Michigan's governor wants to distance himself from "inappropriate comments" by Donald Trump, his party's polarizing presidential race leader.
"Donald Trump does not speak for me, the state of Michigan, nor the entire Republican Party," says Gov. Rick Snyder.
In a Detroit Free Press guest column, Rick Snyder accuses the flamboyant billionaire of "indecent rhetoric" about Mideast immigrants and says the paper unfairly "lumped me in with inflammatory remarks about Muslims" in a Dec. 9 editorial
Just as terrorists who betray cherished values in the name of Islam do not speak for the 1.6 billion Muslims in the world, Donald Trump does not speak for me, the state of Michigan, nor the entire Republican Party. . . .
For those who are angered by [his] indecent rhetoric and troubled that our political process is heading down an unsalvageable path, I say look to Michigan. Our diversity is one of its strengths. It helps us thrive culturally and economically.
Trump’s statements are inconsistent with our spirit of inclusion.
The Republican governor takes issue with the Freep editorial's assertion that his call last month to "press pause" on welcoming Syrian immigrants "is rooted in the same tacit endorsement of bigotry that says any Muslim could be a threat. Both men legitimize hatred with their words, to dangerous effect."
In Monday's response on the opinion page, he says:
I am not shutting the door, although the Free Press Editorial Board has portrayed it that way and compared me to Trump. Since the newspaper rightfully criticizes him for lumping all Muslims together, I respectfully request it refrain from painting others with a broad brush.
My position is quite the opposite from those who have called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering our country because they say many bear hatred toward the American way and pose a threat.
These comments are inappropriate, and go against my vision for the need to reinvent Michigan. We strongly value immigrants’ ideas and entrepreneurial spirit to help us do that. . . .
I want assurances that my first priority — keeping Michigan citizens safe — is possible under current federal guidelines. If not, then it’s incumbent upon us to improve the process. If it is, then let’s welcome the many hardworking people who dream of becoming U.S. citizens.
