The backlash that Donald Trump has received after he proposed a temporary halt on Muslim immigrants entering our country has left me scratching my head.  I am not at all shocked by the response coming from liberals (they cannot be expected to comprehend the seriousness of this issue).  But I am puzzled by the response and backlash from Republicans, especially the presidential candidates.  I was so taken aback that I meticulously went over Mr. Trump’s press release that explained what led him to make such a proposal.

Mr. Trump relied on polling data that consistently confirms that half of all Muslims believe they should be allowed to live under sharia law (even when living in the United States).  Sharia law allows for honor killings (anti-women) and the killing of homosexuals (anti-gay).  Polling also consistently showed that a large percentage of the Muslim population throughout the world supports the use of violence to achieve global jihad.  Mr. Trump took the polling information and coupled it with House homeland security chair Rep. Michael McCaul’s public statement that intelligence data has confirmed ongoing effort by ISIS to use the Syrian refugee situation to gain access into the United States, along with the terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, Calif., and came to his logical (though unpopular) proposed Muslim moratorium.

Although this information is publicly available, instead of reaching the same or a similar conclusion, some of the presidential candidates condemned Trump for his proposal.  The most important job of the American president and the government, as stated in the Preamble, is to ensure domestic tranquility and provide common defense for the citizenry.  Without security, no one will be able to engage in the pursuit of happiness.

So why such harsh condemnation of Trump?  When it comes to our nation’s security, presidential contenders (of all people) should be united.  Yet Jeb Bush called Trump “unhinged.”  Chris Christie said the proposal was “ridiculous.”  Could it be that Trump’s bold stand exposes their weaknesses?

This incident reminds me of the biblical story of David in I Samuel 17.  Jesse sent his youngest son David to check on his three older brothers who were fighting in Israel’s army in a war against the Philistines.  While visiting his brothers, David witnessed his brothers along with the rest of Israel’s army running and hiding when the Philistines’ giant soldier, Goliath, came out and taunted them.  David, full of righteous indignation, asked one of the soldiers what King Saul would give the man who fought the giant.  David’s (weak and fearful) brother heard him ask the question and responded with anger:

When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.

Nothing angers a coward more than being exposed.  Every one of the presidential candidates except Trump and Cruz are afraid to death of liberals and the media.  Scripture warns about the fear of man in Proverbs 29:25.  America does not need a weak president, especially when we are being threatened by ISIS.  Say what you want about President George W. Bush, but one can never call him weak.  I served under him both terms, and when he told my fellow troops and me to go get the evildoers, we were proud to do so.  We all knew that our commander-in chief had our backs.

Attacking Trump’s proposal with nonsensical hyperbole while not offering a better solution will not stop ISIS from attacking America.  Growing a spine, ignoring media backlash designed to distract, and uniting for the common cause of national security will.

Christian Commentary (http://patriciascornerblog.com), or contact the author at patdickson@earthlink.net.  Follow on Twitter@Patrici15767099.