I'd like to think that the desecration of Arlington and the desecration of the Congressional Medal of Honor on top of his greatest hits about suckers and losers would result in the active duty and veteran communities voting against him be overwhelming majorities, but that is unlikely to happen given the level of Christian Nationalism and racism that is so pervasive in both communities (I know, I lived in Colorado Springs for 8 years).
As a former airline pilot who flew with many ex- and then-current military pilots, I agree. Well said. I try to think positively of all Veterans, but of course human nature is complex, especially for male military pilots. (When I joined the airlines, women weren't capable of serving as military pilots, but then magically the gender changed, and now it is, so that picture has been a different flavor of complex.) Military pilots may be shot down and die, or they may never take a bullet or even see combat then exit straight to a major air carrier for (depending, ironically, on who occupies the White House) a potentially lucrative career courtesy of tax-payer-funded flight training, a monetary advantage not accorded to civilian tax-payer pilots who pay for their flight training. Obviously, I knew the portion of military pilots who got the career rather than the body bag. How any of that portion could support an anti-labor party and vote for a traitor is beyond my comprehension, but then I'm a not member of the Christian Right, Friends of the Convicted, or Mysogynists.
Thanks for this, Maureen. I don't understand it either. I blame the poison of Fox News. The normalization of Trump's awfulness by other media hasn't helped. It boggles the mind.
Thanks for pointing that out, because it does explain why so many have not seen the light about this monster. Even in my own circle, I have seen people who are Republicans, who plan to vote for Trump, and he is antithetical to their core beliefs and how they live their lives. Fox News is poison.
Welcome semi-back, Greg! Literally several minutes ago, while over on LFAA, a reader had posted a few links regarding the Trump/Russia connection. Well, no surprise, as I started reading, "Dirty Rubles" came immediately to mind. So, I replied to his post by promoting your book! And I linked your "Tinker, Tailor, Mobster, Trump" article on Prevail!
This Xitter post from someone named Patrick Tomlinson is "A handy breakdown of all the ways Trump deliberately, maliciously sabotaged the Afghanistan withdrawal and murdered Sgt. Gee." I did not do a fact check on Mr. Tomlinson, but I remember reading news about each of the statements he made.
Thanks, Steven. There's a song by The Smiths called "Cemetery Gates" that the title plays on -- that and Watergate. The song has been in my head for two days...
Brilliant piece, Greg. I was filled with a visceral feeling of revulsion when I saw the mafiaDon lay the wreath on the grave with the poor grieving families in the background. My conspiracy theory is that he knew about a potential suicide bomber to create last minute chaos during the exit. I do hope the Army employee who was shoved gets extra protection temporarily & that they give names. Fascinating history about Martha Dandridge Washington & the Arlington mansion.
Thanks, Amy. The Taliban negotiations were yet another example of Trump's anti-American, seditious awfulness. So many examples the media likes to ignore or minimize...
Thanks, Katharine. Yes, I hate when people inject politics into spaces that should be free of it: sporting events, coin shows, Broadway musicals, and of course cemeteries. But that is one of Trump's strongman tactics: he makes it so there are no spaces safe from him. He violates. It's what he does.
I understand the reluctance of the woman who was mistreated while doing her job and duty, but although he Pentagon issued a statement, where are the statements from Leadership, namely, Lloyd Austin, Sec'y of Defense, General Charles Brown, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, or General Randy George, Army Chief of Staff......Is this not a time to Lead and demonstrate Leadership? If we do not Stand up for what we believe in, we will Fall for anything, again!
The Pentagon statement was pretty great, but I'd like to see more from the Army Chief of Staff. if nothing else, it would make the media report on this and keep it in the news.
Also, did you know that one of the compelling reasons George Washington was unanimously chosen to be our president was that he did NOT have any children that he biologically fathered, ensuring that we would not have a repeat of "royalty" as in inherited succession of monarchs, as in England? Just a bit of trivia....be well!
When I was 12, I read a YA biography of Martha Washington which delved into her Parke Custis reality before and after she married George. That book sent me on an American history path which, by way of an undergrad degree in same, I am still walking.
It's so interesting, isn't it? I find it hard, personally, to think of the Founders and the GW-era people as real. I think the mythology around them is so pervasive. Martha was clearly a remarkable person, and her experiences with loss informed her approach to being First Lady.
Also, Bridget, thanks for subscribing and for the kind words!
I did, and that's why I was surprised to learn about his stepkids. The fact that GW had the same family situation as KH is inspiring. Any time some MAGA says something about her being childless, have them take out their wallets and examine the childless POTUS on the $1 bill!
Welcome back, missed you, hope the transition to college life went smoothly and without too much heartache. Remember for the youngsters this should be step one to a happy and fulfilling life.
