True Believers

When in a recent interview, NPR's Judy Woodruff confronted now Vice President Mike Pence with the fact that since 9/11 exactly zero fatal attacks on American soil had been perpetrated by an individual or individuals from any of the Muslim-majority countries listed on the recent order banning entry to the US (the 2006 UNC and the 2016 Ohio State non-fatal attacks to the contrary duly noted). His answer was illuminating in that it provided a glimpse into his motivations and, by inference, the  underlying attitude of this new administration. Pence's response was to launch into a rather eloquent recitation of his uttermost 'faith' that the defeat of the radical Islamic threat posed by the inclusion of all people from these countries was essential to his pledge to keep Americans safe. Instead of addressing the factual basis of Woodruff's question, Pence chose to reaffirm his 'belief' that these people indeed represent a clear and present danger to our national security. He went on to bestow lavish praise on Trump as a forceful leader and commanding presence whenever and wherever he presented himself and in whom Pence had the utmost 'faith'. Apparently, the operative factor motivating Pence is not to be found by reference to fact but rather to be found in his profound faith and belief in whatever edict, platitude, or tweeted assertion emanating from his commander-in-chief. I was particularly taken with what can only be described as the religious fervor with which he clung to his original assertion in spite of the presented facts, the rapturous look on his face, and the sincerely reverential look in those deep set and ominous eyes.

Going forward, I think it wise to consider that when referencing this administration (especially in the person of Pence and Trump's closest advisor Steve Bannon) we are actually in the presence of true believers who, despite evidence to the contrary, will defend their system of belief with all the passion of an evangelical zealot in defense of a sacred doctrine.