The Emperor has no clothes, and a military parade is certainly no stand-in for a fig leaf.
anyone who did not see this coming the second 45 was inaugurated wasn't looking. the one bright spot, so far, is melania isn't quite as out there as imelda.
If it has to happen, Mar a Lago is the perfect venue for Trump's parade. All those tank tracks on the putting greens!
1
I know Trump was sincerely inspired by the 14 July Parade in Paris, but this is a terrible idea.
Trump will instantly be compared to North Korea, not France.
Also, this is a frivolous expense that most Americans would be against. I am one of those.
No, parade, please.
2
What if he held a parade and nobody came?
2
Our military and our country were coolly rebuffed by our former POTUS for 8 years. Done tastefully, a millitary parade honors those who serve our country. It is a display of gratitude for risking their lives so that our country can celebrate freedom and democracy. It’s not about those ‘drably colored killing machines,’ in an embarrassing authoritarian display, as NYT has painted; rather, our men and women who serve can walk proudly down the streets, knowing that their country stands behind them and honors them.
1
Barack Obama did not "coolly rebuff " the military as you said, and instead often spoke of what sacrifice they were making, the good job they were doing, etc. He did it with confidence and didn't need a parade to make himself look strong.
3
In different times, you might have been correct, but we are in Donald Trump times. This President is a narcissist who praises authoritarian regimes and views this event as a means of saluting himself and bringing himself closer to the despots he dreams to be. It’s not the event itself, it’s the context of the event that poses the problem.
3
While the right to dodge your military draft can be rightly debated, there should be no debate about a draft dodger not being allowed to force the military to celebrate himself. This “parade” is ludicrous. Only the weakest of the weak and most insecure person of all would order such an event.
6
Trump wants a military parade because he wants -- needs -- to see people saluting him. But he's mistaking duty for affection. Not that he'll understand or realize the difference.
4
But we can have a million gay parades, countless demonstrations and marches for illegals, and violent riots whenever a conservative speaker comes to a college campus.
If you don't want to see a military parade there is a simple solution: Don't go.
See?
Simple.
Why is pride in our military so controversial? Maybe we can get the FBI to drive the tanks since the Left suddenly loves the FBI so much these days.
2
We get an opinion because we are directly paying for it.
4
Oh please! How far do the Republicans and Trump's sycophants have to go to feed this ignorant man-child's ego? If you want to honor the military men and women then give them a raise.
4
Oh, I wish the money could be used for the medical care of our veterans.
6
Trump's understanding of the French "Bastille Day " parade is completely incorrect.
The French Independence Day parade is not to show France's military might, which it has, but to show respect for the fallen from the many countries who have fought for France. We don't brag about killing and death machines here, we honor the dead, and the occasion is solemn. The French President does not speak.
European soil is saturated with the blood of centuries of battles. War here is too familiar and not celebrated.
There are monuments in every French town to the fallen soldiers of WW1 -- France lost the most soldiers in that war. To visit the Arc du Triomphe gives a sad sense of the many lives lost in countless wars.
The French parade is nothing like what Trump is calling for -- an occasion for braggery and bombast. The world knows that the U.S. has a mighty military. It doesn't bear repeating.
Trump, not known for his sensitivity, will never understand the grave nature of war, loss, death. He should not be given bragging rights to the U.S.'s ability to kill. Walking silently and carrying a big stick are more than enough.
10
Okay, here's my last suggestion:
He uses the money left over in the kitty from his Inaugural Committee.
There's millions and millions there, unaccounted for - use THAT!
And, if there's any left over after that then use it to buy this baby a pacifier to suck on.
What an astonishing disgrace!!!
3
A parade as this would be a larger-than-life display of our buffoon-in-chief's egotistical desire to be "top gun," for all the world to see. He has never done anything heroic in his life, so this excess would satisfy his depraved need for attention. It doesn't honor the military at all; if he wanted to do that, he'd visit places in the world where we have troops. This parade would be another meaningless waste of our shrinking taxpayer dollars. If he wants it so badly, let him pay for it from his own millions!
1
Nixon had a secret peace plan. maybe Trump is again following Nixon's lead, and has his very own, gilded secret peace plan to end our long and
pointless war in Afghanistan. once he declares peace, or just calls it quits, or files for police action bankruptcy, he will stage a big parade in celebration of... himself.
25 45, he's nuts.
France also has an excellent government funded national health care system. Not that this is in the cards for the proles. Just get 'em riled up and happy to be cannon fodder. Sad.
Can’t someone just give him a report of what we have? Oh I forgot, he can’t read.
2
If Mexico pays for it, count me in!!
3
I don’t believe this Idea is intended to do anything other than give you a platform for your imperialist vision of your self.
It will do great damage to how America is perceived around the world under your administration which is already in shock.
The ice is thinning under your feet.
1
So now Trump wants a triumph. That harkens back to the Roman era when such parades were a celebration of heroic victories of which Trump has none. But like the state of American politics, triumphs devolved into public relations stunts, making parades to satisfy egos and solidify political standing, whether deserved or not. While some triumphs were indeed deserved, other emperors, such as Caligula, held triumphs for the sole purpose of self aggrandizement.
