(This essay of mine appeared in the 9/7 edition of the Marshalltown, Iowa Times -Republican newspaper)

Trump real hope for racial justice

Like many in Iowa, my wife and I are an interracial couple. We are sensitive to how issues impact particular communities.

When politicians speak on matters that touch our lives, we listen. We value sincerity, and despise opportunists. Hillary Clinton, the Democrat Party, and their special interest allies only exploit racial problems. They do not solve them. They misrepresent Donald Trump, arguing falsely that he harbors racial animus. Think for a moment: If their concern for citizens were genuine, they would not try to deceive us. It is vital to our national well-being that genuine bigotry be spotlighted and crushed. But Hillary's flinging related epithets and allegations without factual basis, merely for partisan point scoring, impairs this legitimate cause. It distracts the well-intentioned, muddying crucial public conversation. "Republicans are the party of Abraham Lincoln," Trump reminded his audience at Sen. Joni Ernst's recent Des Moines Roast and Ride event. "Nothing means more to me than working to make our party the home of the African-American vote, once again.” The Republican Party was founded to fight for the abolition of slavery. Democrats supported that horrible institution, as they did later Jim Crow laws. Politifact notes that the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 with 80% Republican lawmaker endorsement; only 61% of Democrats supported it. Many now have perhaps forgotten that of the two parties, Republicans have the proud legacy. "African-Americans have given so much to this country," Trump told listeners. "They've fought and died in every war since the revolution. They've lifted up the conscience of our nation with the Civil Rights Movement. They've sacrificed so much for the national good." Trump that afternoon issued a stirring call needed in 2016. One that signaled his awareness and forward-looking optimism. "Now is the time to put a new agenda into action that expands opportunity, ensures equality, and protects the rights of each and every citizen. Including African-American citizens."

All of us must support that noble mission. Together, we can do much to right America's terrible racial discord.

Iowa voters need not speculate what continuing to vote for Democrats might bring. After decades, we know, because the horrible evidence of enduring want is all around us. If that party and its candidates were the solution, there would be no more problem. It's time to try something else.