Over the past three years, it has been stunning to witness the kneeling of the Republican Party in front of Donald Trump. The members of the party looked impotent and spineless when they rolled over on trade and tariffs, budget deficits and red ink, backing off confronting Russia, the lowering of moral standards, and the displaying of personal conduct that is unbecoming to the office of president.
But then came the firing by Trump of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman from the National Security Council. Vindman, the Ukraine expert, became a star witness in the House impeachment hearings concerning Trump’s dealings with that country. Today the military man was “escorted” out of the White House. It was stunning since the order came from Trump, who laughed on a radio show that he was brave for having sex with such a high number of women like those who fought in Vietnam.
Stern responded, “I even went as far to say that you’re braver than any Vietnam vet because you’re out there screwing a lot of women.”
“Getting the Congressional Medal of Honor, in actuality,” said Trump.
Later in the interview Trump and Stern again compared avoiding STDs to Vietnam.
“I’m having a good time, but Howard, you know the one negative: It’s very, very dangerous out there,” said Trump.
“Yes it is, it’s your Vietnam,” added Stern.
“It’s Vietnam,” added Trump. “It is very dangerous. So I’m very, very careful.”
Republicans are now prone on the ground in front of Trump, as Vindman was exited out of the White House, wondering if they should lick his shoes or just lay supine and be the doormat they have now taken on as their only role in politics.
For defending the Constitution Vindman, his twin brother, Lt. Col. Yevgeny Vindman, who also has a stellar military career and worked at the NSC, and Gordon Sondland, the ambassador to the European Union were all fired. The GOP, who all give lip service to the military at campaign time, are now so lipped-locked on Trump’s ass, they can not find it possible to defend folks who have placed their lives front and center to protect the nation.
I am a 4 decades-long reader of history and know that future generations will learn of those fired today. Vindman will be held up as an example of having the courage to stand up for what is right and defending the interests of our country along with the Constitution. He demonstrates precisely what the Republican Party lacks.
Courage.
I have thought often about the wholesale change in the GOP from the years when President Reagan was in the White House. There was one truth that all can make–regardless of our politics–when it comes to Reagan. He was not impulsive, or mean, or simply interested in his personal gain. Reagan was not just a reader of speeches that others penned–he actually had a set of values and foundations he carried with him regardless of the season.
Reagan would have never turned on a military member because that person took a stand for the greater good and greater truth. Yet when Trump publically scorns and undermines a war hero–Vindman has a Purple Heart–the modern-day Republicans applaud or stay silent.
I am continually stunned why the current Republicans have allowed themselves to be so easily played and politically neutered. By Donald Trump! They did not fold for a smart man, or one with a warm personality, or even one with a cute dog at his side. Today’s Republican Party has kneeled simply because they were told to do so by a deeply flawed freak.
And so it goes.
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 