Mr. Trump collects hundreds of millions of dollars from big corporations and doles it out to those loyal to him. Same method the NRA uses, simple carrot and stick. Big secret money. Any Republican who intends to have an independent opinion retires first. Big money will support any opponent of an independent voice. Money. Citizen's United did this without even a stacked court. What does Trump contribute, a distraction, a game of 5 card monte on the streetcorner so you don't notice the headlines hollered by the newsboys. He has no bottom, no insult he cannot give voice to. He can shoot someone on 5th Avenue and nave no censure. That's what big dark money can buy. It is this way all around the world. Infowars can make up any conspiracy needed.
4
Trump is a hollow man who can’t bear the thought that there are others in public service - many others - who are superior to him in every possible way. By tearing others down, it makes him think he’s better. It also shows his total lack of judgement when it comes to choosing his fights. Other than these small things, no problem.
6
Trump, draft-dodging coward criticizes respected heroes committed to keeping us safe. Staggering that Trump thinks this, would say it and so many Americans who hang the flag on Veteran's Day, continue to support him. May as well save the trouble of flying our flag when the commander in chief is a traitor.
5
We should keep in mind that the execrable amoral state
we find ourselves stuck in will be proudly on stage
soon in Mississippi when yet another enabler, who
still openly pines for the return of jim crow to her
state, will bask in the over the top idiocies vomited
upon us all by the 8 year old in chief.
We shall all be witness to the gleeful sounds of approval, the rabid full of fury gazes, mixed with triumphant adoration, of those red hatted attendees who will do the bidding of our scammer in chief and file in dutiful line to vote as they've been commanded
to do. It matters not at all what he says. They have signed
their souls over and will dutifully obey.
They have no qualms about it, no qualms about his
latest cretinous takedown of a genuine military hero. It
just doesn't enter their realm of moral reasoning. If he said
it, well he must have had a good reason. It won't affect
their behavior in the slightest.
All very pitiful but revelatory how deep down the
hole into spiritual abjection hundreds of thousands of
citizens (who like to think they're patriots) have
fallen.
3
Who will Trump attack next?
Babies?
Puppy dogs?
Paraplegics?
He won't have enough remaining categories to fill another term.
3
I've long been of the opinion that Mr. Trump will one day prove the adage that a man given enough rope will eventually hang himself. In Mr. Trump's case, "hanging" means being such a boor, such a liar, and so repugnant to the decent- and fair-minded of this nation that he will leave office in utter disgrace.
Will this produce that result in enough of those who support him? How is this playing in West Virginia, Ohio, Kansas, Texas, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana?
3
Why is it taking so long?
2
Any military man or woman who still supports this sorry excuse for a Commander-in-Chief (I want to heave even as I write those words) doesn’t deserve to wear the uniform.
5
Seems to me this is another example of Trump making offhand comments, based on his gut and nothing else, to make himself look like the strongman he believes he is to impress his supporters. It just makes him look foolish and uninformed.
3
Admiral McRaven stands for "being noble, the power of the noble deed,” "honesty and integrity". Trump, by contrast, is the most corrupt, dishonest, abusive, arrogant, & uninformed president America has ever had. Politics aside, there is simply no longer any excuse for supporting this man. Continue to support him & you become part of his evil.
5
Lying, draft-dodging, Kremlin-loving, golfer-in-chief President has violated his oath of office to defend the US Constitution by appointing his political stooge as Attorney General. At the same time, he insults a decorated retired US Admiral simply because he identified Trump's attack on the US Press as a threat to democracy. Truly sickening and disgusting Biblical proportions of hypocrisy emanate from the Trump Cult these days.
7
Removing John Brennan's security clearance has to top President Trump's easy–things–done–right list so far...#2 Firing James Comey...#3 Firing Jeff Sessions.
It's obvious that Trump goes out of his way to criticize war heroes because as someone who deliberately avoided military service he can't compete with war heroes and is pathologically jealous of the public adoration that they receive. So in his small mind he has no choice but to try and knock them down. Of course that just makes him look more pathetic.
6
It bears repeating... this is the same DJT that missed a Veterans Day celebration because it rained!
Somehow he feels he can question the work of a decorated Navy Seal Commander who successfully terminated an international terrorist.
It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad!
27
Trump: "My personal Vietnam was avoiding S.T.D.s ." Speaks volumes about this amoral narcissist, doesn't it? Beyond our national contempt, and beneath any acknowledgement as an actual President.
6
He needed to create more distraction. "His" answers were going to Mr. Mueller.
He should stop & think that Bush could have found Bin Laden before Obama if he had wanted, but Bin Laden was a Saudi & wealthy.
Same excuse trump is using to protect MBS...they are great allies. Responsible for 9/11 & the killing of hundreds (if not thousands) of American troops in Pakistan & Afghanistan (Bin Laden).
He puts foot in mouth then needs distractions that cause a media uproar.
Stop giving him the spotlights & microphones.
2
America made Trump president because of his disregard for the military. His comments play to his base.
1
NYT, why, oh why, pull your punches by using a term like "audacious?" Its more pejorative meaning is a distant second to the "bold" definition most folks understand. The attack was was absurd, it was madness, vindictive, bird-brained, imbecilic, rotten ... and, as such, about par for the course from Captain Bone Spurs.
But it was not audacious.
1
McRaven is right. His siding with the Saudi's today is just another example that our Democracy is under serious threat.
4
Whenever one thinks Trump has hit bottom and can’t dig any deeper, he manages to be the best at being the worst. He can’t even imagine what Navy Seals actually do and likely didn’t even know who Mr. Mr. McRaven was. The only response he can give—calling someone a Clinton supporter as if that has any meaning. How presidential.
Note how Mr. McRaven’s response was intelligent and appropriate. And correct about Trump damaging democracy. Maybe Trump could learn something….Ok, sorry for the bad joke.
Trump is arguably the worst “role model” in history…and is certainly bad for America’s youth…and has Caligula rolling in his grave for being usurped.
4
Once again Trump reveals his narcissism.
He just can't handle the fact that the Admiral served America with distinction, and is loved by others for it!...Trumps only defense is the attempt at tearing down the Admiral with fallacious facts and arguments.
3
This draft dodging spoiled little rich kid should not be able to wrongly criticize and insult man of William McRaven's caliber in this way and retain the support of the patriotic Americans.
4
Our "president" seems to hate America, Service personnel, the media, California, Gold Star parents, immigrants, minorities... But he balances this by his bromance with N Korea, Putin and the House of Saudi.
If only we had a president who put America first.
5
@Nathaniel Brown: Trump believes he epitomizes the US. That's why he always puts his own interests first.
OK, whenever, again and again, I think Trump has sunk to the bottom, I'm corrected by the next thing, to remind me that for Trump there is no bottom. "appeared not to understand," "baffling," "not fully grasped"?? Try "never understands," "clearly clueless," "never can grasp." The most bizarre aspect of this Trump Twilight Zone episode in our history is how Trump repeatedly can say the most hideously outrageous things so openly, and they have to be endured again and again. Of course his remarks are for the benefit of his voting cult followers. It is to inflame a tyranny imposed by the minority on the majority of citizens, with no concern for the country, only Trump himself. I hope to live to the end of this outrage.
1
We need to focus. Trump can say whatever he wants; it doesn't make it true. He wasn't there for the bin Laden raid nor is he privy to all the intel that Obama had at the time. He's just running his mouth to keep the focus on himself. We should ignore him as much as possible.
3
“Wouldn’t it have been nice if we got Osama bin Laden a lot sooner than that, wouldn’t it have been nice?”
You mean if we had gotten him sometime between October 2001, when we invaded Afghanistan, and January 2009, when George W. Bush left office?
3
The guy who had 5 military deferments has no credibility in his criticism of a decorated veteran.
5
How can the Republicans allow this behavior to become normalized? McRaven, McCain, Mueller, all heroes. All patriots. It's beyond belief.
5
“It’s baffling why the president would launch an uninformed, spiteful attack on a public servant like Bill McRaven,” said Stephen B. Slick
Err, sorry Mr Slick but there is no mystery here at all. The good Admiral had the temerity to exercise his first amendment rights and criticize the Infallible One, as DJT seems to think of himself. As any of his fans at those frequent pep rallies will tell you, DJT can do no wrong, his wisdom is infinite and anyone who disagrees must be an enemy of the state. Never mind that he has never heard a shot fired in anger he knows better than any of his military commanders how to sort out any problem especially if it happened years ago. And the saddest thing of all, he, DJT, is the Commander in Chief. Scary, eh?
4
“It’s baffling why the president would launch an uninformed, spiteful attack on a public servant like Bill McRaven,” said Stephen B. Slick, a former C.I.A. station chief in Israel - Really?
