By Georgette Gomez
Edmund Burke famously said, “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
Donald Trump’s toxic mixture of fear, hate, and bigotry threatens much of what San Diego stands for as a community. We cannot remain silent and allow Trump to triumph.
Trump calls Mexicans rapists and criminals. In San Diego, we pride ourselves on our Latino heritage and our ethnic diversity.
Trump wants to build a wall on the border and deport millions. Bi-partisan efforts here have long focused on immigration reform and cross-border exchange.
Trump favors banning all Muslims from entering the U.S. San Diego is a proud hub for refugees, of all religions, fleeing violence and oppression in their home countries.
I refuse to be silent. I’m the daughter of immigrants from Mexico. I live in City Heights, where Muslims are part of the fabric of our community and where over 33 languages are spoken. The San Diego I love wants nothing to do with Donald Trump’s hate and division.
A recent San Diego Union-Tribune survey asked local Republican elected officials if they would support Trump in the November election. Nearly 80 percent of San Diego GOP leaders did not respond. Of those who did, only one said he would oppose Trump.
The most prominent and powerful Republican leaders in our community have refused to speak out. These leaders are remaining on the sidelines, allowing Trump and his hate-filled campaign to gain momentum.
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer has refused to condemn Trump and hasn’t ruled out voting for Trump if he is the GOP nominee.
The GOP members on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and San Diego City Council have not spoken out against Trump’s hate and division or stated who they will vote for in November.
As the Trump campaign heads to California, their silence is deafening. Allowing Trump to continue his hate-filled march to the nomination unchallenged by San Diego’s leaders sends a message that we will tolerate a campaign based on the politics of fear and division.
That’s a terrible message to send to our vibrant, bi-national and multicultural city. San Diego Republicans, find your courage, take a stand and speak out against Trump.
Georgette Gomez is a candidate for the San Diego City Council in District 9.