek peace and find some common ground; and had many ancillary issues where the “opposition” was not that far apart. Here, its total war with no negotiations, no quarter to be given or expected. I see your work and skills at doing it more needed than ever. Good Luck!

Reply

Michael G Albrecht July 20, 2019 at 12:22 am

Mr. Rubinstein – I just started reading your book “When Jesus Became God,” a topic of great interest to me, both for the theological examination and also for the book’s promise of offering possible solutions to social conflict, in which we are currently deeply embroiled here in America. I would love to communicate if possible to hear any guidance you may have on how I can navigate this tumultuous era.

Thanks, and keep writing!

Michael G. Albrecht
Austin, Texas
512-497-2803

Reply

Rich Rubenstein July 20, 2019 at 3:11 pm

Thanks for your kind comment, Michael. You may be interested in looking at my more recent book on current conflicts, Resolving Structural Conflicts: How Violent Systems Can Be Transformed (Routledge, 2017). Try it out and let me know what you think. Best, Rich

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Paul Lagno April 12, 2021 at 6:21 pm

Dear Rich,
We have appreciated your book about Jesus not being God but the son of God.
Are you Jewish? Are you a Zionist?
Thanks,
Paul

Reply

Rich Rubenstein March 27, 2022 at 5:28 pm

I am Jewish, Paul. My book does not state that Jesus was not God but the son of God; it discusses the Arian view which developed this position. The Jewish view is that all humans (including Jesus, of course) are children of God.

Reply

Rich Rubenstein March 27, 2022 at 5:32 pm

I should also your “Zionist” inquiry, Paul. I believe that the Jewish community in the Middle East has a right to survive and flourish. I do not believe that its rights in the Holy Land are superior in any way to those of the Palestinians.

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