The term “deplorable” was coined by Hillary Clinton during her 2016 US Presidential campaign, and I quote: “Speaking at a fundraiser in New York City on Friday, Hillary Clinton said half of Donald Trump’s supporters belong in a “basket of deplorables” characterized by “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic” views.” While afterwards Hillary tried to backtrack on her comments the term stuck and, ever since, this deplorable reference was worn as badge of honour by many Trump supporters.

Prior to Trump putting his hat in the ring as a Presidential contender, I became a regular Facebook user. One of the surprises was how people who offered anti liberal views, e.g. UKIP supporters, were vilified as deplorable or similar, by liberals. It seemed to me the thought of being thus attacked has deterred many a potential deplorable from posting unacceptable views, although speaking personally, the very thought of people whose views I deem erroneous controlling the narrative has been a spur to posting.

There is little doubt in my mind that good guys see things differently, according to their view already and the influences on their life e.g. the media they follow. So when I provide a list of some of my deplorable views concerning some of the hot topics of the hour I need to recognize this for myself and that often we know less than half of the facts, but given good people are taken in by wrong narratives, and this has a detrimental effect, quite often I feel compelled to speak out. For what it is worth here are examples:

1. Trump is NOT a racist and when he attacks via Twitter etc. the “squad”, Congressman Cummins and CNN reporter Don Lemon, all people of colour, while I might question his methods, I believe he is right to call them out for wrong words and deeds. I also believe, all too often, the question of race has been raised in order to shut down criticism.
2. The crisis at the Southern border is critical but implementing the rule of law in not allowing illegal immigrants into the country is important too. As I see it, controlling the influx of illegal immigrants, who once in the country go underground and merge with the system, aided and abetted by many, is a challenge. Of course compassion is needed but so are changes in the law and more robust measures to control entry into the country.
3. The recent mass shootings, following a long line of mass shootings is truly tragic, but contrary to what the Trump hating media say, it is NOT because of Trump and will not stop by taking away peoples guns, even though I welcome an intelligent debate that could restrict some gun availability.
4. Like with so much happening around us, I take the view that often things are not what they seem and as with most things we should question, e.g. concerning climate change.

While I have no doubt there will be those who will deem me deplorable for holding these views, I am grateful that with some of the good people I alluded to earlier, we can agree to disagree and remain friends. Long ago, I reckoned the world is divided into three camps: good, bad and mad, although I later refined this to most of us have elements of each. Name calling can be unhelpful and divisive. It seems to me if any were deplorable it was Hillary and her supporters, and the deplorables may be the good guys.

A Bible phrase that springs to mind that has a bearing on this subject is “speaking the truth in love”. It may be possible to be all for truth or love and not the other. We are beholden to speak the truth, even when unpopular, as it is the truth that sets us free. But without love it becomes a sounding gong or a clashing cymbal. We are also beholden to love our neighbour, irrespective of race, religion, disability, age, gender and sexual orientation.

And we all need to pray and be the answer to the Prayer of St. Francis: “Make me a channel of your peace”. If all that makes me a deplorable in the eyes of some, then so be it.