When this crisis is at last behind us, it’s entirely possible that nobody will have been responsible for more human suffering, economic hardship and loss of life than Donald J. Trump, president of the United States of America.

Today I want to talk about just one of the many cowardly, despicable things Trump is doing.

Trump — amplified by his bootlickers at Fox “News” — has repeatedly referred to the coronavirus as the “Chinese Virus.”

This deceitful rhetoric is very intentionally designed to indulge and incite racism among Trump’s base.

Now — tragically, but also predictably — Asian Americans all across our country are being targeted by racist insults and violence.

The threat is becoming so widespread that the FBI (which, of course, has its own shameful record of racial discrimination) issued a nationwide alert warning of a rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans.

And — while this is secondary to what our fellow Americans are being subjected to by thugs in MAGA hats — Trump has another objective in mislabeling the disease.

By calling it the “Chinese Virus,” Trump is trying to detach himself from the pandemic. He is laying the groundwork to blame another country — another people — for his own catastrophic failures in confronting the disease and the shockwaves it has set off throughout our society.

Trump has said, “I don’t take responsibility at all.”

I believe, and hope, that history will judge otherwise.

For more information — and to report any instances you might experience or witness — visit Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

Stay safe.

- Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen

P.S. This message is part of our ongoing outreach to help you stay informed and involved as our nation and the world grapple with the coronavirus emergency. Public Citizen — like many nonprofits and other small businesses — is feeling the financial strain as this crisis intensifies. If you can, please consider donating to support the critical work we’re doing together. Thank you.
 
 
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