To the editor: On Memorial Day — a solemn event to honor those that gave their lives defending our nation — President Trump delivered not a tribute, however a tirade (“Trump honors fallen troops at Arlington, calling them ‘America’s best and bravest,’” Could 26). His message, laced with hostility towards judges, immigrants and political opponents, was not a remembrance of sacrifice however a desecration of it.
Reasonably than providing respect to the fallen, Trump used the second to assault the establishments and beliefs for which they died: the rule of legislation, democratic ideas and equal justice. He referred to fellow Individuals as “scum” and “monsters,” mocked due course of and continued his dehumanizing rhetoric towards immigrants — a lot of whom serve and sacrifice in our armed forces.
This isn’t management. It’s cowardice cloaked in bluster. A person who as soon as evaded army service now insults those that serve, undermines the judiciary and praises autocrats. His phrases dishonor the reminiscence of our nation’s heroes and the values they swore to guard.
Memorial Day belongs to them, to not Trump’s grievances. We keep in mind the fallen. We honor their sacrifice. And we reject the hate that seeks to divide the nation they died to protect.
Stephen Downing, Los Angeles
This author is a retired Los Angeles Police Division deputy chief of police.
..
To the editor: Gee, I’m positive glad there weren’t any “suckers” and “losers” (as Trump as soon as referred to as fallen troopers) amongst them.
Mary Rouse, Los Angeles
..
To the editor: When Trump railed towards range, fairness and inclusion, he was in impact telling any nonwhite, nonmale, non-Christian and nonstraight newly minted officers that they don’t belong within the armed forces. His assault on the very thought of a various army undermines cohesion, morale and the chain of command. Ever since President Truman desegregated the army in 1948, our army has grow to be one of the numerous establishments within the nation — more diverse than the American population itself. That could be a power, not a weak point. To recommend in any other case is to sow division and weaken our nationwide protection.
Sooner or later in his rambling about trophy wives and yachts, Trump promised a brand new “golden age” for the army. However his imaginative and prescient is a army purged of distinction, loyal to him and to not the Structure. This imaginative and prescient is mistaken, and it’s harmful.
The White Home has just lately eliminated official transcripts of Trump’s speeches from its web site, rewriting historical past in actual time. As an alternative, it has a Memorial Day statement with out all of the embarrassing elements of his speech. However we heard it. We noticed it. And if we care in regards to the army, democracy and the Structure, we should always converse up.
Marilyn J. Inexperienced, Malibu