To say this latest dipshit 45 stunt was in poor taste is the understatement of all time. The only thing that could have made it worse was a thumbs up with one hand while holding a Bible upside down with the other.
He is such a ginormous asshole. Words fail to express how unfit he is not only for office but also to be a member of the human race!
Thanks, Old Man. Of all the desecrations he's done -- he started his presidency desecrating the CIA Wall of Stars -- the ANC incident takes the cake. He is a failed human.
I don’t know why you aren’t dead Greg. I was 40 and getting my one kid down to Chapel Hill and installed in his dorm almost did me in. I can’t imaging having to get two settled. You have my utmost respect. No worries. We’ll still be here whenever you decide you’ve recovered enough and you’ve realized that, once again, your life has changed.
Fascinating stuff about the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery, and more importantly WHY it is sacred ground. I was there once, several years ago, and when you get on one of the small hills and can look out over the graves, knowing that each one is a person who died defending their country AND freedom, it is breathtaking. I went to all the "touristy" spots; JFK's grave, RFK's, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Challenger Memorial, but those simple headstones that cover the cemetery grounds are what is REALLY important.
I don't have a lot of words left for Trump. He appalls me almost daily. This latest gouging at the heart of America, we think, is the bottom, but the truth is we just don't know if there IS a bottom until he goes below it. Nothing the rest of us live under seems to apply to him, not laws, norms, traditions, or morals. Just when you think he couldn't POSSIBLY get any lower than he has, he goes lower. So, we don't really know if there's something lower than this until he does it in the next 67 days.
The story also mentions that he was INVITED (like a vampire) to join these Gold Star families to "pay tribute" to the fallen, especially the 13 that died at the Abbey Gate. I WILL NOT attack Gold Star families, yet I have to wonder what their intentions were in inviting him to Arlington. I always try to put the shoe on the other foot in situations like this, so I think, "would I ask Kamala Harris to join me at Arlington to honor my fallen veteran family members?" No, I would not. A cemetery, ANY cemetery is a place for mourning, prayers if you're of a mind, and reflection on the lives of the people you're going to visit there. There is NEVER a need to bring along a politician. NEVER. And Trump turned it into what he always does; an event "paying tribute" to HIMSELF. I hadn't seen the picture that you linked to in the column until right now, and my disgust is off the charts, with that fucking rictus grin and that fucking thumb in the air I would happily chop off with a sharp, new pair of garden shears! He should be BANNED from Arlington for the rest of time, with the US Army there to enforce the ban.
A few times during his speech at the DNC, President Biden used the expression, "My God!," (usually about some unbelievable bullshit Trump or his fans had done) and atheist though I am, that was my reaction to this whole debacle. There is really nothing else to say but, "My God!"
They said they asked him to be there but I can just see him begging them to accompany all to the cemetery. The only gate I want him to enter is the Gate of HELL!
Thanks, Steve. "My God" indeed. I'm so very curious what tack Kamala will take in the debate...i can't wait to watch it.
Arlington is almost like the Grand Canyon, in that you can't really appreciate the majesty of it until you're there. The vastness. It really hits you. In college, my friend and I went there and wandered around and got a bit lost, and it was starting to get dark and we were afraid we'd have to spend the night there...
I don't care what the Daily Caller says, I will not believe anything but that the Trump people cooked this up as a photo op and a ploy to humiliate Biden. Disgusting all around. None of those involved should be buried anywhere like this. Dump their remains into Gowanus Canal.
Trump has become so predictable that, in the instant when I saw the Arlington headline, my cookies tried to tossed themselves. I couldn't force myself to read the details, but it's essential not to shrink from evil, so thank you for your consistently stunning ways of researching and writing about his mega-disgusting activities. As always, my sincere gratitude/condolences on your job choices.
How do Trump and Republicans disrespect America's finest? Check this infographics of the 10 Worst Ways To Insult A Veteran.
https://thedemlabs.org/2024/08/29/trump-arlington-national-cemetery-10-worst-ways-to-insult-a-veteran/
Great work, Deepak. Thank you.
I understand MuskWanker was blocking NPR reporting on TwitterX, sick fuck.
#MuskWanker #SpaceKaren is a dangerous criminal and SHOULD BE IN PRISON RIGHT NOW
Or, better: get him on the next flight to Mars. One way, of course...
All trips to Mars are one-way due to cosmic rays
Cosmic radiation will give most travelers cancer before they even arrive at Mars. And there's no shielding solution to this problem; only 10x faster travel Https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/250547-cosmic-rays-twice-dangerous-mars-explorers-thought
I'd like to think that the desecration of Arlington and the desecration of the Congressional Medal of Honor on top of his greatest hits about suckers and losers would result in the active duty and veteran communities voting against him be overwhelming majorities, but that is unlikely to happen given the level of Christian Nationalism and racism that is so pervasive in both communities (I know, I lived in Colorado Springs for 8 years).
