A Bridge Linking Between Two Bad Shores: Criminality in Brussels And Contradictions In the Muslim World

In Brussels, where terror struck on March 22, there had been words and arms of welcome to the hordes of Muslim refugees. Fleeing the terror in their lands of origin. Hordes harboring in their midst those who are schooled by ISIS to cut the hand and at times the head, of those who shelter them. An unbelievable criminality. And a denial of the essence of humanity: "Live and Let Live!!"

In the Muslim world, the origins of that poison are active. In various forms. From Wahabbism, where the Quran is given an imperfect interpretation. Especially when it comes to denying legitimate access to worship by adherents of other faiths. Faiths that lie at the roots of Islam itself. To the Muslim Brotherhood which hoists a flag bearing two swords. For a faith whose Book, the Quran, does not even contain the word "sword."

To the avalanche of spin-offs of criminal gangs. Gangs inspired or led by thugs: from Bin Laden (they call him Sheikh), to Al-Zawahri, to Al-Zarqawi, to Al-Awlaki, to the biggest joke of all, the so-called Calipha Al-Baghdadi of ISIS.

Passing through the dirt of Al-Nusra, Boko Haram, Al-Shabab. Not to mention the Friends of Jerusalem, ensconced within Gaza, the run-away Palestinian strip lorded over by Hamas, a clear and present danger to the New Egypt. Yet Hamas is vainly calling for easy access to Egypt. Insane!!

This New Egypt, is one third of the Arab world, raising the flag of secularism, fluttering through the gentle winds of Al-Azhar in Cairo.

And in the West, the Muslim Brotherhood, now and belatedly declared by Egypt a terrorist organization, is being enabled by an absurd public relations campaign. Calling the Brotherhood a victim of an Egyptian military coup led by El-Sisi, -a duly elected President, and a nation-builder.

Morsi, from 2012-2013, had sought the glory of a Muslim imperial caliphate. A pipe dream whose only outcome would have been turning Egypt from a State to a Province. Where the Copts are persecuted, Hamas is empowered, and the Muslims who are not in the fold of the Brotherhood are cowed into abject submission. The seat of power would have shifted to the Guidance Bureau.

In only one horrible year of failed Islamization of Egypt, Morsi claimed to have accomplished 480 national projects. Called "Injazat" (Accomplishments). Including a trash conversion factory in one of Egypt's 27 provinces.

But the "Injazat" booklet does not mention that Morsi was elected before the drafting of an Islamic Constitution (now repealed); that in November 2012, Morsi has declared himself above any constitutional limitations; and that for 3 days (June 30 - July 3, 2013) he rejected El-Sisi's attempts to have the Brotherhood respond to the screams of 35 million Egyptians for a new plebiscite.

Adamancy, in the context of Islamic ideologues, is falsely considered "the Righteous Way" (Al-Sirat Al-Mustaqeem). But under Islamic jurisprudence, the welfare of the community comes first. Called the Maslaha jurisprudence. Whatever is in the interest of the community (Ma Yanfao El-Nas), anywhere, and at any time.

In that sense, terrorism in Brussels, or anywhere else, makes a mockery of Islamic law (Sharia). And when some rotten apples engage in that type of genocidal warfare, they give Islam a black eye.

So please do not trouble me with shatter about Islamophobia. It is terrorism that creates both fear and hate for Muslims everywhere.

And don't trouble world history by tracing the roots of terrorism to the days of colonialism. The colonial period is largely gone. Succeeded by a system of Muslim rulership which puts the perpetuation of its rule ahead of national development and the peaceful transfer of power.

Shifting the blame to what happened decades ago, rather than facing the causes of today's realities, shall not be taken as credible history. This is why I look upon El-Sisi's call for a "Religious Revolution" as the right advocacy for moving the New Egypt forward. It is to be here noted that happily Al-Azhar is heading that call.

The tangible proof is to be found in a speech in Arabic by Al-Azhar's Rector, Imam Dr. Ahmed El-Tayieb. Standing before the Bundestag in Berlin on March 15, he addressed many issues of which the following are a selection and a translation of my own. Except for Quranic verses.