Has Mr. Slick not been paying attention for the past 2 years? Of course Trump doesn't understand that it wasn't the SEALs' job to find Bin Laden or that sometimes pilots get shot down over hostile territory during wartime or that the AG & DOJ isn't there to protect him. Spiteful attacks against McRaven, John McCain, Jeff Sessions, and everyone else who doesn't kiss the ring are par for the course. Of course Trump doesn't have time to visit the troops in the Middle East, not with so many different trips to play golf around the world. I'm shocked that people are still being shocked by Trump's behavior.
2
This was repeated in the official Republican Party website. This election I refused, on principle, to mark ANY Republican including my Sheriff who ran unopposed. Are the Republicans are officially backing anything Trump does, including bashing real patriots? I believe Trump and much of his cabinet are true traitors. The whole party may be heading for destruction.
5
Seeing as how we, the people, have no power to influence our government even through elections, perhaps those with power enough to influence — generals, CEO’s, etc — will see to it that Trump is put out to pasture. How many powerful people need to be dragged through his mud before someone stands up?
2
"In this case, the president appeared to not understand that intelligence agencies were responsible for finding Bin Laden"
The mystery is not what Mr Trump does not understand, which seems to be a very great deal. It is what he does understand. Anything beyond incendiary insults and rabble-rousing?
1
What Trump is doing is dividing the military in the same manner he has so successfully done with the American Public. Just keep in mind, we will know we lost our democracy when the military is loyal him and not the Constitution.
2
Adm. William H. McRaven followed orders to accomplish commands from above regarding the Osama bin Laden mission.
He never was in charge of hunting down the man's whereabouts, as it seems was the mission of the CIA. Trump is not cognizant of how the military works, and shouldn't be the commander of such. God help the USA that he gets removed from office before his lack of knowledge becomes more of a liability than at this point in time.
2
Three articles in today’s NYTimes - one about outrage over a state led assassination being ignored because of money, one that a state led assassination should be viewed as patriotic and hero worshipped, and one about China’s human rights abuses being ignored, Hollywood instead affording preferential treatment because of money.
What constitutes an “enemy” and what constitutes acceptable morality appears fluid.
1
@Mark W
There's plenty of hypocrisy, but you picked at least 2 examples that are apples and oranges (I'll concede your point on China, as a general matter).
But as between Bin Laden and Khashoggi, there is no real comparison. The only point of commonality is that Saudi Arabia and the U.S. both hunted down someone in a foreign country and the stories both end with that person dead. But that is essentially where the similarities end.
1. First and foremost (to me), is the moral difference. Khashoggi is, by every account, innocent; blameless in every respect. Bin Laden was an unapologetic terrorist leader committing acts of war in the U.S. and elsewhere. There's little more to be said on that point.
2. This leads to the separate (but related) issue of the orders given regarding the 2 men. Salman had no moral or legal justification to arrest or kill Khashoggi... but that's sort of a moot point because Salman did not allow for any "capture" option. Say what you will about Bin Laden, the orders were to capture him if possible. The Seals' body cams clearly demonstrated the choice Bin Laden and his men made.
3. Salman committed a murder, denied his victim was even dead until backed into a corner, refuses to take accept his responsibility and compounds his cowardice by coercing photo-ops with the Khashoggi's grieving family and pretending to punish those "responsible." Say what you will about black ops, the U.S. at least stands by its decision in the Bin Laden.
1
Trump is like the old naked drunk trying to get attention at a college ball game. Nothing new, just old and more shriveled. Time for the ASPCA?
2
Trump has shown his contempt for America and the very idea of integrity and honor. What has he stood for, himself, other than theft, graft, fraud, cowardice, treason, betrayal, and the open celebration of hate?
The sooner we are rid of this poisonous orange fruit of Satan, the sooner we can begin rebuilding our honor. What are we waiting for? PERMISSION????
4
The ab whore enhence or ab horror ence I feel for a man who sells his soul for ratings amongst his followers who can find no wrong or mistakes in him makes my skin crawl. His disrespect for the military (I don’t like soldiers who are captured) and his forked tongue may come back and bite him in the arse someday, one can only hope.
3
People bring up the fact that Trump found ways not to serve in the military. Can you imagine yourself in a foxhole with Private Trump in 1965? The Military was lucky then. Their luck ran out in 2016.
9
At what point will his backers/base find his utterances objectionable? Aside from his family (Ivanka), there is nothing sacred to him.
4
“The president’s remarks were wrong on every level,”
Yes, this is true with about everything he speaks or tweets about.
4
In the greater scheme of things, freedom of speech, American Democracy, freedom of the press,,, all of the Bill of Rights,, not a cherry picked few,, all, Trump is lower than the dust on the shoes of William H. McRaven.
I aspire to make my bed in the morning.
4
For over 200 years, our country has issued a call to its citizens to protect and defend our nation, our constitution and all it stands for. Many have heeded that call and many have suffered and died for it, in mud and rain, in blood and battle. Mr. Trump never heeded that call. His hair might get messed up.
4
Only two more years to go until we get a chance to vote the arrogant and dim witted Trump out of office. I pray that the whole country will have seen his true colors by then, I was mortified when I saw the video of Trump tearing in to McRaven as a Hillary Supporter. First, I am a great admirer of Hillary Clinton. Second, I see no evidence that McRaven ever supported Hillary Clinton, but would be delighted to hear that he liked her. Third, Trump is incredibly petty if he has to attack anyone who didn't support him in the election of 2015.
Trump is simply a spoiled child in a 71 year old body. He should be ashamed of himself.
14
Trump cannot open his mouth without lying or else saying something stupid. However, often there is a kernel of truth to what he says. Osama bin Laden was essentially hiding in plain sight under the protection of the Pakistani military and intelligence service. When it became more useful to them to give him up, the US was permitted to kill him. The timing was not about intelligence or military capabilities, it was about the complicated alliance we have with Pakistan.
2
What do we expect from our 1st Ferengi President?
7
Not fair to the Ferengi. The Ferengi have better business sense then this guy.
People are missing what this is really about. It’s nit about McRaven.
This is part of Trump’s unhealthy obsession to erase Obama’s legacy.
He can’t “repeal and replace” Bin Laden’s death like he tried with Obamacare.
So, he’s trying to create the national debate that it was done too late.
That’s it.
Part 7,517 of Trump’s despicable agenda focused on himself - no matter how it impacts people, institutions, values, everything that makes America what it is.
13
Trump is a disgrace to the uniform if he had ever worn one.
5
Dotard Trump was too busy to go to Arlington National Cemetery on Veteran's Day, a short drive away, to honor those who paid the supreme sacrifice.
But never too busy to play Golf !! To the Dotard, not playing golf would be a sacrifice. ...... Sad !!
And this is who we have as president???
13
Trump got out of service to our country by faking bone spurs and now has the audacity to attack an American hero who served the country honorably. Where does it end with this man and his thug mentality?
10
I’m a veteran and served in Vietnam. I can’t say that the military necessarily builds character, you do what you have to do - duty and you become a fatalist. It is public service and it is a sacrifice for as long as you wear a uniform and, if you’re unfortunate, for longer. Admiral McRaven has earned his country’s respect even if he had been an ordinary sailor. He and the rest of us nor anyone will ever get respect from Trump. Trump respects no one. The only pole he has is whether people are useful to him in whatever endeavor he’s engaged in. He is dishonorable at his core and he is, like all bullies, a coward.
18
Hmmm..
A draft-dodging, blustering narcissist versus a highly decorated and accomplished veteran of 37 years.
Such a tough call on whose words to give creedance to here.
....will have to get back to you.
8
Trump is a jealous GOP culture of corruption worst President ever. He was upset at the small inaugaration crowd size about Hillarys and President Obamas popularity and now jealous that the Democrats got Bin-laden. Now he is siding with the murderer Crown Prince. All the religious groups Catholics and Evangelicals are accessories to the barbaric Khassogi murder as long as they support Trump and his policies and don't make an effort to denounce their thoughts on this barbaric crime. Shame on them all.
12
Fox News should interview him on a weekly basis.
8
Donald Trump isn't fit to shine Mr. McRaven's shoes, period
10
presidential candidate?
1
I think you're talking about a draft doger who regularly commits treason. Trump is a crackpot who should be immediately impeached.
6
Dotard Trump is such a Troll and a disgusting person. Why do we give him airtime and wasted space in the newspapers ??
This is oxygen for him! Starve him of this oxygen and he will waste away.
But, unfortunately, this is how media companies make money. So, ain't gonna happen. Sad !!
9
When a woman marries a wife-beater, gets a divorce and then turns around and marries another wife-beater, I don't blame the wife beater. I blame the woman. We elected this guy. Why?? How did he get into the Oval Office in the first place??
3
What have we done to deserve this nightmare of a "President?" Republicans, are you happy now? This is your fault.
