When President-elect Donald Trump made his acceptance speech, he said something “Presidential.” He said he wanted to bring the nation together. He said he wanted to be the President of All People.

Despite his past divisive rhetoric, I was relieved to hear his change in tone. I wanted to believe he meant what he said.Then he appointed Steve Bannon as his White House Chief Strategist. Bannon is a known white supremacist, anti-Semite and domestic abuser. President-elect Trump wants this man to become his chief advisor. What kind of a message does that send to the people of this nation who happened to be born of non-European decent? What message does it send to Jews? What message does it send to young girls and women across the country? What kind of a message does it send to nations around the world that are watching us? How can we, a nation based on equality of all human beings, permit a rabid racist and misogynist to be chief advisor to the President?

No decent person, Democrat or Republican, should allow Bannon’s appointment! Senator Kelly Ayotte and Congressman Frank Guinta, why have you not spoken out? Why are you putting party politics over decency as human beings? You and fellow Republicans have every power to stop Bannon from reaching the White House. It is shameful and embarrassing that you have remained mute on this matter. In your last remaining weeks in office, I implore you to take a stand. Denounce Bannon’s appointment! 

Beth Olshansky

Project Director,

Center for the Advancement of Art Based Literacy