• On the new Muslims in Europe: "I say to my co-religionists who now live in Europe... Observe the high values of the societies in whose territories you now live."
• On Islam's Respect for Diversity: "You ought to present similar perceptions of Islam and its tolerance. Perceptions which respect the other, regardless of religion, sect, or ethnic origin."
• On Abhorring Combating The New Societies: He called for the framing of the following Quranic verse: "With regard to those who have not fought you in the cause of Religion, nor expelled you from your homes, God does not forbid you from being considerate and dealing justly with them. Surely God loves the just." (Chapter 60, Verse 8)
• On the Organic Links Between Islam and Other Faiths: Dr. El-Tayieb told the Bundestag: "Islam is a faith with organic links to other revealed faiths. As Muslims we believe that the Torah, the Bible, and the Quran are all purveyors of guidance and light."
• His Quranic Evidence: Quoting from Chapter V, Verse 46): "And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus the son of Mary, confirming what was before him of the Torah, and gave him the Scripture in which was guidance and light, and confirming what was before it of the Torah, and a guidance and an admonition for the pious."
• On Women In Islam: He raised Al-Azhar's voice in defense of gender equality. "In Sharia, women are equal to men in both rights and obligations. So please do not think that the marginalization of women of the East is attributable to Islamic teaching. This is a misconception. In truth, women suffering is the result of divergence from Islamic teaching regarding women. Arcane tradition and worn out custom, with no relation to Islam have been ascendant."
• On ISIS and Similar Other Armed Movements: Dr. El-Tayieb declared: "ISIS and its affiliates murder, destroy, cut heads off. All in the name of God and of Islamic law... Acts which are antithetical to Islam. Let us bear in mind that no faith would be immune from the charge of violence and terrorism, if it is evaluated from the perspective of the few perpetrators amongst its adherents."
• On Al-Azhar's Role In Revamping the Islamic Discourse: "Al-Azhar is continuously concerned with revamping its message and educational curricula... Everywhere, its scholars confront wrong concepts. Concepts which distort Islam's message. Exploiting it for the advocacy for a blind insurrection, for blood-letting and countries destruction."
• On Inclusiveness Between All Religions: "Al-Azhar, in December 2014 held a conference attended by Muslim Sunni and Shii scholars, heads of churches, eastern and western, and representatives of the Yazidis of Iraq. Its final communique condemned all armed sectarian groups and militias which pursue violence, terrorism, and assault the lives of peaceful citizens... Any violence perpetrated against Christians and others in the name of faith is contrary to the ethos of Islam."

The gulf is indeed wide between the voice of true Islam, as expounded by Al-Azhar's Grand Imam, and the voice of death heard loudly in Brussels. Confronting jihadist ideology through the voice of Dr. El-Taiyeb is the starting phase in what promises to be a protracted struggle.

For despite the centrality of the voice of Al-Azhar, as the premier citadel for Islamic learning, the divergence in Islamic practices throughout dozens of Muslim countries and cultures makes that voice carry less volume.

But hope springs eternal. The Quran, Muhammad's tradition (Sunnah), and ijtihad, as the brain activated for interpreting those texts should undoubtedly come on top. The world of today has heard the pain of Belgium!!

But how could Al-Azhar deal effectively with this generational battle against rogues pretending to be Muslims?

The needs of the Al-Azhar's "Religious Revolution," initially called for by President El-Sisi, are myriad.

Among those needs is adequate funding and staffing whose main expertise is communication in main languages to pass on the great message delivered at the Bundestag.

That call for a "Religious Revolution" by El-Sisi is a historic game changer in the world of Islam. Still a Cairo TV anchor woman, Azza Al-Hinnawi called El-Sisi on the air "a do-nothing president who speaks like Hitler." A below the belt stupidity, even for a person like her with a contribution to the New Egypt that does not exceed a microphone in her hand, coupled with a foul mouth, joined to an empty head that does not even retain the recent inauguration by El-Sisi of Suez Canal II.