And yet, this particular leader got vehemently angry last summer for being portrayed as Julius Caesar in the Public production of that play. He needs to make up his mind -- does he want to be an emperor or no? Sounds to me like he does. But asking Trump that question may be asking too much.
1
Don't understand the point of a parade. We have parades on Veterans Day. A military parade for the sake of a parade seems stupid and a waste of money.
4
Repulsive self-aggrandizement. Shameful and embarrassing on so many levels - especially to those serving and who have served (and everyone who has supported them). Thanks for trivializing our military by using them as a prop for your own twisted needs DJT.
5
Trump doesn't want his grand military parade to show off America's might. He wants it, primarily, to feed his egomania, because in his mind, the parade will be serving only one purpose: to aggrandize him, and he doesn't care about the cost, not in dollars or in hampered military readiness.
He also wants, in his sick mind, to not be outdone by the tyrannical dictators of the world who, since the Roman empire, through Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, and Putin, have been the ones who reveled in such self-serving nationalist displays of military regalia and weaponry.
America's Founders and history deplored undue celebration of the military, or even having one in the first years. And Teddy Roosevelt's "Speak softly but carry a big stick," was an expression of disciplined confidence, that a nation which is truly powerful has no need to flout its might as Trump demands.
It's bad enough our military is present in most corners of the world and that is display enough, or, really, too much.
Congress should block any funding for such a selfishly derived spectacle, but with Republicans willing to accept any and all disgraces Trump oozes out upon the nation, that is unlikely.
5
I've got no problem with a military parade up Pennsylvania Avenue, but in this case there is no actual reason for it, such as a military victory. It is just ego gratification for Trump, pure and simple. Since it is an unnecessary extravagance, perhaps President Trump should pay for it himself. Either that, or how about using those tens of millions of dollars left over from the Trump Inauguration Committee to pay the bill? I'm sure the Inaugural Committee could also find an "Il Duce" costume for Trump to wear when he reviewed the troops.
4
Trolling Donald Trump is planning his biggest (and most expensive) provocation yet. Last week, he used the silent protests of his polarizing presidency during the State of the Union Address to frame Democrats as unpatriotic and treasonous. It worked like a charm to put his opponents into a reactive and angry tailspin that he used to rally his natural base, the conservatives who have been trained to despise "liberals," "Democrats," and anyone who points out abuses attributed to, or problems within, the military.
A military parade before the a chickenhawk president who has praised and befriended vile dictators around the globe is extremely offensive to anyone with a strong appreciation of civil liberties and human rights. Nonetheless, it would be a mistake to take the bait and protest this grotesque display of military muscle placed in the command of a five-time draft dodger. Trump would simply use the protests to tar more Americans of conscience with the same brush he used to tag black athletes who did not stand for the national anthem at their games. Trump wants to paint everyone who is disgusted by the parade as enemies of the military, which he places above American civilians.
Rather than take the bait by tweeting, marching, and protesting, those opposed to Trump’s ploy should get creative. Use humor to mock Trump with multi-media comparisons to Trump's parade and those of military strongmen past and present. That would put Trump in his self destructive defensive mode.
2
Trump couldn't get the democrats to clap for him at the state of the union address, so he will order the military to salute him in a parade.
9
Senator Lindsey Graham told CNN. “It’s kind of cheesy. I think it shows weakness, quite frankly.” That may be true, but it's even worse to cater to an ultra-nationalist minority that chants "USA, USA". Maybe the horror will be amplified by a parade. In my anti-Trump crowd the concept of not voting in 2018 is about the same as child molestation. Time to bury this nonsense.
1
It would be much cheaper to buy a very fancy uniform for President Tweet and let him prance around in it at the White House. This would stroke his ego and save a lot of time and trouble for the military.
5
Trump wants a military parade simply so he can bask in the attention as thousands of marching mean and women in uniform pass his gilded sky box. I wonder what sort of salute he will require?
1
Does anyone doubt that he will insist in being in the lead car, standing straight up, just like his counterpart in China, Mr. Xi? Of course the Secret Service will have a fit, so then we'll have him fighting with yet another governmental department. We must all remember to clap loudly as he passes by.
1
The truly confident behave humbly. The truly wealthy do not display their money. And the truly powerful do not show off their weapons. If Trump does this, I hope no one shows up to watch. I do wonder whether Trump will order a special Commander in Chief uniform for himself to make him look like the military dictator that he would like to be. But he should have a regulation haircut.
3
Dear Leader, the military is not your military. They are not your generals and troops for you to put on display as a testament to your power. The optics of a parade are frightening, but maybe that is your intent. The power of the U.S. lies in our position in the world as a beacon of democracy first and foremost. If you want to honor the military, pay the frontline troops a living wage, make sure they are well equipped, and take care of the injured veterans. And ask your kids to join up.
4
Trump's understanding of the French "Bastille Day " parade is completely incorrect.
The French Independence Day parade is not to show France's military might, which it has, but to show respect for the fallen from the many countries who have fought for France. We don't brag about killing and death machines here, we honor the dead, and the occasion is solemn. The French President does not speak.
