Trump’s remarks about migrants stoke racial division

Make no mistake: In recent speeches, when former President Donald J. Trump speaks of immigrants poisoning the blood of our country, he’s trying to create racial and ethnic divides. For example, in his comments, he mentions South America, Africa, and Asia. But while he’s trying to offend those of color to appeal to his base, all Americans should find his rhetoric appalling. After all, unless you are of Native American heritage, if you are a U.S. resident, you come from immigrant blood.

One of the reasons I enjoyed serving in the military for 27 years was meeting people from around the world. Not only did I meet fellow military members and their families who taught me about cultural variations within U.S. borders, I also had the chance to live in Europe and Asia for 12 years combined. I learned that, despite differences in skin color and ways of living, for the most part, we share common goals and interests.

As an individual who happens to be married to a beautiful person who originates from Southeast Asia, I obviously don’t appreciate hearing divisive speech that might cause many fellow citizens to see her as someone toxic to our way of life. I have children who descend from Europe and Asia and I love them all unconditionally. Hopefully, Americans are smart enough to look past talking points intended to instill fear of those with skin tones that don’t match ours. After all, when it comes to color, all blood runs red.

Victor Ogden

Marion