Commentary

Christian nationalism continues its steady ascent in American politics. In the recent decisions of the Supreme Court, it has surged. It was a major force in Donald Trump’s presidential win and continues to underpin his brand. This ideology is not patriotism. In fact, it is a threat to our democracy and to our cultural and spiritual lives.

Walking down Charles Street toward the Inner Harbor shortly after coming to Baltimore in 2007, I noticed signs on the fences surrounding the old Mechanic Theatre that read “The Mechanic’s Next Act.” The signs, visible to all passing by, showed images of plans for what looked like a vibrant retail and residential development. Now 15 years later, the Mechanic’s next act has bombed and is long past its closing date. A new act is needed. As our city witnesses several long-anticipated developments and renovations taking shape — at Penn Station, the Baltimore Arena and Lexington Market — the site at the intersection of Charles and Baltimore streets remains a civic embarrassment.

“Be Kind or Leave.” The newspaper article, and the restaurant sign that inspired it, caught my eye. The owner of an Erie, Pa., eatery posted the notice after tiring of obnoxious, belligerent customers berating his employees and sometimes each other. It seems the escalating — make that descending — level of boorish behavior in our society has many in customer-facing enterprises rethinking their traditional “all are welcome” policies. As a Rhode Island hotel manager put it, “The customer was always right. Well, they’re not.” One consumer-research consultant said he now advocates drawing of clear and firm rules: “If you don’t meet our expectations of decorum, leave.”

Last month, on a perfect night for baseball, Kennedy Krieger Institute’s community gathered at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen to watch and cheer on a young man as he accomplished something rare and exciting. Robby, a twenty-something with autism, landed a job with the Aberdeen IronBirds minor league baseball team this spring. He works as a fan host, rotating between serving as a ticket taker, operating the area known as the fan zone and working as an usher. If you take in a game this summer, you might see him greeting ticket holders and showing them to their seats.