I understand, however, that the Evangelicals are very unhappy with his recent remarks about "protecting" abortion. That may cost him votes?
One can only hope, Lynell!
Well, now, Marlene, I'm seeing he flip-flopped again. Who cares about him and what he says.
No way, trump lied? ; )
Good!
As a former airline pilot who flew with many ex- and then-current military pilots, I agree. Well said. I try to think positively of all Veterans, but of course human nature is complex, especially for male military pilots. (When I joined the airlines, women weren't capable of serving as military pilots, but then magically the gender changed, and now it is, so that picture has been a different flavor of complex.) Military pilots may be shot down and die, or they may never take a bullet or even see combat then exit straight to a major air carrier for (depending, ironically, on who occupies the White House) a potentially lucrative career courtesy of tax-payer-funded flight training, a monetary advantage not accorded to civilian tax-payer pilots who pay for their flight training. Obviously, I knew the portion of military pilots who got the career rather than the body bag. How any of that portion could support an anti-labor party and vote for a traitor is beyond my comprehension, but then I'm a not member of the Christian Right, Friends of the Convicted, or Mysogynists.
Thanks for this, Maureen. I don't understand it either. I blame the poison of Fox News. The normalization of Trump's awfulness by other media hasn't helped. It boggles the mind.
Thanks for pointing that out, because it does explain why so many have not seen the light about this monster. Even in my own circle, I have seen people who are Republicans, who plan to vote for Trump, and he is antithetical to their core beliefs and how they live their lives. Fox News is poison.
Welcome semi-back, Greg! Literally several minutes ago, while over on LFAA, a reader had posted a few links regarding the Trump/Russia connection. Well, no surprise, as I started reading, "Dirty Rubles" came immediately to mind. So, I replied to his post by promoting your book! And I linked your "Tinker, Tailor, Mobster, Trump" article on Prevail!
This Xitter post from someone named Patrick Tomlinson is "A handy breakdown of all the ways Trump deliberately, maliciously sabotaged the Afghanistan withdrawal and murdered Sgt. Gee." I did not do a fact check on Mr. Tomlinson, but I remember reading news about each of the statements he made.
https://x.com/stealthygeek/status/1828177920222994737
Anyway, thank you for your presentation on how Arlington National Cemetery came to be. It's always good to know history!
Thanks, Lynell. Much appreciated.
Patrick is solid. Anything he posts is reliable.
Excellent piece, and fitting title. Makes me want to toss a 🍪 but I’ll share your thoughts instead.
Thanks, Steven. There's a song by The Smiths called "Cemetery Gates" that the title plays on -- that and Watergate. The song has been in my head for two days...
I remember The Smiths but not the song— so I looked it up. They were good and I’m old! Perfect! ☕️ cheers!
As an Army veteran, I think it's shameful that any service member, veteran, or their families would vote for this disgusting traitor.
Thank you for your service, Amethyst, and I quite agree.
Brilliant piece, Greg. I was filled with a visceral feeling of revulsion when I saw the mafiaDon lay the wreath on the grave with the poor grieving families in the background. My conspiracy theory is that he knew about a potential suicide bomber to create last minute chaos during the exit. I do hope the Army employee who was shoved gets extra protection temporarily & that they give names. Fascinating history about Martha Dandridge Washington & the Arlington mansion.
Thanks, Amy. The Taliban negotiations were yet another example of Trump's anti-American, seditious awfulness. So many examples the media likes to ignore or minimize...
Thanks for the history lesson, Greg. Knowledge is power. I’m glad Arlington is now supposed to be non-political given its provenance.
Thanks, Katharine. Yes, I hate when people inject politics into spaces that should be free of it: sporting events, coin shows, Broadway musicals, and of course cemeteries. But that is one of Trump's strongman tactics: he makes it so there are no spaces safe from him. He violates. It's what he does.
Good morning Greg,
I understand the reluctance of the woman who was mistreated while doing her job and duty, but although he Pentagon issued a statement, where are the statements from Leadership, namely, Lloyd Austin, Sec'y of Defense, General Charles Brown, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, or General Randy George, Army Chief of Staff......Is this not a time to Lead and demonstrate Leadership? If we do not Stand up for what we believe in, we will Fall for anything, again!
The Pentagon statement was pretty great, but I'd like to see more from the Army Chief of Staff. if nothing else, it would make the media report on this and keep it in the news.
👌🏼
Also, did you know that one of the compelling reasons George Washington was unanimously chosen to be our president was that he did NOT have any children that he biologically fathered, ensuring that we would not have a repeat of "royalty" as in inherited succession of monarchs, as in England? Just a bit of trivia....be well!
When I was 12, I read a YA biography of Martha Washington which delved into her Parke Custis reality before and after she married George. That book sent me on an American history path which, by way of an undergrad degree in same, I am still walking.
