From 105 BCE to 404 CE, the Roman Empire built large arenas where masses, for entertainment purposes, would gather to watch gladiators fight to their death.

For me, today it feels like we are reverting to those archaic Roman Times where dueling opponents fight for their life but with a modern twist. Instead of using weapons, our presidential candidates use their mouths to try to take down their opponents, and Donald Trump is becoming the fiercest of fighters.

Wikipedia defines a gladiator as an armed combatant who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals.

The American people seem to be drooling at the mouth, like our European ancestors, eager to watch Trump tromp on anyone he desires, and unfortunately, like a warrior, he does not care who his words hurt.

People wake up! What this man is doing is wrong! We have made many strides through the years, and with just one fell sweep, Trump is taking us back to days when women and minority groups were declared inferior classes.

I get that our country needs a shot in the arm when it comes to unifying the masses, but make no mistake, a gladiator is out solely for his own gain.

We need to ask ourselves, “Why are we not holding Trump accountable for his outrageous remarks? Why are his poll numbers continuing to stay strong, and when will he run out of hair spray?”

These are just a few of the questions we should be contemplating about a man who has the chance to hold the office of the most powerful leader of the world.

We do not need a stand-up comedian and entertainer who makes us gasp at his gaffs. We need a person who is honorable and dignified and one who will make other nations respect us for our leadership and guidance.

I will admit I am no saint when it comes to understanding everyone’s plight and will own up to my prejudices, but that still does not give me the right to become judge and jury to others just because I do not know them personally.

Trump knows better too. There is no way he could have made it this far in today’s business world behaving like an anarchist. He says he is a deal maker and deal makers have to understand both sides. It is called negotiation, but somehow “The Donald” has struck a chord with our darker sides.  It looks like he could ride this wave of misdirected conciliation of ours to the door of the White House.

The New Year begins in a few days, and in the coming year a new president will be elected. Let’s make sure the one we elect is not a gladiator.

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Terri Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.