My Fat Lady is Singing...I Hope

The T-Man has dominated political news so completely over so many months that I feel like a person who’s been force fed doughnuts.  Initially he was comic and oddly fascinating.  Now I’m just sick of it, and with each repulsive Trump “gaffe” (are they actually gaffes?) I want to hug the toilet.

One such recent Trumpism struck me hard.  More than repulsed, as I was with his compulsion to describe his genitalia during a national debate, I was aghast at his ignorance and virtual lack of empathy, just as Khizr Kahn so articulated.

On August 3^rd in Ashburn, VA Trump announced at a rally that a veteran had given him his Purple Heart medal.  He said “man, that’s like big stuff.  I always wanted to get the Purple Heart…this was much easier”.  When I saw the clip my jaw dropped.

There is no point in speculating or analyzing why this Purple Heart recipient (whose combat injury had caused him to lose a leg) decided to offer Trump his medal. He had his reasons and they remain his. Trump on the other hand was fully accountable for his actions in responding to the veteran.

The obvious and appropriate response would have been to refuse to take it on simple grounds that possession of the award can only belong to those who have earned it.  Trump is so diluted as to think that possessing the little piece of metal and ribbon is all one needs to be part a very exclusive union. “I always wanted to get the Purple Heart” he said, and there he was, proudly displaying it.

I am so, so extraordinarily amazed that a public figure can reach the age of 70 and not be aware that not only wounded veterans, but for many soldiers who died during conflict the Purple Heart is the sole award for giving their lives to the Nation.  For others it can be their entire quality of life.

The sacred nature of the Purple Heart recognition transcends all other awards of merit or heroism since it embodies what military sacrifice is all about.  It should be the final thought of any leader in committing to a foreign policy.

Mr. Trump, in case you’re not aware, soldiers get hurt and killed…and you have the unmitigated gall to think you deserve to be their Commander-In-Chief.  Where’s that toilet?

Khizr Kahn forcefully stated during his speech at the DNC that you have sacrificed nothing.  You responded by saying you have sacrificed a lot, telling George Stephanopoulos you have built a lot of “things”, created jobs…in other words made a lot of money and expanded your infamous “brand”. 

It is no accident, nor should it be a surprise that a person who views the accumulation of material wealth as a sacrifice thinks he can earn a Purple Heart the “easier” way.  I’m sure your handlers will have you send the medal back to the veteran who gave it to you and publish that action, but no matter. You won’t understand.

It’s time for you to go back to your reality TV so I can start writing about things that matter.  Is that the fat lady is singing? Please…let it be.