European soil is saturated with the blood of centuries of battles. War here is too familiar and not celebrated.
There are monuments in every French town to the fallen soldiers of WW1 -- France lost the most soldiers in that war. To visit the Arc du Triomphe gives a sad sense of the many lives lost in countless wars.
The French parade is nothing like what Trump is calling for -- an occasion for braggery and bombast. The world knows that the U.S. has a mighty military. It doesn't bear repeating.
Trump, not known for his sensitivity, will never understand the grave nature of war, loss, death. He should not be given bragging rights to the U.S.'s ability to kill. Walking silently and carrying a big stick are more than enough.
3
This is beyond cheesy - it's a total waste of time, energy and money, all of which could be used to benefit the military in other ways. It was estimated to cost around 28 million! For what? For the amusement of the president!
I'm sick of the Trumps bilking the American public they are supposed to serve by expecting us to finance everything from weekend getaways to parties at Trump properties and now, a parade! I can't even imagine what's next.
2
No, Secretary Mattis, we are not all aware of the president's respect and love the military. In fact, half the nation looks at Trump as a treasonous president and a draft dodger who also has children, both male and female, who have never bothered to serve their country in any fashion.
6
Who would have thunk it? It looks like the parade of horribles resulting from Trump's election will include an actual parade.
1
If we don't know why we would be celebrating the military why would we do it?
It is already a debacle - witness this and other articles.
Please - do not drag the military down to the Trump level for his benefit!
Half the money spent on this grandiose parade will be wasted. So will the other half.
2
It's hard to argue against this crass further example of military worship when there is so much of it all around that nobody pushes back against. In NFL games, at airports and towns where signs proclaim they are Defending Our Freedoms (what freedoms would we have lost if we didn't invade Iraq or bomb Libya?). In the propagandistic maintream media coverage of individual soldiers as heros, but virtually ignoring incidents of warcrimes and the complex and toxic aftermath of our clumsy interventions, and the disastrous effect on those we occupied or visited violence on. In the veneration of talking points issued by the Pentagon or CIA without any critical scrutiny. In the veneration of retired generals with privileged access to the media who bang the drums for war because they lobby for arms manufacturers.
There has been a determined propagandistic effort since 9/11 for our leaders, both Republican and Democrat, politican and corporate, to engineer slavish support for the military as a way of neutralizing opposition to wars waged not to protect us but in support of narrower, opaque geopolitical goals. Those journalists still engaged in brave, independent and critical reportage are actively marginalized, or worse, actively harrassed by US officials at custom points of entry, having their cellphones and laptops confiscated or examined.
3
Let's save the military a lot of trouble and the public a lot of time by simply closing down a few streets and let Trump walk along showing off his big button. The narcissist in chief will get to parade and everybody can see that the emperor wears no clothes.
1
Hey Mr. Trump. Kim Jong Un can have his lower weight tanks run through downtown Pyongyang because they have very few personal vehicles in that city so, it does not matter for him if there is any damage to their city streets. However, Washington, DC is a little different as there is a lot more non-government traffic there so make certain that the tanks you want to see will all have soft tracks and do not have any weapons or more than the driver to keep some of the weight down. Oh, maybe you should only have the M1 and not the newer and heavier ones also as they are only 60 short tons each.
Have members of Congress and Governors been silent on this matter? I haven't read anything about their viewpoints. I include States because State National Guard Units have been activated to serve in the U.S. military.
France's love for military parades is curious considering the country hasn't won a war in a couple of centuries. Old joke: How many Frenchmen does it take to defend Paris? No one knows; they've never tried. Not to mention that when Trump could have served his country in the military he stood down (on his bone spurs).
Let's give him a parade on his last day in office. We will truly have something to celebrate.
1
For #45 to appropriate Memorial Day or Veterans Day in order to have a parade that glorifies, essentially, himself is an insult to all veterans, and to the families of all those who sacrificed their lives in foreign wars. This draft-dodging, unpatriotic, anti-constitutional and anti-rule of law excuse for a president needs to be removed from office ASAP. Following which, Americans would then have "cause celebre" for a national parade of thanksgiving that our country has been preserved from tyranny.
This an opportunity for Trump to display the business acumen he claims as qualification for the presidency. The first step in the parade proposal would be to determine the total cost, including mobilization, wages, supplies, etc. The second step would be to assess impacts on the infrastructure, since city streets are probably not up to the stress of huge military vehicles. Impacts to local staffing must also be considered, since traffic control requirements will be enormous to facilitate the parade routing. When all costs have been determined, the military leaders, not including Trump, must provide to Congress the results and an evaluation of impacts to the nation's military readiness. If, and only if, Congress evaluates all of these findings and declares them to be a better use of military funding should they agree to support this juvenile fantasy.
2
This kind of spectacle is what they do in many authoritarian regimes and tinpot dictatorships to prove just how big and bad they are. We don’t need this. We are above it.
If Trump thinks we have the money and time for such an extravaganza, wouidn’t it be better spent improving the VA system and giving active duty members raises in pay? Wouldn’t that be a more genuine expression of our patriotism, respect, and appreciation for our veterans and soldiers, who are too often neglected in all the flag waving?