11
Another day, another despicable outrageous comment. Trump is a monster.
7
Shame on you, DJT. Every time this man opens his mouth, something shameful comes out. This is a President?? Shame.
5
What kind of kool-aid must one drink to stick with THIS president through all he's said and done?
8
Mr. Heel Spurs, what difference does it made that Adm McRaven supported Hillary, Obama, Bush? Is the real reason that you dislike him is because you are jealous of his courage and service to the nation, unlike you . . . . with what? Four or five deferments during the Viet Nam war? And, not a clue as to what an American patriot looks like.
But, I guess your base believes what you say, anyway. The rest of us don’t believe your ranting and incoherence.
6
The reason why the US remains in Syria is to fight IS and to eradicate the Islamists.
If Trump criticises the SEAL commander, William H. McRaven for not catching Osama bin Laden "a lot sooner" than May 2011, the commander-in-chief has failed to capture Abu Bakr al-Badghdadi, who proclaimed the Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq in June 2014. Mosul fell last year, where is al-Baghdadi? Trump probably doesn't know who the IS-leader is and doesn't care about his whereabouts.
5
The interesting thing about Trump is no matter how disgraceful his behavior or clueless his talk, nearly all Republicans unconditionally support him and condone his worst behaviors. As a group they do not see the rest of this country to be other Americans but strangers who have control of their country. He is their defender and they love him like a family member.
Trump represents a great schism in our body politic which could end our republic as it became in the recent past. We shall see whether this schism can be ended or not. The resentments are growing and the divides becoming wider.
18
1. Attacks a man who served his country for 37 years and is now struggling with a serious form of cancer.
2. Does not seem to understand that NAVY Seals do not identify targets.
3. Enjoys opportunity to insult Osama Bin Landen's house as not a nice mansion.
Why, because, well, this is who he is.
14
I suppose while Trump sits in the Oval Office journalists will continue to feel it is their obligation to conduct interviews. But despite their best efforts, and some of them have been truly heroic, including Mr. Wallace, I have yet to see any of them succeed in getting him to say anything sensible or simply worth listening to. Can the U.S. really afford to waste two more years with this total lack of leadership? Clearly not.
17
Fact is the stars were aligned for the navy to get the big enchilada over the Army who was properly trained for missions such as the OBL take-down. The CJCS was a sailor as was the SOG boss a sailor at the time, so they got the glory for a slam-dunk job that the Army would have done better, capturing OBL instead of terminating him. It was a classic “ Beat Army, Go Navy” job.
1
@Moe
Gee...if only we could put you in charge.
2
Thanks, but I ain’t cheap!
1
@Moe: Osama was never going to get an opportunity to tell how badly the US double-crossed Afghanistan in a court of law.
An attack from our cowardly bully in chief is a badge of honor.
Wear it with pride.
15
Trump claims he was too busy to go to a cemetery in France to honor fallen Americans, because he was making phone calls.
He has been too busy to visit the troops because he had a full schedule.
However, he always has time to Tweet and attend a rally.
Five deferments to avoid Vietnam. His grandfather was a draft dodger who left Germany to avoid mandatory service. When he tried to return, he was not welcomed back had to come back to the US.
Neither Trump's father nor his sons have served in the military.
No members of the Trump family have served this country since the first one stepped foot on American soil.
Given his behavior, all members of the military past and present should not support this man.
29
Yesterday, Nov 19 2018 Trump’s agenda consisted of greeting the White House Christmas tree and having lunch with VP Pence.
Whew, I’m exhausted just thinking about it.
“If we have taught them well, they will understand the importance of honesty and integrity, two qualities that will define their legacy in life.”
The two qualities that Trump lacks.
Go figure.
11
We are one military family that absolutely is convinced Trump doesn't respect nor care about the individuals who serve in the USA military.
20
I am an exmilitary surgeon who has patched up many people willing to offer up the ultimate sacrifice to defend their country and the country's ideals. I find Trump's behavior during the Fox interview to be reprehensible.
I wonder if President "Bone Spurs" didn't attend the ceremony at Mons last week because it was raining and windy. Clearly a condition for a bad hair day that might expose your vainglorious President. (Remember his bad hair day complaints during the midterms).
Irrespective of the fact that Trump appears to be Putin's poodle, when will the "tough on security" Republicans come to the realization that the Commander in Chief does not take seriously the views, value and mission of the Intelligence Agencies, the Pentagon, the Department of Justice, nor the dedicated people that serve in those institutions. Don't they realize that he is the threat from within that is weakening those institutions and putting the US at strategic risk?
When will the Republicans stand up to this erratic individual? Didn't they see what happened in Orange County? It is clear that many of my good friends there who were staunch Eisenhower, Nixon, Reagan Republicans have come to the conclusion that Trumpism Republicanism represents an existential threat to the country and its institutions. This most recent criticism of McRaven is just one of a daily onslaught by Trump that should be pushed back on by Mitch McConnell and the Republicans. Shame on you for not doing so.
21
Trump is ticked off about this because this is one of the Obama administrations successes that he can’t undo with an executive order.
Mc Raven has more grit and grace then Trump could ever hope to have.
21
“It’s baffling why the president would launch an uninformed, spiteful attack on a public servant like Bill McRaven,”
No, it is NOT baffling. Those who cannot do either praise or belittle those who can do. Trump is simply airing his insecurities and self knowledge of his inadequacies. Again.
16
I can't help feeling that when this is all long over and students ask "why on earth did it ever go on so far past the point of obvious lunacy" the answer will be "because the GOP had their heads down chasing tax cuts, loosening of regulations and restrictions on abortion, and they thought Trump going rogue in the WH was a small enough price to pay.". And with any luck our less studious pupils will go "So who were the GOP again?"
15
I doubt there are many people that would not agree that Trump is the antithesis of the former Seal commander, retired Admiral McRaven, when it comes to honor, decency, leadership, and character. Just like Robert Mueller, Trump is the opposite of him in almost every way. That is plain to see.
17
Breitbart is supporting DJT's assertion that he had previously accused Bill Clinton of missing an opportunity to take out OBL sooner. That may be true but what does that have to do with the Admiral? Trump is denigrating him for something he had nothing to do with. As has been said already, an 8th grade emotional maturity level sitting in the White House. I hope our allies can live with this for 2 more years.
8
Sorry, but I know many eighth graders. Trust me when I say that they know far better than Trump how to behave with honor and dignity than he will ever know.
4
@Frank T
Clinton himself has admitted missing his chance to take out OBL, and his regrets over it. But, as he rightfully pointed out, he certainly would have faced accusations of the "tail wagging the dog" had he committed major resources to taking him out. America basically was at peace. 9/11 had not happened. There had been some attacks on our installations overseas. The Republicans, then as now, were looking to seize any opportunity to criticize and attack him.
Where those Republicans are now is the question, but we know what the answer is: Either cowering in fear, or celebrating and planning how to take advantage of a country in disarray for their own benefit.
An "unbelievably busy schedule"? doing what? Idiotic tweets early in the AM? Watching Fox news non-stop, as many in the WH have reported? Playing golf constantly and going to Mar-a-Lago just about every weekend? MSNBC last night published a copy of DD's (Demented Donald's) schedule and photos of the event: Go outside the WH to greet the arrival of the Christmas tree, look at the tree and say hi to the truck driver, then have lunch with the VP. In truth, we may be lucky that his "nannies" are limiting his schedule to prevent him to do more damage than he has already done to this Republic. But unfortunately, those caretakers were not elected by us and it's not really clear who is in charge. God help us!
12
I did not think that the war was a good thing for Afghanistan or Irak, no WMD, remember? Neither for the USA. Al-Qaeda and ISIS have flourished thanks to the war.
But but to call McRaven a "Hillary Clinton fan" is a gross mistake that reveals the depth of Trump's ignorance and, well, lack of touch with the basics of reality. He despises soldiers, women, blacks, Mexicans, anyone that is different from him or in the case of McRaven, better. As with Mac Caine, his jeering is vile.
For the life of me I can't understand how this man continues in office.
McRaven is right: Trump is a threat to democracy,
13
Whenever a person has real,true,historical accomplishments, they must be cut down to the level of a man who has none.
10
Trump and the Republicans dishonor our vets even one that is well decorated for his heroism and service to his country. The party of no shame needs to become the permanent minority.
10
Look at the campaign ribbons and the other ribbons on Admiral's McRaven's uniform (pictured). What does commander-in-chief Trump have to show for his service to the country? Multiple deferment letters.
Trump has no perspective, honor or respect for men and women in uniform. He blithely dismisses their sacrifice.
He does have golf score cards.
7
I would propose that this news article be reprinted in every history text in use in the education of this nation's children, for as long is there a United States.
2
What does our president think that "Support our troops" means, exactly?
