I was responding to some questions raised by a dear Brother (and fantastic Human Being!) about the recent censoring of Donald Trump. Let me say, that these are damn scary times. Also, I have no doubt that the ideology that guides Trump and his followers are a very real threat to our democracy and the planet! I am also very aware that theirs are not the only things threatening our existence at this moment. So below are some reflections. For me what is most troubling is the all to common manner in which the United States seeks to “erase” uncomfortable aspects of our history. Pay close attention to the words of Moonves near the end of my reflection. Trump didn’t “fall from the sky”. He, and his racist, fear mongering, demagoguery, sexist, etc. existence was aided and abetted by other folks (and ideologies) that gave birth to his particular embodiment of evil.
I really struggle with the issue of censorship in a democratic society. The history of virtually all desires to “control” speech, information etc. ends up being used against leftist, progressive movements. As someone who has had dealings with the State intelligence apparatus. I have 0% confidence that these measures in the end are truly going to be used for the betterment of the world or the common good! Trump is an embodiment of a failed System. He is a symptom of the problem. Not the cause of it. Some years ago I worked with a guy who had an ear infection that was brutal. It made him feel constantly dizzy, and because of dizziness he felt nauseous (horrible upset stomach). For a long time the doctors gave him medicine for his stomach “problems”. The ear infection eventually worked its way into his brain! The doctors figured it out in time, but just barely!? I don’t want to just treat the “stomach problems”. Note, not either/or….I am a good Catholic. So always believe in both/and. Obviously you deal with upset stomach, but get to the root of the problem! 
. My experience has also demonstrated that decisions arrived at while under duress are rarely very good in the long run. Think Patriot Act, Homeland Security etc. after 9/11. 
I forgot who said this but the problem caused by democracy (rule of the Demos. .the People) can only be cured by more democracy. Again, I get the concerns. It’s absolutely terrifying what is happening. I am just very damn suspicious, and skeptical that a large multinational corporation run by the wealthy for Profit have all of a sudden become “woke” to the horrors of racism, xenophobia, militarism etc. I don’t know if you remember this incredible quote by Les Moonves the CBS executive when asked about the then Presidential campaign of Donald Trump “It may not be good for America, but it’s damn good for CBS…Man who would expected the ride we’re all having now?…The money’s rolling in and this is fun… I’ve never seen anything like this before, and this is going to be a very good year for us. Sorry, it’s a terrible thing to say. But, bring it on, Donald. Keep going,” I will repeat, I completely understand the dangerous world we are living in, but I have no damn faith that the wealthy have “all of a sudden” found a conscience.
Prophetic Ruminations 