6
To understate, this is a very bad idea. Trying to best North Korea by emulating their military parades is foolish. Trump should remember Teddy Roosevelt's advice that when you have a big stick, it's ok to speak softly.
5
This was the man who said America was weak militarily and now he wants to show off how strong it is. I guess he will claim he made it strong in one year and folks would believe he ordered all the hardware on Amazon Prime, 2 day shipping.
The fact is we don’t need a parade to remind the world how strong our military is because the US military is deployed right in their face. When you have a US military base deployed in your country or a carrier group sails by, that is your parade.
6
The USA is the greatest and powerful country in the world. We do not have to hold military parades, bringing out all the military armor to prove that.
Watching TV, we see military parades being held in countries like Russia, North Korea, Turkey, China, to name a few. These countries have something in common. They all have authoritarian rulers.
The French have their own version, to celebrate their Bastille Day. We, in the US, have our own military parades, such as on July 4. Are we not proud of this?
16
This is like a little boy playing with his toy soldiers - except that this is the real world, not a reality show. Whatever money is spent on this charade of a "parade" is money down the drain.
And you have to wonder if this is yet another trick to take the focus off the Mueller investigation. Righteous indignation against the waste of money spent in a parade vs. righteous indignation against trump refusing to testify before Mr. Mueller (surely a stable genius could handle six clever lawyers?)
9
President Trump. It is about time you start lead this country and stop acting like a child, if possible. I am retired USAF officer and the idea of this type of parade strikes me that you really do not understand America's greatest asset. Yes, we need a strong armed forces and will for a very long time. The world needs us as a leader but they do not want us to be another military state. This world is crying for a peaceful solution to a world full of individuals that would rather see destruction than a world that can fulfill the aspirations million of its people. The USA can lead the way but with your ideas we will appear no better than morally weak countries that you are trying to impress.
You have a chance to be great president but you are doing everything to make your legacy one of being worst and ill qualified president's that this nation has ever had. Let's forget this very ridiculous idea of parade and get down to being the leader of a democratic nation where the military is under to control of civilian leader as our founding fathers wished.
37
Really? We need a Third World despotic display of our military & weaponry to impress the world of our might?
Oh, right, this is Trumpet's display of military might to bolster his own ego and flagging self-esteem, he's wanted his own since Paris. To proceed with this display would actually dishonor our military...they know they're the best, they don't need to engage in a disgusting parade ala Kim Jung Un to know they're respected & honored. Honor our military by treating them with respect and decent pay & benefits. Don't put them on display like dictators do, please.
10
It’s a loyalty test. Who would dare not applaud the tanks, the missiles, and, especially, the soldiers? If the dissenters were traitors at the SOTU, what would they be at this parade? DT will be there, taking names, and you know his retribution will be swift and vicious.
6
Why can't our little Donnie be more like normal children, who visit a friend and come home wanting their own train set, or a pony?
Too bad he didn't visit Macron and come home thinking "I want to start respecting women", or "maybe we could pay living wages to Americans, too".
We really need to be more careful about the influences we expose our child president to.
10
Some good points; you forgot that he might also emulate France's excellent healthcare system.
1
Trump is Mussolini redux, complete with his posturing and jaw-jut. This idea for a military parade is over the top. This is not who we are. Besides, didn't the military just get a considerable sum of money over budget because they were "worn down".,..and how much will the parade cost? How about the roads and bridges in the country that are "worn down"...don't they deserve money too? If we can afford money for useless parades just to satisfy the ego of Trump then we can afford to provide better health care options too. What a waste.
12
How dare anyone ask any soldier to march one step further than necessary!
3
Personally, I'm in favor of Mr. Trump, his family and all his supporters who never served a day in their life, parading down Pennsylvania Avenue and saluting us - the people who actually did serve.
Barring than, he should take his parade idea and put it back on the shelf of stupid ideas that are a waste of time, money and effort.
Spend more time helping our vets rather than circus parades.
11
A military parade—no doubt the largest in history—will be for our base, insecure president an orgasm of affirmation. Afterwards, his fan club appearances probably won’t be enough to satiate his fragile ego. Like a narcotic, he’ll need ever increasing doses of boot-licking. I expect to start seeing loyalty oaths, special salutes, Trump-branded uniforms, and other grotesque displays at future rallies.
5
I, for one, am looking forward to Despicable Donald's Big Button Military Parade.
Nothing shows respect for the men and women of the military like diverting their time, equipment, logistics, and funding for a spectacle that help's boost Trump's failing ego and provides an opportunity for him to slam as "treasonous" anyone who disagrees with him.
5
Thanks to all the members of Congress who rained on Mr. Trump's parade.General Mattis says that he knows that Mr.Trump is proud of the military so he understands this request.If Mr.Trump is so supportive why has he not been to Afghanistan to visit the soldiers there still serving in our longest war.Also, if Mr.Trump had not gotten military deferments he would probably have had the chance to march in a parade.American military might is well known so no need to display it in order to give the Commander in Chief an ego building photo opportunity.
