Astonishing Disrespect

I am shocked beyond words. And that is particularly troublesome because I am a Writer, a blogger, a Commentator. However, whenever I try to calm down enough to state some reasonable comment on Donald Trump’s response to the Gold Star Parents Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the Pakistani American parents of United States Army Captain Humayun Khan, who was killed in 2004 during the Iraq War, I am completely flabbergasted.

Trump implied in interviews discussing the Kahn’s presentation at the recent DNC that ‘perhaps’ Mr. Khan’s statement was written by Hillary Clinton speechwriters. He also said that ‘Perhaps’ Mrs. Khan was not allowed to speak because of her Muslim Religion.

‘The liberal political group VoteVets said his statements cheapen the sacrifices of the people killed and they demanded an apology.’ (Stars & Stripes)

 “Your recent comments regarding the Khan family were repugnant, and personally offensive to us. When you question a mother's pain, by implying that her religion, not her grief, kept her from addressing an arena of people, you are attacking us,” according to a copy of the letter published online. “When you say your job building buildings is akin to our sacrifice, you are attacking our sacrifice.”

Catherine Byrne, a Military Mom with a son serving in the U.S. Air Force, asked Trump’s VP Running Mate Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, to explain Trump’s lack of respect for the Khans. After first receiving a hearty round of cheers upon announcing her son’s Military Service, was widely jeered and booed by Trump supporters as she asked the question. Fickle lot, those Trump folks.

And once again my abject disgust in reaction to this pathetic response leaves me nearly breathless. Yet, there was more astounding disrespect to come.

 “I have never been around someone more devoted to the armed forces of this country,” Pence said of Trump. There is “no one more devoted to the veterans in this country.” Excuse me, Governor, we’re talking about Donald J. Trump. He’s the guy who insulted the parents of an American Soldier who made the Ultimate Sacrifice on behalf of a humbled and grateful Nation.

He’s the same Donald J. Trump who claimed to have donated $1 Million to Veteran’s Organizations. However this claim proved to be false, until After there was an investigation by Reporters. And, that inquiry revealed that although there were Donations to various Veteran’s Organizations, including one that was under Investigation for misuse of Donated Funds, Donald Trump personally, did not donate a Million Dollars. Yet, he raves on endlessly about how fantastically wealthy he is.

I think Mr. Khizr Khan summed up my reaction best when he said in more than one interview that Mr. Trump has a ‘Black Soul’. In an MSNBC Interview with Lawrence O’Donnell Monday, Mr. Khan related a story about speaking at a Military Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, for an Army Lieutenant Killed In Action in Afghanistan. The Deceased American Solider had previously visited the Khans to discuss their Son’s Service and Sacrifice.  So let us compare the Character of Americans involved in this horribly sad episode: An American Muslim Soldier of Pakistani heritage Killed in the Line of Duty in Iraq. His Grieving, Brave, Eloquent Father, a man who spoke at the Burial Service of another Military Hero at Arlington National Cemetery. Mrs. Khan, a Gold Star Mother of a U.S. Military Hero, so pained and grief-stricken this many years later that she has great difficulty in discussing her son. And, Donald Trump.

He very-nearly reneged on the claim to make a Huge Donation to Veteran’s Organizations until that was exposed by Investigative Reporting. He said Sen. John Mc Cain was ‘not a Hero’. McCain was wounded when his U.S. Navy Aircraft was shot down over Hanoi during the Viet Nam War, and then tortured as a Prisoner of War during 6 Years of captivity. Then- Lt. Cmdr. John McCain declined early Release from captivity in order for others to be released first. ‘Not a Hero’…. Trump says he ‘prefers people who weren’t shot down’.

Let me say here and now, I am not a supporter of John McCain, but I tell you this – He is in fact, a War Hero. John McCain, after a determined and courageous Recovery/Rehabilitation from his seriously debilitating injuries, retired as a Captain, U.S.N. As a result of his dedicated and courageous Service to the United States, he’d amassed a Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and other Military Service Awards. Like him or not, a War Hero.

Donald Trump called 4-Star U.S.M.C. Gen. John Allen, ‘a failed General’, “after the highly respected military veteran delivered a forceful endorsement of Trump's opponent…”  (Washington Post). “Allen is a retired four-star general who served as commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. He was President Barack Obama's top choice to oversee U.S. and NATO operations in Europe, but instead he retired to assist his wife with chronic health issues. He came out of retirement in 2014 when the President named him Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State in 2014, a position he held for a year.” Trump said he was a 'Loser’.

‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do (say) nothing’. Edmund Burke

I therefore, cannot say Nothing.  jw