4
President Trump has done more than anyone in several generations to actively politicize the military's top brass and to extinquish its carefully cultivated political neutrality. The erosion of a great institution's norms and conventions might seem like a fribble, but it risks erasing completely the divide between the political branch and its military, endangering our democracy in the process. Perhaps Mr McRaven might like to add this caution to his list of threats now facing the country.
6
Obama said "Navy Seal Team 6 is Vice President Dick Cheney’s private assassination team” when he authorized the murder of Bin Laden.
Under Obama's reign in 2011 said,
“I authorized Seal Team 6 to kill Ben Laden.”
But Obama said in 2008 that ““Bin Laden is innocent until proven guilty, and must be captured alive and given a fair trial’"
So it was Obama's "assassination team" that did it.
Does that mean Obama is to be put on trial for murder?
Ben Laden would have been given a civil trial.
And his high-priced lawyers would have gotten him "community work" to pay for his murders of 3,000 Americans in the destruction of the Twin Towers.
Obama OK'd the assassination of Ben Laden, not Dick Cheney.
3
@Thom McCann: What's your point?
1
@Thom McCann
Republicans have such fertile imaginations.
2
But but but...
the emails!!
As an excuse for not visiting our soldiers deployed abroad, Trump claims he’s had “an unbelievable busy schedule”?
I suppose that “unbelievable busy schedule” explains why, on Veterans Day, he remained in The White House, too hard at work to make the 2.6 mile, 13-minute drive to Arlington National Cemetery, as presidents traditionally do in honor of our military, to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
I assume that “unbelievable busy schedule” includes the 149 daytime visits (as of October 14th) to golf clubs (almost always his own) since his inauguration, playing rounds on at least 119 visits, at a reported cost to taxpayers of 80 million dollars.
So far, Trump has logged 1,568 hours of golf getaways – or just over 39 forty-hour weeks – 75 percent of the average work year, in hours. In other words, he takes off about one-third of the average American’s work year to play.
By contrast, NBC’s Golf Channel reported early in 2017 that Barack Obama played 333 rounds during his eight years in office, averaging 41 rounds per year.
CNN noted at the end of 2017 that Trump appeared on track to triple Obama’s time on the fairways, adding that “Trump’s golf outings are notable only because he repeatedly mocked Obama for the time he spent on the golf course and said he [Trump] wouldn’t have time if he were elected president.”
See the website https://trumpgolfcount.com/displayoutings
79
@Mark Hugh Miller
Trump's "unbelievably busy schedule" consists of watching TV. More specifically, coverage of himself.
32
Give the guy a break, it would have messed his hair. In addition, he has along standing bone spur. I am surprised that he did use that excuse. I still can’t believe that this happened to our country.
2
@Mark Hugh Miller
"Unbelievably busy schedule", with special emphasis on "Unbelievably".
7
All the evidence we have available indicates Osama bin Laden could have been captured or killed in Tora Bora in Afghanistan in December of 2001. That was a military operation that did not get the required support.
Instead bin Laden escaped into Pakistan and then we were off to war in Iraq.
There have been so many contradictory interests and actions. None of which served our country well.
8
Trump didn't visit the cemetery in France. Trump didn't lay a wreath in Arlington. Trump hasn't visited any troops overseas or the troops at the border. It seems pretty clear what the problem is--the bone spurs are back.
42
So what if Trump has a "few" failings and occasionally misspeaks, we are getting "great" judges all vetted by the Federalist Society that will remain on the bench long after Trump is gone, if Trump does actually depart
The very fact that Trump has the support of more than 80% of the Evangelicals clearly shows this is God's plan so who can argue against that
5
Glad you're happy.
Mr. McRaven said:
“I admire all presidents, regardless of their political party, who uphold the dignity of the office and who use that office to bring the nation together in challenging times...”
Well spoken sir!
A class act all the way,
35
@Rich Huff And I love the not-to-subtle — but classy — barb in that statement.
Trump has always been deeply troubled by the praise and respect shown to others, not because he thinks these people aren't fully deserving of praise and respect, but because they so clearly are, and he so clearly isn't.
19
Mc Raven has a long list of patriotic accomplishments and Trump has bone spurs.
29
" “Wouldn’t it have been nice if we got Osama bin Laden a lot sooner than that, wouldn’t it have been nice?” Mr. Trump said."
Wouldn't it be nice if we finally captured Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Laden's number two on 9/11, and now Qaeda's number one. Has the president focused some attention on getting al-Zawahiri. Should be a lot easier considering his huge defense buildup.
Of course with only two years on the job we shouldn't expect miracles, but maybe Mr Trump could provide a progress report (highly redacted as it must be). Seems to me like a good inquiry to make at a press conference. The downside is that he might place the whole blame, for al-Zawahiri being still loose, on McRaven again.
6
Admiral McRaven you are in good company with the honorable Senator McCain.
He too was a target of the draft dodger DJT.
If nothing else DJT is consistent. He tends to attack people he wished he could be but could never match:
-Obama
-McCain
-World class athletes ( NFL)
-Distinguished (and GOP btw) law enforcement officials like Mueller, Comey
I picked sides a long time ago. I am on the Admirals team, not with the fake co-author of the art of the deal.
27
@Is_the_audit_over_yet,
Comey?
HA!
That partisan traitor poisoned a US Presidential election and is the biggest reason we now have the orange, military insulting, draft dodging freak embarrassing us daily.
Comey's a treasonous twit.
1
"I always wanted a Purple Heart" - Donald J. Trump
1
“The president’s remarks were wrong on every level,” Nicholas J. Rasmussen, a top counterterrorism official in the George W. Bush, Obama and Trump administrations, said in an email on Monday."
This President's remarks are almost always wrong on just about every level. No surprise that he denigrates a decorated and accomplished officer, disrespects the military generally, and has no clue how they interact with intelligence agencies.
Classy how he worked in that comment about having seen nicer mansions than Bin Laden's, too -- now there's a Commander in Chief with a sound sense of priorities >:P
12
I try so, so hard to ignore everything about Trump that doesn't involve either concrete policy or actionable information (not that anyone's taking any action).
But our weenie of a president has such a knack for line-crossing that you sometimes have to check the story to see if he actually did what the headline seems to be saying he did.
And he always actually did.
13
It is really too bad that Our current president chose not to serve in our military. Mr McRaven exemplified the cream of the Navy in his command of Special Operations. These are people that need to lead our country in all facets of life. Military service albeit difficult at times builds character and gives one a basic creed to use in life. The situations that he uses to create discord in the country will in turn be affected on the general population.
62
@pjtesqpe, re: your sentence: "These are people that need to lead our country in all facets of life."
No, there are numerous paths in life that prepare for leadership; the military is only one of those. Don't forget E Pluribus Unum.
As so many other nations have learned to their dismay, your way has led many times in world history to just the problem Adm McRaven criticizes Trump for: a threat to democracy.
4
@pjtesqpe Military service can contribute to a sense of duty, with self-discipline, but appealing to that part of the citizenry primarily can overlook other sources of strength. Also, there were profoundly intelligent reasons why the Commander in Chief was to be made a civilian in the Constitution, primarily to avoid a military dictatorship. As to "Our president," please leave me out. He is merely the current occupant of the Oval Office, which--especially regarding his latest outrageous remark--will need fumigation upon his departure (I hope soon by all lawful means).
3
@pjtesqpe, I believe that terrorists who slaughter other people should not feel free to die in their sleep when they are old. We should feel proud of our military people who put their lives on the line to support our country and its people.
3
In my lifetime i have never seen a Republican denigrate our military, our soldiers, our veterans, our fallen. The line of Presidents in my lifetime, beginning with Ike, that honored and led our forces, has ended with Trump. This comes as no surprise with regards to him, but has a political party ever turned away from everything it stood for so completely as the GOP?
22
@Peter,
I agree.
Granted the military track record of republican presidents, after Eisengower, is laughable.
From reagan who lied about liberating Nazi concentration camps (he never left Culver City California for the duration) to AWOL bush who deserted his National Guard post to stump for his old man, the GOP is no position to comment on the military whatsoever but at least they never insulted actual military heroes the way cadet bone-spurs does.
2
@Victorious Yankee - You forgot about George HW Bush who put off college to enlist in the Navy in WWII and, at the time, was the youngest Navy pilot in history. On a less distinguished (but still not laughable) note, Gerald Ford served in the Navy Reserve during WWII.
If treasonous Trump really knew (as the article claims that he stated everyone knew about it) about whereabouts of Osama before Osama raid was taken up, was it not his duty to share the intelligence with U.S. government? Did the bone spur keep him from sharing the intelligence?
7
The RNC is now repeating Donnie's criticism of McRaven. It's not just Trump; it's the Republican Party, too.
26
@jas2200,
Well, the RNC is the organization that ignored prescient warnings about bin Laden's desire to use jet liners as guided missiles against us and allowing 9/11 to happen so they have to whine like their spineless president.