10
I am 68 years old. I recall that when I was 10 years old I lined up all my toy soldiers , tanks, and planes. It was really "neat" and I had a lot of fun.
Boy oh boy I sure wish I could do that again sometime!
12
If Trump really wants to thank and support our wonderful military and the brave men and women who serve, maybe he could pay more attention to solving problems in the VA. Or perhaps he could staff the State Department with some diplomats, who could try to deal with international issues before they required military intervention.
14
We should hold alternative parades in major cities simultaneously with his parade, if it happens. The theme could be Peace, Unity, and Democracy. Even if the military parade doesn't happen, these alternative parades could be very powerful.
4
Only Donald Trump could come up with a plan that is purportedly about honoring Americans who are serving or have served in the military that is really about exacerbating divisions those who support his authoritarian posturing and those who abhor it.
7
It's no surprise that Trump wants a military parade. He is always marching to the beat of his own drummer. Besides, this is the Democrats' fault. Had they bothered to applaud Trump during his State of the Union speech, Trump probably wouldn't have been so desperate to have his fragile ego satisfied by having thousands of soldiers salute him at a parade. But here's a compromise. Trump loved the Bastille Day parade he attended in Paris? Fine, lets just ask France to send their soldiers and military equipment to Washington and re-run that parade here, instead of wasting millions of US taxpayer dollars on a Trump validation exercise.
9
even cheaper: buy Trump a one way coach class ticket to Paris next July so he can enjoy France's dandy parade... and while he's there, revoke his passport for his unAmerican activities, declaring him a stateless enemy alien.
he will be okay; they have McDonald's in France.
12
With trillions of dollars in deficit, the taxpayers can not afford the huge sums of money it would take to throw such a party. What soldiers and professionals in all the military branches veterans would appreciate more would be to divert the same amount to the Veterans Administration and take care of returning soldiers' injuries, PTSD and their families. Who can get that into the mind of the commander-in-chief? It would win him a good deal of respect from the folks he needs the most. We can't afford an ego-driven party like this. The world already knows we have the best soldiers, gear and weapons on the planet. A show like his parade would only descend him into the ugly swamp of folks like Putin and Kim. If the Pentagon is working up "options," then perhaps they might consider instead using the same funds for taking care of our returnees from wars and for assuring those who are heading out to fight that we will look after them when they return. Something like that would surely get the headlines.
8
Having the parade on a federal three-day holiday effectively takes the three free days away from the servicemembers and their families. This is not the way to honor militay members and their families. As someone who served on active duty for 20 years I can attest that my least favorite duty was marching in parades. Peter Staresnick
29
"It is unclear, however, when the parade would take place and what exactly it would celebrate." --- It would have to take place at a time when it would generate the highest ratings. And the most obvious reason Donald wants (needs) a parade would be to celebrate his tremendous victory over all the GOP candidates and the Democratic challenger. Something he feels he has not gotten enough recognition, praise, adulation, or respect to legitimize his reign as Presidente'. And to that end the parade must be huge. Bigger than France's, North Korea's, or any the Russians or Chinese put on.
The final thing he will need to self validate his ego would be a new military uniform, in the Trump-style emblazoned with gold and glitter. Just so he is the brightest peacock at the event.
7
And what is the likelihood of signs and protests being banned at this proposed grotesque display of compensation?
6
If he is able to pull off this lousy idea, we should hold alternative parades simultaneously in Manhattan and other major cities. The them could be Peace, Unity and Democracy: the new American way.
17
I had a nightmare. Gen Kelly meets with his favorite general and asks if that general will obey any and every order from our Commander And Chief. When that general pledges unquestioned obedience to orders, Kelly responds, "then you are in charge of what we are calling the Military Appreciation Parade in Washington DC". On that day, Putin admiring Trump declares a very temporary national emergency and becomes the strong ruler of our nation, and the desirability of democracy is erased from our government controlled media, textbooks, permissible speeches, and history.
1
The very notion of a military parade for no reason is one of the most offensive and Un-American ideas I have ever heard. As a country, we redefined the notion of a military that was subservient to the people and elected officials. We have historically been non-militaristic (with a short imperialist streak in 1898). Further, a large scale military parade celebrating ... nothing ... is expensive and a huge waste of money. Does the deficit not matter anymore?
Military parades are really for countries with an inferiority complex (like France as a former colonial power that has waned) or that needs to intimidate its population (like Russia) or has a militaristic streak (like banana republic dictators). I hope we are none of those. If it is scheduled, I hope there will be a massive public demonstration that will impede it!
4
"a peacetime parade inspired by President Trump." How can this be called a peacetime parade? Have we not been and continue to be at war for the last 17 years?
4
No one has ever accused Mr. Trump of having any class. Or subtlety. Or sense of history. Or honor.
9
I strongly object to this possible parade as a faithful taxpayer for over 50 years. During previous Republican administrations, I've witnessed wasteful wars costing trillions, wars that caused the suffering of innocent millions of people. Now this wicked child Trump wants an arrogant display of military might to satisfy his ego. I shall not see that happen the citizens' hard-earned tax contributions without strenuous protest.
