A Jewish Trump Supporter vs. the Comments Section

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By Neil Berro September 1, 2016

I never realized how “stupid” I was until I wrote a piece supporting Donald J. Trump for president in the Forward. As you can see, “stupid” was actually one of the most mild insults directed towards me in the comments section.

We are living in an age of online vitriol. We hate each other, and the rawness of that hate is palpable.

Our communications through social media are the most embarrassing. Our very imperfections as human beings are now transparent and exposed in every manner. Our unfiltered feelings towards one another’s views are being equally exposed and revealed.

We should all be ashamed, but we are not. I may indeed find adherence to certain beliefs or values ridiculous or indeed worthy of a strong response. But I should also realize that diverse views add much to total understanding.

Our anger, whether being expressed as individuals or by segments of a society, is careening into chaos. We are reaching the point where people are forced to withdraw from either public expression or must self censor private remarks as we fear being politically incorrect and drowned in damning charges often of dubious validity. That would emerge as disastrous for this country — who is to say what happens if one day your views are deemed unacceptable?

There has to be a better way.

I believe that Donald Trump would best represent our country. I also really believe Hillary Clinton, who had the mantle of leadership at the State Department, failed to stand up to the Iranian mullahs when they were reeling back in 2009 and that she will fail to stand up to the Iranian mullahs drive for nukes in 2017 and beyond. If being an American matters at all, if for that matter professing to being a liberal matters at all, than my freedom to express these views is hardly a casual privilege to be taken for granted.

Screaming at me (or anyone) in print does not augment your progressive credentials, the strength of your argument, or the quality of our democracy.

Neil Berro worked in Jewish communal service throughout the country for many years. He currently works mainly with entities that serve educational enrichment.

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