Agree to disagree with you on politics, BUT....

Submitted by Atheist Jay (South Korea), Mar 16, 2017 at 07:27

Dr. Pipes, we definitely agree to disagree on certain issues. I am one of a relatively small group of liberals that comments on this site. Yet, I have I actually DO agree with you on your idea of vetting individuals for national security (as opposed to whole countries), for example given how many Iranians are actually pro Western and/or not particularly religious at all.

I don't live Stateside anymore, but even living abroad (as I have for the last three years), I am in utter awe of what a complete imbecile we have elected as president. You are right. I don't want ANY president to fail (and, I have at least a dozen friends and family members who voted Trump; I didn't vote at all in 2016 and haven't since 2008). You pointed out that Trump needs to mature. You are absolutely right, and if he doesn't, we are fu*ked!!!!! That goes for Americans, and a lot more besides. I am profoundly disturbed by his blatant disregard for the democratic process and the checks and balances system, and for the judicial branch in particular, and for the free press. This is no George W. Bush (whose policies I disagreed with, but whose heart was and is in the right place) or John McCain. This guy, in my opinion, REALLY wants to be a dictator. He either doesn't understand the constitution or, more likely, he doesn't care. And this whole business with Russia....People got sent to the electric chair for that stuff 60-70 years ago.

Just as horrifying is how reckless he is when it comes to foreign policy, and how he basically governs by twitter. It almost seems at times like he's trying to piss the Chinese off on purpose. Honestly, I wouldn't be crazy about a Pence Presidency. I am pro gay rights, pro choice, and all about Church/State separation. I remember seeing a video where you said you liked Pence, but you also said that Church/State separation was vital for democracy. How do you think Pence would uphold that? Just curious, given that he touted "gay conversion therapies" told "halt the spread of HIV." Yes, I know many conservatives will counter argue this by saying that in Iran or Saudi Arabia, gays are executed. But to me, oppression is oppression and religion (IN GENERAL) has no place in government. And to me, thoughts and prayers don't solve the problems of the World, or anything else.

Nevertheless, Pence has actual political experience and is not a petulant baby, and regardless of his social policy, I would much rather have him as president, and the reason is simple. Mike Pence won't start World War 3. Trump just might, and he won't even need a bomb or military action to do it. All he will need is his Twitter and his mouth.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".