1
The more outrageous Trump's behavior, the better for helping see him to the door in 2020.
7
And, as usual, deafening silence from the Republican members of Congress.
11
Seriously what did you expect?
It's almost a badge of honor, like a purple heart, to be attacked by Donald Trump when you stand tall for the Constitution which Admiral McRaven, was unlike his Commander-in-Chief, was willing to give his life to defend both on the battlefield and now in the public square. So, let's give Admiral McRaven the 2018 JFK Profile in Courage award for stalwart defense of the Constitution something all too rare at a moment when we so desperately need brave men like McRaven and women like Christine Blasey Ford to be willing to put themselves on the political battlefield in defense of human decency and the "rule of law."
12
How about "we support the troops, until Trump doesn't" as a bumper sticker?
Well, Trump would have gone in heroically and killed bin Laden himself, with his very own not-at-all-tiny hands, but, hey, it was raining a lot that year.
21
The picture of Admiral McRaven accompanying this article shows a uniform proudly emblazoned with dozens of service ribbons. These demonstrate the decades of valor and self-sacrifice that he has provided to our country. What do you wear on your chest Trump, a bone spur?
In the distant future, historians will question the authenticity of Trump's tweets. They'll find it impossible to believe that any democracy would choose such a moronic, repugnant individual to be their leader.
19
Unless you are a "Trump fan" how are these rants not ridiculous and repetitive? Every day it is either delusions of grandeur or a prosecution complex with this president. I think his claims have gone beyond throwing red meat to the base. Donald Trump seems truly bi-polar.
5
@AE Yes, truly bi-polar but stuck in the manic phase and decompensating fast.
1
Remember back when the cry from "reasonable Republicans" over the Kavanaugh inquiry was that no good candidates will come forward anymore if they are treated in such and such a manner (whether it was justified or no)?
Well, here we have a guy, far more accomplished than Kavanaugh (yes, he's just a lawyer folks, there are many more serious undertakings), and Trump is attacking him, for what? Trump got his little feelings hurt? My God, Trump is the exact opposite of a real leader. You could almost go point by point on that. What a supreme embarrassment this guy is.
10
Trump's base LOVES his "shoot from the hip", "tell it like it is" style. This won't stop his rabid crowds from chanting "Lock her up" at his rallies with the mention of Hillary even with the gargantuan Ivanka e-mail irony hanging in the air. America is on the verge of going mad.
3
It makes me proud that this country can develop men like McRaven.
It makes me sick that this country vomits up individuals like Trump and his Trumplicans.
What keeps me going is knowing the men and women who laid the bodies upon the alter of liberty, always have been and always will be, better than anyone with the name of Trump.
As a people must and will do better by those who sacrificed everything and their families by removing this acting President in 2020 along with his GOP/NRA Trumplican enablers.
Please stop asking for Republicans do “do something” about their President. These self described patriots continue to support this individual who has no respect or admiration for the men and women of “our” armed services and their families.
You don’t need to be a member of the military to know that actions speak louder than empty words from an empty man.
Take the initiative and vote them out and if you do, we will finish and win this war on our Republic started by the GOP/NRA.
ONE TERM!
10
Mr.Trump is a small, petty man.He does not honor American heroes like John McCain and Admiral McCraven.Because he will not honor our heroes he is an uninformed and uncaring American.He represents the worst of us.People need to come to their senses soon and realize the damage this reckless demagogue is doing.Patriotism is way more then saluting the flag.It is saluting our brave heroes- Trump takes a knee when it comes to saluting the men who have fought and died for us.
5
I really wish someone would stand up in Congress and tell Donald Trump to shut up. Democrats in the House ... any takers?
11
@DLM
I agree. Remember when GOP Representative Joe Wilson shouted “You lie” at Obama? The Dems need to call this pathetic excuse for leadership out publicly beginning in January.
1
People should realize by now that Mr. Trump is mentally imbalanced; there has to be some deep seated issue concerning his over the top hatred for people who have served or serve in the armed forces. I think he feels small and beneath them, one reason may be his guilt from not having served because he was afraid, after all he had five deferments.
4
Repbulicans are disgusting. Let a democratic president come to power and then republicans all wrap themselves around the flag for everything that comes from a democratic White House. They have no idea on how to govern and they actually might hate it as they really believed in the trcikle down economics where you just taxes all the time. I thought they were playing us all this time but I found out that they really believed in the tax cuts magic. Then they implemented their tax cut ideas in republican controlled states and everything went to ruins (teacher strikes, environmental ruin etc). Hey republicans, states can not print money but federal government can.
3
Two questions that need to be asked President Trump.
"Sir, how is your bone spur?"
"And Sir, do you now remember which foot it is on?"
2
With the sole exception of John McCain (may he rest in peace), let's not forget the entire GOP, and the lackies, like Pence, that stand silent or worse, defend, this President.
.
That 50% of voting Americans also vote for this man and this party, is a shocking disgrace to those who fell in battle, those who are serving and have served, those great leaders before, and to those you stood with and who stood with you.
.
The world is disgusted by this. Get your act together America.
9
Trump is sharing his unwanted negative, smearing opinion again. It is his “do not forget about me” rattle that is eternally dissatisfying and irritating to most listeners. There should be no response. He should be ignored. We have all worked or been around this negativity bias. Also known as the negativity effect, is the notion that, even when of equal intensity, things of a more negative nature have a greater effect on everyone's psychological state and processes than neutral or positive things. Result? Trump keeps everyone in a constant turmoil to keep his mug in the news. Ignore him, news media especially.
3
What else can you expect from this individual who thinks he knows more than the Generals?
What a tremendous disgrace to the families of brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Truly deplorable.
3
Is there not one true American hero, a patriot somewhere? Are we all sniveling pathetic chickens not willing to take one for the team? These heroes will sacrifice everything to make us safe abroad, but not at home.
1
Donald is off his rocker - his disrespect has no end. He can’t squash his ego for even a moment to acknowledge an American victory. He does not care about America - he cares about himself.
Bush had 8 years to catch bin laden. He started 2 unnecessary wars and looked in all of the wrong places. Everyone knows this.
4
As a veteran, it pains me to have to say that donald trump is not my commander-in-chief. The republican party threw the election in order to bring a pretender-to-the-office of the presidency. Anyone wearing a uniform - from dog catcher and local police to the military should refuse to follow donald's orders and to provide protection for him or his evil spawn.
4
One has to admire the Republicans’ consistency…No gross utterances; no malignant lies; no demonstrations of incompetency; no depressing trashing of American values, principles, and institutions; no embarrassing international fiascoes; and no overt and bottomless examples of rampant corruption, are too great for them to object to — Republicans accept it all.
Where are the stalwart Republican Americans when Trump demeans the very military the Republicans claim to admire and support?
It’s not the know-nothing multitudes that are the real “deplorables,” it’s the craven, spineless Republican leadership who are so worthy of our contempt.
3
So, the President, who did not serve, is the most amoral and unqualified President ever, an inveterate liar, serial misogynist, and under investigation for conspiring with a foreign power to gain his office, sees fit to denigrate the actions of a man beyond reproach who led the mission to capture and kill Osama Bin Laden. Absolutely amazing and incredibly inappropriate on so many levels.
12
What else could be expected from the selfish fool who stood before the sacred stars at Langley that honor our anonymous fallen heroes and complained about the reporting on the size of the crowd at his unfortunate inauguration?
If an enemy trained and placed a sleeper in the United States to destroy the values, institutions and hopes of the nation, he could not be more destructive than this protege of mephistopheles.
7
A brief comparison of Trump (T) and McRaven (M):
Integrity M-10 T-0
Honesty M-10 T-0
Courage M-10 T-0
Dignity M-10 T-0
Oh, I could go on....
8
Fair winds and following seas, Admiral McRaven!
4
Anyone who was not a Hillary Clinton "Fan" after watching and listening to Trump in the run-up to the 2016 election must have been just as delusional as Donald Trump himself. In fact voting for Trump in 2016, IMHO, was an act of TREASON in and of it self.
3
The dimwit in the White House barely misses a day when it comes to issuing brainless statements and diatribes against people he resents. McRaven's crime was in defending Brennan, which is unacceptable to Mad King Donald.
To Trump, being a Democrat and/or a "Hillary Clinton fan" is an inexcusable crime. This is just plain outlandish, weird thinking. I wonder at what point will Trump's bizarre behavior and incoherent thinking be confronted and dealt with.
4
Does it ever occur to y'all that what trump says has everything to do with deflection and nothing to do with actual beliefs (of which he has few of any substance). Your (the media's) mistake is that you keep trying to make sense of the garbage that he spouts daily. His reign is such a train wreck that we can no longer tell what he is deflecting from - his inaction over the Khashoggi murder? his lies about voter fraud in the mid-terms? the fact that as soon as the mid-terms were over he stopped talking about the deadly caravan? The plummeting stock market?