7
Will this parade include every veteran who has had limbs blown off, suffers from PTSD, has complications from Agent Orange, or who struggles to get adequate medical treatment from their government? How about family members of every service member who has taken their own life? How about Iraqi translators who are denied visas to the US?
Until that happens this would just be a charade and a slap in the face to all of us from the military industrial complex.
11
Seriously - they can pay for the all the homeless vets to fly to Washington, give them a bed to sleep in, and a decent meal. Then ask them if they feel like being in a parade.
What is it celebrating? The world is an increasingly dangerous place and having a military spectacle in such an environment is such a bad idea on so many levels. Of course the real reason behind the proposal is that it is a Trump vanity project. He wants to stand on podium and have all those brave men and women salute him, capped off by a flyby of aircraft to feed his ego.
3
All that military might has accomplished since 9/11 has been to destabilize the Middle East, empower radicals and sow the kind of chaos on the ground in which jihadists thrive. All at a cost of trillions, unfunded. And in Afghanistan, our decade and a half of occupation has resulted in stalemate with the Taliban currently in control of 40% of the territory. This is nothing to celebrate and everything to be contrite about.
The REAL way to support our troops is to oppose wars of choice waged for nebulous or unachievable goals, and to hold those who send them to die for lies accountable.
6
Donald Trump will get his parade in some form. To be 'against' it will be labelled by him as being UN-American at the least and he will use his bully pulpit mercilessly.
The monies spent could be used for better purpose to support our military. I think of the 20+ veterans who take their own life every day in America and know that the monies could be used to help them from such tragic fate.
3
Senator John Kennedy: “I think confidence is silent and insecurity is loud."
That is true in most things. This is why Trump brags and needs reassurance so much.
Or as Theodore Roosevelt’s said: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far".
You don't have to brag about or show off the big stick - everyone knows you have it. As Kennedy said: “America is the most powerful country in all of human history, everybody knows it, and we don’t need to show it off.”
4
Thing is ... we're not in peacetime, man. We've been at war since 2001.
1
I hope we don't do this. This is something done by banana republics but not the US. we are proud of our soldiers and they are proud to serve, but we don't need to boast or posture. This is Mussolini stuff. It makes me uncomfortable.
3
Please no! Terrible,costly idea that speaks of insecurity.
3
To do so would really cheapen the value of what our military performs for this country, to serve and defend, not march in parades. Man, what is this person thinking? This is tin pot dictator stuff. Or someone in his little play world. Or both.
1
Every day it seems this president loses another clump of gray matter. Why would we ever have such a display, other than to literally show off? Everybody already knows we have horrifying military might - a miltary parade a la North Korea would be, in a word, gross.
3
It's all about Trump's ego, nothing else.
3
Trump should lead it. I will weave him a most wondrous suit of gold cloth that only true patriots will be able to see.
14
I hope General Mattis does not really believe Trump’s parade request is the result of the con-artist-in-chief’s “affection” for the military. Please let him not be that gullible. The real reason our dear leader wants a parade is to feed his insatiable need for adulation.
It’s a twofer; he says the parade is to honor the military while at the same time ordering the military to honor him with a parade.
Won’t our dear leader look fine standing there, chin jutted up and out, looking all puffed up, as the troops march past?
5
“On Sept. 17, 1968, he [Trump] reported for an armed forces physical examination and was medically disqualified, according to the ledger from his local Selective Service System draft board in Jamaica, N.Y.
In some interviews, Trump has cited his medical deferment and the bone spurs in his feet.”
July 21, 2015: Washington Post article: “Questions linger about Trump’s draft deferments during Vietnam War”. Trump the Commander-in-Chief, also got 4 student draft deferments (1964-1968).
8
President Trump is showing his true passion: he's a "wanna be" dictator who yearns to project power and be surrounded by his adoring fans.
6
Trump adores the idea of a strongman dictator receiving the adulation of a crowd as high tech military hardware rolls by in front of him. In his demented mind he is dictator of the United States. That is why he felt it ok to call Democratic lawmakers “treasonous “ for refusing to clap for him. It isn’t too much of a stretch to think he is capable of locking up all of us who don’t adore him. Also, I’m not sure that Pennsylvania Avenue was built well enough to support the M1 tank and all the other war fighting equipment he would want in his parade.
11
Back in the high school days they used to say "if you've got it, you don't need to flaunt it".
The man child's desire for a parade is not about honoring our military, it's about his ego and his insatiable need for praise. He needs to show off, to prove he has a "bigger button".
If he wanted to honor our military, he would be doing something that actually helps them and their families - many things come to mind.
When he gets himself fitted for a military style suit, complete with epaulets and a gold medal featuring his likeness, his name and 45 on his chest, I guess the coup will be complete.
This really bad movie just keeps getting worse..... I can't take three more years of it.
10
Rather amused that DJT would even think about having a military parade when he got many draft deferments from serving. I served 7 1/2 years in the US Army. Very proud of my service and of our military. Not proud of our president. Can't wait til it's over. He is the last person that should be holding a parade not too mention the cost. #badideadjt
31
Of course, he'd want the route lined with enormous statues of himself celebrating his perceived role as the savior of the country, saving us from the evils of Obama and Hillary. Oy!
