Alva James-Johnson: Trump's skewed two cents

Once a pediatrician gave me the best advice for tantrums.

"Ignore," he said, "or they will only continue the behavior."

The physician was referring to 2-year-olds. But I think his recommendation could apply equally to grown-ups, both those throwing tantrums and those acting ridiculous for no good reason.

Donald Trump, the real estate mogul/media personality turned presidential contender, fits the latter description. It seems everything he says is meant to shock the senses, especially when it's about immigrants.

I wonder: Does he really believe what he's saying? Or is he just seeking attention? What would happen if the media just shut off the spotlight when he opened his mouth?

I bet the offensive antics would cease, because it's no fun acting the fool when nobody's watching.

Trump, for those of you who might have missed it, is running as a Republican. He called illegal Mexican immigrants rapists and drug runners, and he accused them of spreading infectious diseases.

I'm still waiting for good documentation to back up his claims.

"When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best," he said last month when launching his campaign. "They're sending people that have lots of problems. They're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."

When Trump's opponent Jeb Bush criticized his statements, Trump allegedly posted a tweet on Twitter.

Bush "has to like the Mexican illegals because of his wife," it said.

Bush's wife is a native of Mexico. So Trump's tweet came as a low-blow. The tweet was later deleted, but it sure kept Trump in the headlines.

Trump is a shrewd businessman, and I'm certain he knows the risks associated with his controversial statements. He has obviously concluded that it's well worth the price.

Some corporations are now scrambling to distance themselves from him. Macy's, NBC Universal, Univision and Serta have all severed their business relationships.

Defending his comments about immigration, Trump said, "It seems like I'm sort of the whipping post because I bring it up."

And why wouldn't he? Despite losing a few business partners, Trump is still doing better in opinion polls than many other Republican candidates, according to media reports. He has obviously struck a chord with other Americans who share his xenophobic views, which is unfortunate.

For those who disagree with Trump's view of immigrants, his comments can be grating on the nerves. We might even welcome the scolding he's getting in the court of public opinion.

But remember. The more he's in the spotlight, the longer he'll have a soapbox.

Why give him that satisfaction?

Alva James-Johnson, 706-571-8521. Reach her on Facebook at AlvaJamesJohnsonLedger.

This story was originally published July 9, 2015 at 10:56 PM with the headline "Alva James-Johnson: Trump's skewed two cents."