3
Trump exposes himself yet again for the vain, naive, ignorant and pathetic excusue for the President he is. To do so on national T.V. on his hand picked network gives furher proof he is unstable and unfit for office. John McCain was a "loser" because he was shot down by enemy fire. "It would have been nicer" if bin Laden were killed sooner. These statements, and others like them, show not only the contempt he has for our armed forces, but the comlete lack of understanding of the U.S. Military. The Republican party will run from this latest public digrace, but most elected officials will silently crawl back to feed from the Trumpian fundraising trough. If it is not obvious to everyone by now, Trump HAS NO IDEA that as Commander in Chief he leads the strongest and most capable fighting force ever seen. His lack of understanding of, well, pretty much EVERYTHING, should have everyone in office learning and fully understanding the 25th ammendment. This man is not only unfit, he is unstable and dangerous.
4
Like any bully, he says things just to get a reaction out of us. The more audacious, the better. And we fall for it every time. We need to ask ourselves, What is he really doing while this story distracts us all day? And when do we cut the mics and turn the cameras off of him? At this point, the only talking heads discussing this behavior should be white-coated psychiatrists.
3
Memorable American military heroes in the news: 1) Senator John McCain; 2) Admiral William McRaven: 3) Bone Spur Donald
Well a FIVE Time DRAFT DODGER has nothing worthwhile to say about anything. His little mind is so jealous of brilliant military men who stand up for DEMOCRACY and are not afraid to put themselves in the line of fire. HE is jealous of men who have families that support them and stand up for this country. That is why he didn't go to the burial field in France nor Arlington cemetery. He is a COWARD and the GOP party who always wants to go to war are Cowards. That GOP member who is involved in the wrestling scandal at Ohio State always has so much to say about Democrats however he didn't even stand with the soldiers by making a trip himself to Arlington cemetery. A veteran himself but now its all about loyalty to Trump not to the country and democracy. Trump has really shown how low a privileged American can be. He is all TALK about supporting the military, with no action. The only people he cares about is himself and his family.
America sees him for what he is a hateful coward.
3
Since Trump's lunacy includes constant projection, I think it's fair to call him a "little Schitt" for his character assassination of McRaven.
1
Men like Admiral McRaven should lead this country out of the mess we're in. He's a leader, not a bully; he's courageous, not a coward.
1
Trump is inept and a coward to boot. It is amazing to watch him denigrate those who have accomplished while he has so little on his own docket of accomplishment. NK and nukes? Family separation and immigration or even changes to immigration laws? Coal revival? Look, Trump can do nothing, he hasn't the organizational or political skills to function successfully in either business or government so carping and whining is his forte.
1
Does Trump ever go back over these interviews and cringe at his stupidity and callousness? As a college professor, I use Trump's and Obama's interviews and speeches to compare the differences in tone, clarity, and conciseness. Trump speaks in disjointed fragments and uses catch phrases that have little connection to anything; whereas, Obama speaks with fluidity, grace, and intelligence. The students love this lesson. I recommend it to all my colleagues.
5
If it wasn't already #25for45 time, it is now.
The president is deteriorating before our eyes. We had all better take notice.
2
The criticism of Admiral McRaven and the bizarre Fox interview bear witness to the ramblings, ravings and delusions of an untethered mind.
2
Mr. Schmitt: Do not attribute Trump' statements to his lack of knowledge or understanding and start accepting that we are being demagogued. ("....the president appeared to not understand that intelligence agencies are responsible for finding Bin Laden."). Isn't it obvious that there is a concerted effort by this president to denigrate Obama and Hillary Clinton at all times and at all costs? Admiral McRaven is just collateral damage in a cynical misinformation campaign designed to nullify the accomplishments of the Obama administration. Trump was lying in his Fox News interview. That's the story and you missed it. This guy is dumb like a fox.
1
“'It’s baffling why the president would launch an uninformed, spiteful attack on a public servant like Bill McRaven,' said Stephen B. Slick." Yes, baffling—yet this is a consistent behavior of this president.
Part of his "baffling" psyche is that when he disagrees with you he can't just say, "Well, we disagree." He always has to complete his tiny rhetorical victories over his foes with a no-class put down. So April Ryan of the American Urban Radio Networks is a "loser," Meryl Streep is an "overrated" actress, LeBron James is "stupid," etc. Doesn't he realize how cheap these put-downs make him look? Probably not, but even so this sad compulsive behavior is how he must function.
The more of this cheap idiotic rhetoric from #45 the better.
His 30% base will always enjoy this Trump Kool-Aid.
However, Trump is an emotional vampire, and only accelerates disdain, impatience, mistrust, and growing boredom among the remaining 65% of Americans who want to move towards better leadership.
Have we gotten a run-down on Trump's parade? What about the new Air Force 1 paint scheme? Have our troops successfully repelled the caravan?
Trump is a master fearmongerer. And those who buy his fearmongering are cowards.
3
President Bone Spur isn’t qualified to polish McRaven’s boots. Maybe the Commander and Coward is waiting for the first Trump golf course to open in Kabul before exposing his convertible haircut to the pesky desert wind. But then, of course, the beauty pageant impresario would need to find Afghanistan on the map. Hmmmmm. Maybe next term.
1
I am tired of mountains and plains holding more electoral power than humans! This is why we are in this disaster!!!!
I don't worship military heroes. I never take what military brass offers as truth. I believe that there should be an abundance of criticism of military methods and much more of over that over-used but seldom practiced concept of transparency. The military should not exercise undue influence on foreign policy - it is not theirs to decide.
BUT that criticism comes with respect for people such as Adm. McRaven for what they have done in the service of our country. It also comes with the belief that identifying problems can make us better.
It's one thing to specify an circumstance where his (or another's ) actions were poorly executed or unjust or violated rules . That's not what Trump does, in any situation.
He mocks people he would not dare debate face to face. He makes up stories like an angry 4 year old, and at the same level of vocabulary.
Trump doesn't understand honor, or diligence and cannot fathom anyone voluntarily placing the needs of other people - or country -above his own desires. He has never done anything in service to others: NOTHING. He would be pathetic -- except that he is still the President, no matter what he says, or threatens, or does.
He attacks others in part to escape scrutiny of his ignorance and great gaps in knowledge after two years of playing President.
As McRaven wrote: Trump has “embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation.”
Enough. Please just leave.
11
Could it be possible that Donald Trump has any idea what “Commander in Chief” means?
It’s one thing for the average civilian to take for granted the many luxuries that we are provided, largely due to the scope of our nation’s military apparatus.
It’s another thing entirely when the sitting President repeatedly demeans, and demoralizes, all of the men and women who put their lives on the line in the name of this country. JSOC is not a political entity, they are dedicated professionals.
The pressure of job, the Mueller investigation and the loss of the House appears to have stripped the President of any semblance of sanity. He is getting into Article 25 territory but his cabinet, for the most part, is mired in servility.
At any rate, it's a shame Admiral McRaven (disclosure: talked with him once) had to endure this guff. There is a strong argument that the Bush administration should have thrown sufficient forces into the battle at Tora Bora to nab Bin Laden but that failure was not on McRaven's watch.
Presidents -- private citizens too -- have the right to criticize military officers, e.g., Lincoln's description of McClellan as having "the slows" and Truman's anger at MacArthur's insubordination but what Trump did amounts to slander of a distinguished officer who, in retirement, exercised his 1st Amendment rights.
We have experienced leukemia in our family and hope Admiral McRaven will also beat the beast.
1
So this is our military loving president. The five time draft dodger who was able to hijack the anthem protests against police brutality, and claim it was disrespectful of our armed forces. The same president who couldn’t be bothered to pay respects on Veterans Day . When there is no room for absolute adoration of him, he becomes a rabid attack dog. The most disturbing part of this that the Republicans will yet again go against everything they are supposed to stand for and wholeheartedly endorse his treasonous positions due to the fact that they can count on him to advance their agenda.
1
It's not baffling why Trump would launch such a despicable attack on Adm. McRaven, as a CIA chief says. This is what Trump is, and has always been, a cruel, vindictive person. If all Americans had read Tony Schwartz's "Trump's Boswell Speaks" in the July 26, 2016 article in the New Yorker, they would have known that Trump would never change. (Mr. Schwartz was the ghostwriter for the "Art of the Deal", and still regrets writing it).
1
I am sorry to hear that Mr. McRaven has a chronic disorder because otherwise I was hoping sincerely he would run for president in 2020.
This has not revealed anything about Trump we did not already know. But his behavior continues to tell us much about the Republican party, its politicians and its supporters. The question remains: what line does he have to cross to be abandoned by those of his supporters who are not on the fringe?