Judging by the follow-up on that message of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, I am left with this feeling: The Al-Azhar's counter-attack against the kind of murderous ideology which led to the Brussels massacre, and was about to lead to the possession of "a dirty nuclear weapon" is lacking of some basic tools.

These include good translations from the classic Arabic, which are still woefully lacking. And Al-Azhar points of strategic and effective communication throughout the world. Staffed by experts who do not take a holiday!! Failure in uprooting ISIS and its sister organizations is no longer a viable option. This is a fight to the finish!!

Let us keep in mind the emblematic treatise by a great predecessor of Sheikh El-Taiyeb, as a Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Shareef. That was Sheikh Mahmoud Shaltoot. One of his books is entitled "Islam: Faith and Law" (Al-Islam Aaqeedah We Shareeah), published in Cairo in more than 24 editions.

Sheikh Shaltoot ends that book by saying:

• "The fatwas are not binding statements of law;"
• "The views of Al-Caliphah, the Imam, or the judge are not immune from being fallible;"
• "Interpreting Islam is not the exclusive prerogative of any one;"
• "The titles of Sheikh Al-Islam and the Mullah are only but scholarly titles with no binding consequences;"and
• "Ijtihad is more authoritative when arrived at, not individually, but collectively."

Through this freedom of religious thought there appears, through the present fog, another bridge. Detouring all of us, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to an existence better than that of a constant fear from a pretended Islam that in fact does not exist!!

A Mega Bully In A Mega Pulpit: Trump's Mobocracy In An Annotated Selected Glossary

A: Anchor
A media person whose quality is determined by the kind of questions he or she addresses in public to the Chairman. If hostile and a woman, such a person has "blood oozing from everywhere." Clear reference to the menstrual period. Stamped the Chairman as "anti-feminist."

C: Convention
A formal assembly, usually based, since the 17th century, on tacit consent by its members. When not favoring the Chairman being its nominee for US President, then a hostile take-over is necessary for voiding the popular will as defined by the Chairman.

D: Debate
An ugly form of verbal warfare in which only profanity, misogyny, vulgarity and dishonesty are permitted. Drowning your opponent's voice and trouncing the moderators for reminding you of your time limitation. For the Chairman, these are debating skills and a propensity to lead.

Demagogue
A political agitator appealing to the prejudice of the masses. A term fully applicable to Chairman Trump. He has voiced heated opposition to "political correctness," to "the establishment," to organized political practice, and to the principle of compromise. All peaceful tools in the service of the national good. His vain rhetoric is the very language of the Tea Party, one of whose symbols is Sarah Palin.

Deportation
The forceful expulsion by authorities of individuals accused of violation of immigration laws. Chairman Trump is set to deport 11 million persons falling in this category, within 2 years of his presidency. Requiring 30 jumbo-jet flights for 730 days. This explains why Chairman Trump hates media questions about immigration. Such as those posed by Jorge Ramos, a Latino spokesman physically removed from his rallies.

F: Foreign Policy
Generally defined as a State's approach through diplomacy and other means to relationships with other States to maximize national interest. Chairman Trump, nonetheless, has redefined American foreign policy. Made of sound bites typical of his own brand of raucous disparagement of nearly all foreign powers. Examples: China is "ripping off" America on trade and stealing jobs; Mexico is flooding the southern border with migrants and drugs. As to Japan, "we are getting absolutely crushed on trade." Salvation is through the Chairman.

H: Hand
Terminal part of human arm. For the Chairman, its size determines the Chairman's genitalia. In this department, the Chairman has declared that he was "well endowed." Nature and destiny are on his side!!

Hero
An illustrious warrior who has fought for his country or his cause. But if captured, like in the case of Senator McCain, loses his luster. Chairman Trump put it succinctly when he declared: "I like persons who don't get captured." As if the victim has a say in falling captive.

I: Immigration
A term which, for the Chairman, refers only to skilled foreign workers. On guest worker visas coded as H-1B. Fit for work in Silicon Valley. Chairman Trump is calling for all others to be herded on buses for forcible deportation. But the Latino empire of millions of new Mexican voters is striking back. Denying Chairman Trump, with his blond hairdo, their vote this Fall. The revolt of those vilified are systematically described by Trump as "drug traffickers and rapists."

