If you had any doubt where Donald Trump stood on the incarceration of Japanese Americans, doubt no more.
Defending his call to ban all Muslims from entering the United States, Trump told ABC’s Good Morning America “”What I’m doing is no different than FDR.”
Trump was referring specifically not only to policies which lead to the incarcerations of predominantly Japanese Americans, but also lead to the imprisonment of Germans and Italians in the United States.
The Republican’s top presidential contender denied he would want to see the return of incarceration camps. Yet after further questioning from Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos, Trump implied he would bring them back.
“I don’t want to bring it back, George, at all. I don’t like doing it at all. It’s a temporary measure until our representatives — many of whom are grossly incompetent — our representatives can figure out what’s going on,” Trump said.
Yesterday, Rep Mike Honda (D-CA) added his voice to those opposed to Trump’s comments on incarceration camps and his proposed ban on Muslims from entering the United States.
“I am extremely disturbed by the current racist rhetoric being perpetuated by some of our so-called ‘political leaders,’ said Honda. “Such shameful remarks by Donald Trump calling to ban Muslims – including Muslim Americans – from entering our country not only outright conflict with the foundation of American values and our Constitution itself, but they are simply disgraceful and only highlight a failure of leadership. While I rarely find myself in agreement with Donald Trump, I do agree with his statement that “winning is tough.” However, “winning,” as Mr. Trump envisions it, would be a Pyrrhic victory that seeks to sell out on our principles and erode what it means to be an American. As a victim of one of the greatest blemishes on American history – the internment of Japanese Americans – I am determined not to repeat the mistakes of our past in acting out of fear, hate, and distrust. I implore all Americans to reject such divisive proposals. We can win while upholding our values as Americans.”