5
Trump's playbook:
Put Hillary Clinton
in the picture
to provide "red meat"
for his supporters
when he is failing. As
he approaches 2 years
of his presidency, his
inability to comprehend
the vastness of the office
is apparent.
4
To me, this is very simple. Admiral McRaven dedicated his life to serving our country, and for that, we should all be thankful for him and countless like him.
Donald J. Trump serves his personal best interests. Always. I've given up any hope that the Republicans will stand up and grow a spine. "Turkeys don't vote for Thanksgiving." I am also not putting hope in Robert Mueller saving us, although I truly hope he gets to share the story that will show "team Trump" people putting personal and corporate gains ahead of Country. Whether collusion is every linked directly to the President, I believe that prosecutors will pursue criminal charges for years to come.
The only people who can change the course of history is the American Voter. 2018 was a start. Fifty-Seven percent of the Republicans smiling in the photo basking in the phony repeal of Obamacare did not get re-elected. Time to finish the job in 2020 and begin to heal. I do hope we can survive the next 24 months.
3
Can we please remember this next time Trump tries to bring up the troops as if he cares? In any and all cases, it has always been about him.
All I want is for people to think back to some of Trump's controversies where the military has become an issue:
1. Consider that the NFL protests were never against the military. It was always about police shootings, which have become an issue of race relations. Trump cannot survive that kind of debate. So he pretends to be standing up for the very veterans he slanders whenever it suits him; as if his 100% cost-free decision to stand for the anthem wipes out the fact that, when called upon, Trump ducked out of his military service like he ducked Veteran's Day ceremonies.
2. On the subject of such slander, who can forget how the president treated the late John McCain (in life AND in death). Trump held McCain's suffering in the course of duty as a black mark AGAINST him. Then Trump could barely even bring himself to speak McCain's name when he passed away.
3. The Commander in Chief has gotten into public quarrels with Gold Star families. He, who has sacrificed nothing, "counter-punches" those who have suffered for a country that has given him everything.
Trump may pretend to respect the flag, but if that flag were able to somehow voice a word of protest to anything he did, he would have it deported. He will also attack any member of the military to soothe his ego, no matter how honorable their service.
3
Throughout this national farce, I continue to take comfort knowing that there are some mighty fine men and women in the military who are the real defenders of this country. I like to think that these smart and brave people have our backs and would protect us from this man if a crazed, "ultimate" decision were made by this self-annointed "genius."
The world will remember Trumps Presidency, not with fond memories and lasting legacy of humanitarian progress, but of contempt, illiteracy, lies and mental unbalance. Sadly, they'll also remember all the coat tail minions and sheep that keep him in office.
Low time for America, but this too shall pass.
1
The fact that President Trump is only too likely to (again ) get away with this one illustrates the real danger. Many people of his so-called base have long since crossed the line from political supporter to unquestioning disciple for whom their leader (idol) can do no wrong. I recommend a look at 1933-1945 Gernan history to see what such people are eventually capable of.
1
Each time seems the worst. But he does surprise us.
Trump is not cooking all of this nonsense up in his own head. He studies right wing media to craft his messages and monitors it to stay up to date. The disrespect for our democratic institutions and for public servants who try to remain non-partisan but whose works contradict the views on the right are part of the attitudes shared amongst the outspoken in the right. They see themselves as outsiders and Trump expresses their attitudes.
Mr. McRaven wrote that the president, instead of setting an example as a leader, had “embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation.”
What does Tora Bora say about us as well?
@John Doe what is your point?
There is not one molecule of honor in the person trump. He knows this. Yet he craves it with the need of an addict. This is why adulation, a cheap substitute - but adequate to the point that he also bestows it on himself daily - is his drug.
Admiral McRaven has in spades, what trump desires most:
honor, respect, intelligence, integrity, kindness, generosity, courage, compassion - all non-existent in trump. He wants to destroy those who exhibit these qualities because he covets them so much, knowing they are not, and never will be within his grasp.
Because he has no conscience and is incapable of shame, he has no qualms about destroying our country as well.
Thing is, you can make up anything which seems to be the one thing DT is good at. Unfortunately he is the president so the press responds by due diligence. But otherwise, is anyone seriously listening to him anymore ?
1
Trump and the Republicans who allow this to go on will be hated throughout history .
Trump's insults are not insults without the newspapers or media that oxygenate, amplify, spread, and thereby enhance their credibility.
This has been going on for two years now. When is the news media going to examine its role as "attack dog" for Trump?
Who would care, and what impact would any of Trump's insults or the multitude of plainly ridiculous or intolerant utterances have if they were ignored to the obscurity they deserve?
The media is not simply "informing," it's also helping "conduct" and put into action these things.
The effects are there to see, including the recent anti-semitic attacks or hate attacks. Is it a coincidence that these things are mostly happening now and brazenly, after they've been publicized with Trump in office? No.
Yes, Trump says such and such, but who then propagates it to reach the individuals who put it into action? When will the game end, when more people have been hurt or killed, when more synagogues have been attacked, or foreign students killed?
In fact, nothing gives these messages even greater legitimacy than when they're seen in the ostensibly objective or "liberal" media. It only reinforces them cause the perpetrators say "oh, see, even the times has it." We already know many of these individuals rely on mis-information on their own networks or websites, so when the regular sources even so much as mention some of these things, it only enhances their views.
So, when will the ostensibly responsible media get responsible?
1
“It’s not clear what psychological need or political purpose is served by such behavior, but it can only feed the anxieties of our most important security partners.”
President Trump puts his foot - the one with the mythical bone-spurs - in his mouth again.
The past cannot be changed. So instead of making senseless remarks about previous operations, Mr. Trump might want to spend his time trying to get top terrorists who are currently alive. If it took too long to take down Bin Laden, how about getting Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi by Christmas? It has been two long years since Mr. Trump was sworn in.
1
It seems rather silly to write:
” — and impugn his lifelong nonpartisan political position."
After all, he was the one that stated " a war of words that started last year when Mr. McRaven, a four-star officer, called the president’s description of the news media as the “enemy of the people” the “greatest threat” to American democracy he had ever seen."
He may have once been non partisan, but once he attacked Trump politically, he became a partisan.
1
Military commanders are not and should not be immune from criticism, wether still in uniform or honorably retired.
Policy differences are fair game, so I have no problem with the idea of the President making clear his differences with the former head of Special Operations.
Trump is wrong of course on a number of levels in his critique.
Nevertheless we should not pretend that having served in a military confers some special protections from error and misjudgment in any future pronouncement.
Consider the late John McCain.
1
@Jaquin Trump's words were not a critique, they were a poorly thought-out rant. There is a difference between criticism and what Trump said.
When Trump runs for re-lection, I hope the Dems put together a political commercial showing Capt. Bonespurs claiming he's the biggest supporter of the military immediately followed by his "greatest hits" of insulting John McCain, Khizir Khan, Adm. McRaven and others. It should remind people he couldn't brave the rain in Europe to commemorate US war dead or visit Arlington on Memorial Day. It should remind people also that Trump uses the military for political stunts. Maybe this will have an effect on the margins and convince some Trump supporters to turn on our Dear Leader.
My dog is more patriotic than Trump.
1
Didn’t Bush say that Bin Laden wasn’t a priority?
It seems, Killing him was more symbolic than strategic. We put men in harms way with those classified helicopters to kill him. We lost one of the helicopters in the raid.
The American military is incredible and I’m very proud of them but I think Osama was pretty obsolete when we finally got him.
I figure we knew where he was for years and we whacked him on our time to limit risk.
13
@Laycock It sounds like you're "proud" of our military in the same way that Trump is, as if he owns them and they are like a fancy chess set, as opposed to respecting them for the work that they do.
24
@Laycock: What it symbolizes is that the enemies of America should never feel secure. Terrorists should have no hope of getting away with their crimes.
14
@Laycock. You are quite sure of things as regards Bi Laden. Easy from your easy chair.
10
My late father was a career Navy officer who served our country in three wars starting with Pearl Harbor and ending as the Russian Navy specialist in the Defense Intelligence Agency in the Pentagon during the Vietnam War. He was taught from the beginning to respect those in command, including the President regardless of political party, but above all that in a democracy you respect those who serve under you, because you need every one of them to do their job to the best of their ability. He knew that the quickest way to destroy their morale is to publicly badmouth your subordinates. My father, a lifelong Republican, would have been appalled at the disgraceful and shabby conduct of the current occupant of the White House, who has not the slightest grasp of what is really required for effective leadership in a democracy like ours.
230
@J Johnson
We honor your dad. He reminds me of mine, who also had been a Republican but started voting Democratic when he said the Republicans lost their way. He was in the Gliders of the 101 St. Gone but never forgotten .