1
If President Trump insists on a military parade to glorify himself, preferably attended by loyal millions untreasonously clapping and saluting in unison, he needs look no further for a model:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lno0o426V2M
Anyone who attends the parade and doesn't clap, or worse still, chooses not to attend, can then be called treasonous by President Kim Jong Trump. Is this the most powerful country in the world, who doesn't need to put on a crass display of its overwhelming military might, and is it the country who holds dear the First Amendment right of free speech, or is it not?
The dictator wants to dress the part and review his troops. The ignorant narcissist sees himself up on a grand stand, looking down on the power of his army, surrounded by sycophants, generals in crisp uniforms, and pretty blond people. The petty dictator want to hear the roar of the crowd and feel their fear, admiration and worship. It isn`t North Korea, this is today`s United States - any difference with a banana republic is just a matter of size.
2
Geez...why not go ahead and make a Stalin statue, mount it on a float and let it lead the parade. Of course this comes as no surprise. After all, a guy so insecure he has to constantly promote himself by himself and boast of his unverified achievements (e.g. genius - but not IQ Test, billionaire - but no tax returns or graduating at the top of his class - but no transcripts or proof of honors), feels a need to constantly show power...otherwise people would infer weakness. “Walk softly but carry a big stick”, please, Elmer is probably hard at work revising that quote with a more contemporary version like, “Walk loudly, talk louder and make a stick large enough to carry you!!!!” I always knew it could happen, but not nearly this fast - the great United States of America metastasizing into a militaristic state led by a garden variety third world strong man. How far we have come as a country???
7
As I laugh at the absurdity of this, I can't help but think of Catherine The Great's loony husband, Peter III, sitting in his bed for hours playing with his toy soldiers. It's all too insane!
9
Military parades, eh? What’s next, bread and circuses? Distraction Donny seems to be getting really desperate to draw attention away from his real job. Pathetic.
6
whoa! i had to pause at the first paragraph...... peacetime parade?? is what we are doing in afghanistan, iraq, syria and africa peaceful? have we normalized sending our troops all over the planet so much that THIS IS PEACETIME?
16
Oh, let's have a big parade showing off all our military greatness. Only an 8 year old would think this is a great idea. And we do have an 8 year old for POTUS. Time to put him in "short pants."
1
The other question is, where are the sane people that are willing to stop this idiotic idea.
1
Gosh! Let's hope it includes phalanxes of the uniformed Border Patrol and INS - herding hooded and bound captives.
4
There are homeless vets living on the street in this country. Vets are suffering from opioid addiction. This administration can’t be bothered to do anything for them. Let’s waste millions on an ego stroking parade instead.
13
“I want a pony Daddy, I want an oompa lumpa now. And my parade- you promised me parade daddy!”
10
Do Vladimir Putin is on the guest list?
2
Once again, Trump shows that he has the instincts of a totalitarian. Such a parade would be deeply embarrassing, but what it says about the man in the Oval Office is worse.
And once again, I have to wonder at the fecklessness of Congressional Republicans who refuse to endanger their seats for the sake of freedom even as American soldiers are fighting and dying for their country, and the evil of Rupert Murdoch and the sycophants at Fox News.
Democracies don't die from outside aggression, they rot from within.
48
A Memorial Day or Veterans Day Parade might work if Pitched specifically that way. Another way it will look like Trump Day and many, many, won't like it!
If it goes to Trump Day let's put all the Trump Family Members and Relatives who ever served right in front, as in there will not be anyone.
46
OK, but with one caveat as a matter of respect to those in uniform - past and present: anybody who avoided service during the Vietnam era with a bogus medical deferment will not be allowed to attend.
114
Well...using your criteria, the president himself wouldn't be able to attend!
That is the point Gianni
1
Waa! It's MY parade! I will too be there--(if I haven't been impeached by then)
With so much affection and respect for the military, why did Donald Trump try so hard to discover bone spurs in his feet!!!
42
Would I live to witness the day a U.S. President used Joseph Stalin as a role model? I never thought so.
35
This sounds like a dress rehearsal for a coup.
45
I regret to say that my mind went in the same direction, only I am not sure if the parade might include the Coup.....
Retired Lt. General Kelly has pretty well demonstrated his loyalty to The Occupier and finding a few Parade Organizers of Correct Loyalty might facilitate.
(Not to be be paranoid or notin')
What if we threw a parade and nobody came?
Like the "treasonous" Democrats who refused to applaud, we should all refuse to attend something so obscene, so glorifying of our fascist hyperfocus, and so wasteful.
Hope to see you there.
21
This "idea" is really bad optics for this country. There isn’t a clear cut victory in any war, in fact this president is seeking yet another war of convenience against Iran. They really should NOT do this. Use the millions this would cost to help vets, and use the street repair funds for infrastrucure repair where it’s most needed. They are about to be running up record deficits as a result of their tax cut, there is no logic or purpose to this, they shouldn’t be wasting money.
44
I think it has already happened!
