Skin colors judgment

One thing that jumps out about this election is that pigment changes the way many feel about a candidate.

Donald Trump, birther-in-chief, demanded President Obama prove he was a “real American.” Obama’s father was born in Kenya. His mother’s American heritage dates back to the 1700s, right after our country’s founding. Obama’s grandfather fought in World War II with distinction. Nonetheless, many demanded he prove his American-ness.

Trump dates his American lineage to the early 1900s. He has no grandparents born in America. His mother was not born in America. Trump is here not because his father wanted to live in America, but because Trump’s grandfather lost his German citizenship. He was convicted of avoiding military service.

Trump’s children, except for Tiffany, have only one grandparent born in America. The Obama children have lineage on both sides dating back to the country’s founding. Isn’t it ironic that someone with so little American background could be taken seriously in questioning the heritage of someone with so much?

Maybe it’s coincidence no one asked for Trump’s birth certificate or records of his family history.

Or, maybe pigment is much more important in America today than where you actually come from.

This story was originally published November 25, 2016 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Skin colors judgment."