Philosopher Susan Neiman: The president of our country is evil
Philosopher Susan Neiman: “The president of our country is evil”
Author of “Evil in Modern Thought” says progressives must not shun the concept, especially when it fits so well
CHAUNCEY DEVEGA 09.19.2017•7:59 AM EDT
As repeatedly demonstrated by his words and actions, President Donald Trump is an authoritarian, a misogynist and a racist. (I have repeatedly argued that he is a fascist, although that term remains contentious.) But is Trump evil? How does his behavior fit within commonly understood definitions of good and evil? If Trump is indeed evil, does that mean his voters and supporters are evil as well?
Everyone should be focused on the midterm elections, which will be crucial. We could get rid of this particular evil if the Democrats could take back Congress. At this moment in time, preserving the rule of law (and the Supreme Court, and a few other institutions) is more important than anything else.
Another crucial lesson from German history: The Nazis would have been stopped if the left-wing parties -- who together won the majority of votes in the 1933 elections -- had been united. Instead, they fought each other. Americans with moral values need to unite around those values, and not let ourselves be divided by differences of race or gender or minor political differences. What we are facing now is not a political problem but a moral one.
http://www.salon.com/2017/09/19/philosopher-susan-neiman-the-president-of-our-country-is-evil/