Westword Readers Debate President Trump's Shithole Remark | Westword
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Reader: "Trump Is Not Your Drunk Uncle — He's in Charge of the U.S."

To shit or not to shit? Media outlets debate how to quote the president.
Brandon Marshall
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It seems President Trump keeps landing in headlines for the wrong reasons. On Thursday, the president allegedly referred to certain countries, namely Haiti and some African nations, as "shitholes" in a meeting with politicos about immigration. Trump argued that the U.S. should be admitting citizens of more prosperous nations, like Norway.

As writer Michael Roberts pointed out, major news networks didn't shy away from quoting the president directly, while some local stations opted for asterisks or dashes to avoid using the word "shit" on TV. (Fortunately, we here at Westword have never had to worry about such things!)

Readers seemed divided over whether the president's language was, in fact, derogatory, or a positive step away from political correctness.

Says Loren:

It’s pretty easy. Option A: El Salvador isn't a "shithole," so they don't need 17 years of Temporary Protected Status, and migrants from there should be sent home immediately. Option B: El Salvador is, in fact, a "shithole."
Argues Ozwald:

Did he lie? Then what's the problem? Before GENTRIFICATION 5 Points was a SHIT HOLE....even those nasty protesters agree....but truth hurts....it was still a SHIT HOLE. Stop lying and get over "bad language"

Notes Henry:

If they weren't shithole countries the people wouldn't be trying to flee to come here. I'm glad liberal PC BS is going away.

Explains Cody:

It still seems some people don't understand that the President should be tactful and aware of how things he says impact the way the world sees us. He's not your drunk uncle, he's in charge of the US.
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