Islam
The faith of 1.7 billion people, based on two principles: the onness of God, and the surrender to God's will. One of the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Chairman Trump, in Florida on March 9, intoned another Islamophobic declaration: "Islam hates us." A cunning reversal of his Trump coinage of: "Ban Muslims entry into America." Even the Florida Governor, Rick Scott, endorsed that savage call by Trump.

M: Marco Rubio
A one-term Senator from Florida with a Cuban ancestry. Now out of the race for Republican nomination for President. Described by Chairman Trump as follows: "You know that in Florida they hate little Marco Rubio so much because of the fact that he never votes...He has conned the people of Florida into voting for him." The Chairman, in a humane gesture towards his then opponent Rubio, also said: "I didn't want him to get hurt hitting his head going down."

Mobocracy
Originally Latin for "mobile vulgus," meaning excitable crowd. Now refers to the lower order of a promiscuous assemblage of persons whom Chairman Trump targets for his venomous rantings. Trumpism has a close proximity to being a pied piper, a strolling musician, leading children over a hill to nowhere.

Muslim
A human being believed by Chairman Trump to be so reviled as a terrorist or potential terrorist. His or her presence in, or admission to America is a clear and present danger to the established Trumpian order. The plan by Chairman Trump to rid the world of ISIS must remain under wraps. It shall be executed by the US military, not in accordance with the laws of war. But by the laws of Trump. "This is what a leader is all about," so declared the Chairman.

N: New York
A state in the northeast of the U.S. That is where Chairman Trump has multiple towers. Also where he is adored by the New York City Real Estate Board. Winning New York for Trump is declared by the Chairman a foregone conclusion. Thus he forcefully told his supporters in New Orleans: "We have a shot at winning New York. Can you imagine what would happen if we win New York? New York loves Trump."

O: Outsider
A term in the uneducated language of today's American politics. Meaning someone with no political experience. No part of the so-called "establishment." Meaning all those chosen through the democratic process to represent the populace. Chairman Trump is riding the wave of rage through pushing the fiction of "the Outsider." The Tea Party, the evangelicals who believe in "the end of time," the white blue collar workers are united in the cause of defeating "experience." Trump, promises that he, as an outsider, is the answer.

P: Palin
The last name of Sarah Palin, former governor of the state of Alaska. An empty-headed invention, ill-chosen by Senator McCain as his running mate in his failed presidential bid against Obama in 2008. Known for her ridiculing facts and knowledge, now a side kick for Chairman Trump as he seeks to energize his ultra-conservative supporters. Famously described by a French poet as "a bad joke."

Politics
Used to be defined as "the art of the possible." Now reversed to be "the art of appealing to the prejudice of the masses." Perfected by Chairman Trump in his bid to "Make America Great Again." Hence "a politician," which the Chairman is not, is someone who plays by the rules usually ridiculed as "political correctness."

Putin
The man of the hour for Russia whose strength and practices in his country, and in its "near abroad," are admired by Chairman Trump. A reflection of the Chairman's admiration for strong leadership. Now seen by him as the cause of American decline. Reversible only under a president who does not apologize and does not reward America's adversaries, like Iran, by "very bad deals."

R: Rally
To rally is to get together again. Rousing to fresh energy. In the rallies for Chairman Trump, the theme rallying his crowds is to "get tough," to consider a protester an enemy. Thus the Chairman calls on his private army of bouncers to kick out anybody protesting his theme of hate. The emphasis in Trump's message is not on the First Amendment (guaranteeing freedom of speech). It is on magnifying hate into a creed. Forcing the protesters in Chicago to shut down his rally. "Throw them out," yelled Trump to his bouncers. "Trouble-makers," he described protesters. The result: An atmosphere of hate, violence and divisiveness that has become "the new normal" for the Chairman's electioneering.

Rambling
An incoherent, irregularly non-planned speech by the Chairman. Stoking anger of the mobs assembled to watch his show.

