What did Donald Trump say about Mexicans and immigrants?

Billionaire Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for President of the United States last month. During his announcement speech, Mr. Trump made some remarks about immigration that set off a firestorm of controversy. Consequently, Trump had a number of companies, such as the Spanish language station Univision, not only distance themselves from Trump’s comments but even cancel business arrangements. One Hollywood star, America Ferrera decided to get a dig at Mr. Trump stating in an open letter to him:


But what was it that Donald Trump said that touched such a nerve that lead to such widespread condemnations of him and resulted in lost business? During his announcement Trump said:


He then followed up when asked about his statement on the Fox News show Media Buzz on July 5th:


The fact is Donald Trump did not say Mexican immigrants were criminals or rapists. As the quotes from the above statements (especially the text of his announcement speech) clearly shows that he is blaming the Mexican government. Not Mexican immigrants. While there is no evidence that the Mexican government is encouraging criminals to migrate to the US, there is precedent for this kind of activity. Cuban dictator Fidel Castro sent boat loads of violent criminals, drug addicts and mentally retarded people to the United States in 1980 and again in 1994.

Like Cuba, Mexico is a country governed by corrupt politicians and the political party in control of the Mexican government is the socialist Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Cuba and Mexico are Latin American countries and it is possible, but not proven, that the Mexican government is encouraging or, as Trump said, even forcing violent criminals in Mexico to come here. However, if Cuba’s Mariel boat lift incidents are any indication, the idea of the Mexican government encouraging violent criminals to come here is not out of the realm of possibility. None the less, what Donald Trump stated about Mexicans and immigrants was not racist nor bigoted. He said what was on his mind and was vilified for it.

The only thing Donald Trump is guilty of is accusing Mexico’s government of wrong doing and, last I heard, Americans have the right to free speech. It doesn’t mean he’s right but as a candidate for office he can and should raise issues relevant for the over all campaign. The definition of a bigot is a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion and it is obvious that the only bigots in this incident are Donald Trump’s critics since they decided to berate Trump based on what they wanted to hear and not what he actually said.