It's so interesting, isn't it? I find it hard, personally, to think of the Founders and the GW-era people as real. I think the mythology around them is so pervasive. Martha was clearly a remarkable person, and her experiences with loss informed her approach to being First Lady.
Also, Bridget, thanks for subscribing and for the kind words!
I did, and that's why I was surprised to learn about his stepkids. The fact that GW had the same family situation as KH is inspiring. Any time some MAGA says something about her being childless, have them take out their wallets and examine the childless POTUS on the $1 bill!
Welcome back, missed you, hope the transition to college life went smoothly and without too much heartache. Remember for the youngsters this should be step one to a happy and fulfilling life.
To say this latest dipshit 45 stunt was in poor taste is the understatement of all time. The only thing that could have made it worse was a thumbs up with one hand while holding a Bible upside down with the other.
He is such a ginormous asshole. Words fail to express how unfit he is not only for office but also to be a member of the human race!
Thanks, Old Man. Of all the desecrations he's done -- he started his presidency desecrating the CIA Wall of Stars -- the ANC incident takes the cake. He is a failed human.
I don’t know why you aren’t dead Greg. I was 40 and getting my one kid down to Chapel Hill and installed in his dorm almost did me in. I can’t imaging having to get two settled. You have my utmost respect. No worries. We’ll still be here whenever you decide you’ve recovered enough and you’ve realized that, once again, your life has changed.
Also, you’ll notice I didn’t mention Arlington as there are no words left.
[nods]
Ha! Thank you, SPW. I'll write about it for tomorrow, but it was exhausting!
Welcome back, Greg!
Fascinating stuff about the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery, and more importantly WHY it is sacred ground. I was there once, several years ago, and when you get on one of the small hills and can look out over the graves, knowing that each one is a person who died defending their country AND freedom, it is breathtaking. I went to all the "touristy" spots; JFK's grave, RFK's, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Challenger Memorial, but those simple headstones that cover the cemetery grounds are what is REALLY important.
I don't have a lot of words left for Trump. He appalls me almost daily. This latest gouging at the heart of America, we think, is the bottom, but the truth is we just don't know if there IS a bottom until he goes below it. Nothing the rest of us live under seems to apply to him, not laws, norms, traditions, or morals. Just when you think he couldn't POSSIBLY get any lower than he has, he goes lower. So, we don't really know if there's something lower than this until he does it in the next 67 days.
The story also mentions that he was INVITED (like a vampire) to join these Gold Star families to "pay tribute" to the fallen, especially the 13 that died at the Abbey Gate. I WILL NOT attack Gold Star families, yet I have to wonder what their intentions were in inviting him to Arlington. I always try to put the shoe on the other foot in situations like this, so I think, "would I ask Kamala Harris to join me at Arlington to honor my fallen veteran family members?" No, I would not. A cemetery, ANY cemetery is a place for mourning, prayers if you're of a mind, and reflection on the lives of the people you're going to visit there. There is NEVER a need to bring along a politician. NEVER. And Trump turned it into what he always does; an event "paying tribute" to HIMSELF. I hadn't seen the picture that you linked to in the column until right now, and my disgust is off the charts, with that fucking rictus grin and that fucking thumb in the air I would happily chop off with a sharp, new pair of garden shears! He should be BANNED from Arlington for the rest of time, with the US Army there to enforce the ban.
A few times during his speech at the DNC, President Biden used the expression, "My God!," (usually about some unbelievable bullshit Trump or his fans had done) and atheist though I am, that was my reaction to this whole debacle. There is really nothing else to say but, "My God!"
They said they asked him to be there but I can just see him begging them to accompany all to the cemetery. The only gate I want him to enter is the Gate of HELL!
Boom!
Thanks, Steve. "My God" indeed. I'm so very curious what tack Kamala will take in the debate...i can't wait to watch it.
Arlington is almost like the Grand Canyon, in that you can't really appreciate the majesty of it until you're there. The vastness. It really hits you. In college, my friend and I went there and wandered around and got a bit lost, and it was starting to get dark and we were afraid we'd have to spend the night there...
I don't care what the Daily Caller says, I will not believe anything but that the Trump people cooked this up as a photo op and a ploy to humiliate Biden. Disgusting all around. None of those involved should be buried anywhere like this. Dump their remains into Gowanus Canal.
TGIF🎉🎉🎉
: )
Trump has become so predictable that, in the instant when I saw the Arlington headline, my cookies tried to tossed themselves. I couldn't force myself to read the details, but it's essential not to shrink from evil, so thank you for your consistently stunning ways of researching and writing about his mega-disgusting activities. As always, my sincere gratitude/condolences on your job choices.
Thank you. He's just staggeringly awful.
May we all hope the hex is in.
Amen!