Republican Party
A 162 year old party which should be demolished through either a Trump take-over, or a split through a contested convention intended to deny the Donald the historical advantage of being the chosen one to defeat the Democratic nominee for president in November 2016.

S: Schizophrenia
A psychotic disorder characterized by loss of contact with the environment. Also contradictory or antagonistic attitudes. Chairman Trump exhibits these symptoms of dysfunction. In his rallies, he calls for his supporters right to free assembly. A First Amendment right. But denies it to those protesters attempting to exercise the same right, by calling them "villains against whom I shall press charges." He declares love for the Chinese, the Japanese and free trade. But simultaneously he calls for 35% surcharge over products imported to the US.

State Department
The department of the U.S. Government that conducts foreign affairs on behalf of the U.S. President. Under Chairman Trump, the lines are already drawn up. All in terms, not of interaction, but of rage, conflict and enmity. In their turn, those foreign powers are adjusting to a possible Trump presidency. Mexico's President says: "His language is reminiscent of Hitler and Mussolini." The British Parliament debated barring Trump from entry into the UK for his "hate speech." China and Japan are distressed. Iran is laughing at him in its bazaars.

Swear
Invoking the name of a sacred being in an oath. It is the highest form of asserting a promise. Chairman Trump, in Florida, the home state of his then competitor, Marco Rubio, resorted to extracting an oath from the enthralled multitude. "Do you swear to vote for me?" And their hands and voices were raised "yes." Reminiscent of the Nazi "Sieg Heil" (Victory To the Savior!) A true mobocracy!!

T: Taxation
A contribution levied by an established authority on persons, property or business. For the purpose of supporting government's programs on behalf of the entire population. "No taxation without representation" was a call  to arms by the 13 American colonies rebelling against Great Britain. So with the position of Chairman Trump. He believes that the conservative and the billionaires causes are not sufficiently represented in American governance. His payment of limited taxes in accordance with the law should not entail making his tax returns public knowledge. The Chairman says: "It is too complicated."

Truth
Truth has consequences. Especially for a billionaire who has captivated millions for being a non-establishment politician. Best characterized by a 60-year old property investor who idolized the Chairman in these words: "He has no gain in this -he doesn't need the money, he doesn't need the fame, he doesn't need the power." Because of this, "the establishment is ganging up on him." When somebody is being persecuted constantly, that means they're speaking the truth!!

U: Unifier
An adjective earned by Chairman Trump in his bid for the Republican nomination for president. Part of the process of energizing his base of conservatives, evangelicals, white, black, Latinos, working classes and monied classes. In a massive surge of support for their idol. Trumpese is a language springing from the street through which these multitudes surge. Propelling him as the front runner in this brutish campaign between Republicans and Democrats. For the Chairman believes that before you build, you should first demolish, as per his practice in real estate. The demolisher, to Trump, is the unifier.

V: Violence
It is the unlawful exercise of physical force. Also intimidation by the exhibition thereof. The rallies, recently called by Chairman Trump, have begun to be marked by violence. Especially in the industrial Midwest. The Chairman, in a direct way, has nurtured that tendency as his way to "Making America Great Again." To him, the protesters against him are "violent;" the Muslims, "most of them hate us;" "Mexico shall be forced to pay for a wall" on the common border; and the US military "shall do what I tell them to do" (including torture).

W: Wall
Not to be confused with "Wall Street." It is a beautiful structure projected by President Trump to be built over a 2000 miles length. Between the U.S. and Mexico. Costing $20 billion. Chairman Trump has determined that Mexico, which rejects that idiotic concept, shall be forced to pay for it. How? As punitive damages for sending Mexicans to America as unvetted illegal immigrants. Through welshing on America's debts to Mexico. The Trump wall, as promised by the Chairman, is expected to surpass in grandeur the Great Wall of China.

War
A state of open hostility between nations, conducted by the force of arms. Waged, in the opinion of Chairman Trump, as the first option to failed negotiations. For the Chairman, the initials U.S. must always stand for "Unconditional Surrender." In conformity with the call by President Franklin Roosevelt, prolonging World War II against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. Chairman Trump has always declared "I don't settle."

