In Trump, the Christian Right has come alive and has a political blood thirst with a Seven Mountains, Christian-only nation on the horizon. People like David Barton, Franklin Graham, Tony Perkins and Jerry Falwell Jr. are buoyed to the point of giddiness about Trump's executive order eradicating the separation of Church and State. Until now, their persona needed at least a thin veneer of charity and tolerance. Now they can cast off the yolk of "Christian Charity". Now they can concentrate on what - to them - really matters: producing a Christian theocracy.
Meanwhile, secular, non-faith-based charities remain as vulnerable as the diverse communities they serve. No doubt that donations to secular charities will trail off.
For over 25 years, I have supported organizations like the AIDS Emergency Fund (I was on the "Working" Board of Directors for years) and last week, I did something few self-respecting septuagenarians would do: I entered the Bare Chest Calendar contest to help raise money for the AEF and for an organization devoted to helping people claim their Social Security and health benefits, Positive Resource Center.
I guess, in an odd sort of way, I have Trump to thank for my unusual support for charity: I'm frightened to think that the Christian Right will have cornered the market on Christian Charity, eradicating it in the secular area. I'm frightened to think what will happen to the efforts of diverse communities to stay alive - if we don't hunker down and band together, helping each and everyone to survive.
Now please keep in mind, that the Bare Chest Calendar contest is not a beauty nor popularity contest: just view the video below and (if so inclined), show your support by clicking "like" under my picture on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/barechestcalendar)
After all, we really have to stick together.
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