1
"President Trump is incredibly supportive of America’s great service members who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. "He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation."
You mean like Veterans day? or Independence day? Cause there is usually a whole lot of love for military around those days.
37
even out here in lefty pinko san francisco we still have what was once called fleet week..... the blue angels fly around town and do their tricks over the bay. people mostly love it!..... but this parade? the idea is frightening the reality would be worse.
23
Seems as though a parade would be a waste of money that would be better spent on other military related items such as better pay, better equipment, better VA hospitals, etc.
89
As one retired Admiral said, "an ostentatious display of military hardware is not the American way."
But now we have a President who knows nothing but ostentatious displays: Old Deferment Donnie.
51
...so, here's what we do -
We take a film of those goose-steppers over in North Korea, you know, where their Glorious Leader is smiling and nodding at the public display of how BIG his is - his military, I mean - and all we do is digitally impose trump's head on Kim's body.
It will LOOK like trump is watching a mighty parade - but it won't cost a cent!
57
Sara Huckabee Sanders already back pedaled on this. She said it was a "suggestion." Sara should be reminded of one of the Ten Commandments she professes to follow....."Thou shalt not bear false witnesses..."
45
you need to see the huckabee sanders parody on the chelsea handler show..... it's good for the soul and way too funny.
1
Spring Time for Trump and Russia
24
moscow is happy and gay..... well, not "gay" like that.....
3
"Military parades in the United States have traditionally followed the end of wars, such as the Civil War and the two World Wars ..."
Trump sees this as a victory parade following his war on free speech, on Obamacare, on the environment and on reason.
It's clearly a parade to celebrate his triumph in overcoming common sense and rational behavior together with all of his accomplices in the Republican Party.
28
Nothing says dictator quite like a military parade for the glory of the supreme leader.
Since the time of Soviets we have looked upon the military parades of the tyrants thankful that we were not living under those authoritarian regimes. What we didn't know was that Trump was looking on with awe and parade envy.
62
If Trump wants a military parade then he has to march in step throughout the entire affair.
11
I find the prospect of a military parade a highly disturbing. While most if not all Americans support our military, it seems exploitative and more in step with authoritarian regimes, an attempt to intimidate the people. Trump's obsession with the military is out of step with his own lack of military service. I truly believe because he attended military school, Trump believes this counts.
If trump wants this parade so badly he should raise the funds to do so in the private sector, but to ask the taxpayers to do so is highly wasteful. Why not pour those funds, millions of dollars, to help our veterans instead?
67
The similarity between Trump & Nixon is amazing. Nixon wanted to dress up the Military guard at the white House like toy solders, & trump want’s a Military Parade. Don’t be surprised if he gets it, he will come dressed up in the Commander In Chief Uniform.The same warped mentality. If he wants a Parade of America’s might, the Parade should be about our Scientific, Medical, Art,& other accomplishments that benefited mankind.
15
Trump's idea of America is as puny as his imagination. He directly relates to US power as if he owned it. Just as Senator Graham says it will make the US look weak and cheesy - just like Trump looks to the rest of the world.
Just say no to the parade.
78
What you say is correct, but you forget the reason why Trump owns the USA - he owns this country because the American People are as small as Trump imagines them to be. That is why whites worship him and elected him to office, and will re-elect him in 2020, and beyond that they might even change the Constitution to continue to re-elect him. Look in the mirror, my friend.
2
To mark the momentous occasion and to make the Trump Military Parade the most tremendously spectacular event in the history of the world, Trump has ordered that all of the troops will be issued brand new shiny black helmets and shiny black boots, to match their brand new all black uniforms.
12
I would quit the Pentagon leave the Military Before I did that.
18
Trump wants a military parade because he has no policy ideas and is too lazy and incompetent to do anything that is actually in the job description of being the president of our country. He is completely unqualified and uninterested in doing his job. But planning a big parade... now that sounds like fun to him! And he could just bark orders about wanting bands, and confetti, and dancing bikini girls in that shameless medieval king style he is so fond of. Trump would really like to be living in Europe in 1306 when no one dared question the “King” and his wishes. Too bad we can’t send him back there.
30
LOL! He'd be a serf, most likely.
2
Mandatory applause when Dear Leader gives State of the Union address or be considered a traitor. Now a military parade where we show off our war bling. I get the feeling that we will soon be calling our country The Peoples Republic of the United States of America.
63
Give them a bonus in their benefits , forget the show.
5
No, The Banks Republic of the United States.
4
what ever you are imagining it will be worse if he is not stopped.
5
Amateur failure of a businessman becomes amateur failure of a national leader.
26
And a professional failure at life.
21
Aside from how sick this megalomaniac is, this is another distraction from obstruction of justice, colluding with the enemy (I'd say providing aid and comfort to the enemy -- "someone said treason... can we call it treason?... sure, why not."), and the biggie: money laundering, "bigly."
This man is a travesty. Please everyone get out and vote against ALL republicans in November and take the power away from this lunatic narcissist.
51
So when are we going to change the name of our country from the United States of America to the Fascist State of America? This is just another nail in our own coffin.
27