White House
The name of the residence of the President of the United States. Located in a federal district, called Washington, D.C. Presently occupied by Barack Hussein Obama. Considered by Chairman Trump as "a closet Muslim," with no valid US birth certificate. In the words of Chairman Trump "Obama is the worst president in the history of the United States." If Chairman Trump moves into the Oval Office in January 2017, he may attach the name Trump to the facade of the White House. Renaming it Trump House may not be out of order.

Z: Zee End. An Epilogue
A fitting ending, by remembering President Ronald Reagan. This is on the sad occasion of the passing on March 6 of First Lady Nancy Reagan. She, throughout his tenure as President (1980-1988), was his primary advisor. Though the leader of the Republican party, Reagan looked upon the cold war in a diplomatic way. America's role, he believed, was not to win it. But to end it. And it peacefully ended in 1989. That was the GOP of Reagan. Not the GOP of Trump.

From Ronald to Donald?! What a precipitous descent for the Grand Old Party, the party of Lincoln.

From The Womb of Trump's Fascism Emerges A Chaotic American Spring

The man is an impostor. An impostor in the village. The very title of my novel in Arabic: An Impostor In The Village. Published in Cairo twice. Once in 1948; the other in 2014. And Trump's village is America.

From his lips gushes bombast and abuse. The adage says "loose lips sink ships." Trump's lips has sunk the Republican Party. The Grand Old Party (GOP) of the great liberator, President Abraham Lincoln. At the age of 16, I travelled to Lincoln. Spiritually from my Egyptian village, Kanayat, Province of Sharqiah.

That was through trudging in 1944 for 3 miles to the provincial capital, Zagazig. Headed to the public library to read in English a thin book on Lincoln. Captivated by that bearded and humble man who managed to free the slaves in America, through a bloody victory of the North over the South. Then assassinated in 1865.

So with his party today. Where his assassination is repeated, but this time on his party, the party of Lincoln. By a buffoon called Donald Trump. Whose fascism is worn on his sleeves. Through:

• calling for the building of a wall between the U.S. and Mexico;
• ridiculing blacks, women, and minorities;
• calling for a ban on Muslims from entering the US, even if they were returning citizens;
• using his book The Art of the Deal, the way Hitler had used Mein Kampf;
• accepting, through avoiding clear disavowal, the endorsement of David Duke, the former head of the Klu Klux Klan;
• calling for bombing the families of suspected terrorists to avenge terrorist attacks;
• praising Mussolini as an effective leader; and
• calling Obama an American hater, an alien born outside the U.S., and a non-Christian/a closet Muslim.

The list can be much longer. Trump is a mob inciter whose calls for "let us make America great again" is nothing but a call for a Spartan America whose wars are endless, and her grab of the natural resources of other States (oil as an example) is the fruit of "winners take all." 

Through content analysis, one finds in Trump the making of a dictator, an anti-Republican quasi conservative. And a man who has succeeded in turning his own party against him. Here are samples of his bombast reflective of his sense of vaunted superiority.

• About Hillary Clinton, the prospective Democratic nominee for president: "She's been there (in Washington) for so long. If she hasn't straightened it by now, she's not going to straighten it out in the next four years."
• "Mexico is sending to America its criminals and rapists across the borders;"
• He wants to torture people accused of terrorism;
• Former Senator Norman Coleman of Minnesota declared: "You've got a con man and a bully who is moving forward with great speed to grab the party's mantle  to be its standard bearer. That's almost incomprehensible."

A former Republican presidential contender, Mitt Romney of Massachusetts went on the attack. Spear-heading a belated Republican effort, to stop the Trump express. Called Trump "a phony, a fraud, and a con man." Using the street language of which Trump is a master. Romney was on point:

• Trump University is a fake institution. Graded by its student at 98%. But by serious evaluators at D-;
• Trump resorts are claimed by him to be for everyone. But can everyone afford $100,000 in annual membership dues?;
• Trump's foreign policy is summed up by him in one phrase: "military might so great that no one would dare mess with us." Asked about who advises him on foreign policy, his answer was evasive. Ended up by saying: "It is I who shall decide;"
• He was pressed on dealing with foreign leaders if he became president. His response boiled down to the limited language of the real estate broker that he is. "I deal with all kinds of people. Nobody can close deals like Donald J. Trump."
• Yet he is oblivious of central facts. Dealing with foreign leaders requires circumspection, in-depth knowledge of the issues on the table, and versatility in the art of compromise. Of all this, the fascist Donald is innocent. Especially in connection with expertise in the art of getting to "Yes." An admission unknowingly made by his protruding lips: "I do not settle;"

Thus on establishing peace between the Arabs and the Israelis, he looks at it through only one prism: that of Mr. Netanyahu. Largely due to the clear fact that  Trump has no expertise in foreign policy. About it, he is not a learner, let alone a practitioner. Never mind that Trump had made a sizable  segment of his fortune in the Gulf.

Trump's barrage of attacking the problem of America's trade deficit and/or imbalance denies Japan, China, India, and even Mexico their sovereign right. The right to put national interest above other considerations, except whatever is required by the rules of free trade.

The Trump bogus claim that the entire world, except the U.S., has leaders who are smarter than Obama. Racism and chauvinism wrapped in one package. "I shall bring back to America the jobs off-shored back to America!!" A Trump claim which is not backed by "How?"

Calling Trump a fascist is fully vindicated by the very definition of that term. Fascism defines a political philosophy or a movement or a regime that puts race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader. One of its basic characteristics is the forcible suppression of opposition. Trump is all of the above:

• He describes his supporters "a movement;"
• He calls his opponents like Marco Rubio of Florida "little Marco" and "a liar;" Ted Cruz of Texas "a choke artist."
• To him Hillary Clinton might be incarcerated for using a personal server for her emails, some of which "might have been classified while she was Secretary of State;"
• He threatens Paul Ryan, the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, As President, he, Trump shall "make him pay a heavy price" if he stood in the way of his governance. Upon hearing this, the Speaker laughed aloud in his office. And he has reasons for that. Impeachment proceedings against an errant President begin in the House of Representatives.
• The Trump supporters are mainly the enraged lower than middle class. Under-educated ("I love the not-so educated," Trump screams to thunderous applause), angry at the so-called Washington establishment;
• Anger and rage fueled both fascism and Nazism. Another quote from Trump in this year of the angry American voter, aching for the emergence of "a strong leader." He claims: "Our country is being run by incompetent people. And I won't be angry when we fix it. But until we fix it, I'm very very angry."

On anger, professor Jennifer Finney Boylan of Barnard College, Columbia University, hits the nail on its head. She laments "I see a land where to be a citizen means to specialize in the venting of spleen...Apparently it's vitriol itself, rather than any particular strategy for the future, that's propelling the electorate." Then she concludes by stating:"We seem to be mistaking petulance for righteous wrath."

Coming back to my introducing the theme of "An Impostor in the Village." 

• Trump plays on the theme of fear. His call for transformation is nothing less than "TRANSFEARMATION;"
• Conspiracy is his conduit to presidential politics. He speaks, not the language of establishment politics, but the language of the gutter, a proximity link to the "Know Nothing" multitudes. So the theme shifts nearly daily, to whatever the street can absorb. From "Making America Great Again," to placards carried by beautiful young women proclaiming "The Silent Majority Stands With Trump."
• He denies science, climate change. Even claims that he knows a 2-year old who immediately developed autism from a vaccination."
• His hatred for Muslims is pervasive. Even publicizing gleefully an Internet false rumor about a U.S. general executing Muslim insurgents with bullets dipped in pigs' blood.
• So was Trump's false assertion that Muslims in New Jersey cheered from rooftops the fall of the World Trade towers 

Such is Trump's danger to the security of the U.S. that the stalwarts of his own party, the party of Lincoln now in the process of collapse, are in a stampede to "Stop Trump."  The Impostor, in my novel, uses faith for sordid ends. So with Trump. Using democracy for sordid ends. 

A showman selling snake oil for healing. A chaotic American Spring is upon us. Results unknown.