7
@J Johnson
The relationship between the civilian leadership and the military is very important. Unless the military willingly accepts the authority of the civilian leadership any state becomes vulnerable to being taken over by disaffected military leaders. Trump just does not have any grasp of history nor of how and why our governmental institutions came to be.
The military is crucial to the survival of states but if they do not accept a subordinate role to civilian leadership they can and likely would seek to lead the government. Treating them with respect and allowing them voices as citizens, is crucial. Trump just does not seem to understand.
1
The fact that Trump insults his superiors has lost its meaning. We have come to expect it and, in the process, aided in the normalization of these insults. What is frightening is that his supporters believe the lies and the insults and repeat the slander ad nauseum. And there is virtually nobody, now that the virus has spread, who can ask if there is any decency left. The moment came and went. We are living with the indecency.
162
@Harvey perr
Perhaps it is not appropriate that I make any comment about your president. Suffice to say that if I had wanted to say anything I didn't need to because you said it all.
13
@harvey perr
Do you condemn Obama for saying Trump has "mommy issues?"
@George Orwell
Assuming that was actually said, why should he be condemned for telling the truth?
3
Trump supporters mistakenly think that Trump's childish put-downs arr a side show, a distraction. In fact, they are the real show. Trump is about nothing more than the elevation and enrichment of himself - WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!
21
I'm sure Trump's supporters are with Trump ditto% on this. McRaven was likely on their good list - military, "got Bin Laden" - until Trump 'told them' otherwise after he criticized Trump's calling the press 'the enemy of the American people'. To the base, it's not so much what McRaven said as that he's out of favor with Trump and the choir follows; if Trump re-embraces McRaven, so will his base.
13
Bin Laden is dead. If he could have been killed sooner that would have been good. Hitler should have been killed before he rose to power. Who knew he would kill millions before he did it? This is another instance of Trump saying something stupid, without thinking it through. Why can't Trump accept that McRaven did an important job and it was a good thing for America? What is the point of going into the past a dredging up this issue? Trump should have already built his wall, he should have already produced the promised health care plan that covers more people with better care for less. He should have stopped separating babies from their mothers sooner, too. C'mon. Trump would have wet his pants if he had been sent to kill Bin Laden, or anyone,
37
@Barbara Siegman
Trump can't accept that McRaven did an important job because it was done on a black, democrat commander-in-chief's watch that he can't stand.
1
@Barbara Siegman And those bone spurs, how could we forget this coward's refusal to fight in any war? What a poor excuse for our so-called commander in chief.
1
Remember, this is the same man (Trump) who went to France to partake in the ceremonies for the one hundredth anniversary of the end of World War I and then did not drive the fifty or so miles to the actual commemorations while all the other world leaders present did make the trip. And, he could not even travel one mile to lay a wreath at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on Veteran's Day as past presidents had been doing for over 60 years.
Disrespect of our veterans is nothing new for Trump who, having never served cannot possibly appreciate veterans such as Admiral McRaven, John McCain and others who sacrificed so much to keep our country free.
As a combat veteran of the Vietnam War (Army), I would suggest that Trump's actions here and abroad are indicative of man who has no honor and no moral standing. Under Trump, we have been diminished as a country and a people as a result.
447
@echo46 We are dishonored insofar as Trump has support from the public and the politicians.
21
@echo46Dear Echo, I am finally incapable of being shocked by Trump and the finality of his disrespecting all military men and women is the final straw. To be taken for granted and tossed aside after risking your lives is impossible to believe. I wish I could do something to show how I appreciate your service.
17
@mary - No need Mary. By speaking out you are doing what has to be done to resist Trump and his minions.
2
It is unfathomable that Trump, who did not serve when he could have but took dubious deferrals, should think it wise to criticize this accomplished and truth-telling servant of our defense. Trump seems to believe his own fantasies, that expressing an idea based on nothing makes it true. The question I keep asking is when his Republic enablers will have had enough of his lies, his contempt for anyone more accomplished than he (and that doesn't take much), and his all-around nastiness. History will not judge them kindly.
472
Trump really doesn't care about history as long as he and his progeny are guaranteed to live in Ill-gained luxury and pass on their delight in bilking the American people. He really doesn't worry about how history will treat them as long as he can hold we, the citizens in contempt. We can't have his hair-do flop in the rain, and to waste his time paying tribute to those who served our country by spending even the pretense of honoring our war dead. I do not see any way we have to respect this man who gulled the voters with his contempt for them. Perhaps when he is out of office the congress will really investigate his nefarious deeds and strip him and his family of their ill-gotten gains. But the way we are going history will go on repeating itself as long as the people give hate and history the benifitefit of the doubt. Tears and shame for us.
17
@Kathi Kemp
Greetings Sister Badger!
The Republican enablers now need him as much as he needs them. If you don't support everything he does, you are a nothing. (Pretty much me, I guess). If you do support him, you are only a little bit of a something, until you start exercising some critical thinking for yourself, at which point you go from being a something to a nothing. He is the only thing that matters in his world. The enablers are more akin to fungi. Do you remember the scene from Annie Hall (I think) when Woodie Allen goes to the psychiatrist and complains that his brother thinks he's a chicken and the family is so upset about this they need some advice. The psychiatrist doesn't quite get it but encourages him to tell the brother he's not a chicken. Woody Allen replies, "But we need the eggs". That's the Republican enablers. They need the eggs.
17
@Patricia Keuck I wonder. The Republicans are now facing serious push-back (the mid-terms) and it's going to get worse for them soon. I hold much hope in the youngsters who will not tolerate the kind of snake oil Trump and his ilk now offer, which pretty much boils down to holding onto power for white men. They will either learn to share power or go down. (On, Wisconsin!)
3
President Trump abhors in others what he lacks in himself.
395
@ATronetti Perfectly stated. Thanks.
2
“If we have taught them well, they will understand the importance of honesty and integrity, two qualities that will define their legacy in life.”
Trump continues to define his legacy in terms that are best characterized by the words 'disgrace', 'ignorant' and 'unfit'
40
How long will it be before the armed services issue a joint vote of no-confidence in the supposed commander-in chief? It might actually happen if Democrats break up the status quo in January. Meanwhile, Trump and the Republicans seem to achieve a new low every week.
40
Admiral McRaven has more honor, character, dignity, and courage in his toenail clippings than Trump has ever had in his life.
From dissing John McCain, for blaming subordinates for leadership shortcomings, to non-attention to our men and women at war, to fake border deployments, to trashing McRaven, I don't know how anyone in the military, while sworn to obey the lawful orders of the commander in chief, can support a man who is the anathema of all they seek to stand for.
49
It's time for generals Mattis and Kelly to honor the oaths that they took as officers in the USMC and resign their positions in the Trump administration. Trump is plainly incapable of understanding anything about the U.S. military and does not deserve the support of two men who have devoted their lives to serving our country. The waste of regular troops on the border, the insulting of Adm. McRaven, being "too busy" to go to Arlington Cemetery on Veterans Day, his failure to attend the memorial service for U.S. fallen at the WW1 cemetery in France. The list of slights and insults to our current and former service members is very long and growing. General Mattis and General Kelly, please do the right thing and resign publicly now.
27
For a guy who skipped military service based upon a dodgy medical excuse Trump is quick to judge others who served with distinction. John McCain was not a hero.In Trump’s world a POW is a sign of weakness. And the leader of the Bin Laden raid is not a hero because he criticized Trump.Trump is out of control.Any remaining adults in the White House need to take charge. Ivanka can keep us informed on her personal server of progress made.
27
Anyone who attended a U.S. middle or high school can grasp the outcome of this lurid Vaudeville soap opera of the Trump Presidency, and also why so many veterans continue to support the man.
In every adolescent male social hierarchy there is at any moment that one person (whom many could call with either of two words that rhyme with "slick") who is the king of them all. A bully who picks out features of his victims' character, proud or not, and uses them to marginalize and bully the other wannabe alphas and destabilize their self-esteem. It's a sad truth that the top alpha often is pretty dumb about long term consequences along with being smart about manipulating the short term hierarchy.
As happens in wolf packs, eventually a "slicker" alpha comes along. It often doesn't get better for the hangers-on, nor for the former top dog. If you think of the time scale of this, as illustrated in the movie, "Back to the Future," you can visualize how long this might take (in high school, four years unless the Dear Leader happens to drop out).
The veterans who support Trump? They are simply that reliable 2/5 of adolescent boys who go along with the top alpha that runs everything. Unless we want a President Avenatti, we ought to empower that 3/5 a little more. The key to our recent subjugation has been a big change in whom we as a society admire. Lip syncing is "in."
Oh, and adolescent women have their cruel social hierarchies just the same, as Janis Ian has pointed out.
6
@Charles Coughlin. We need to shore up support for truth, justice and the American way. Science would be nice, too.
7
@Charles Coughlin
Trump received a lot more than 2/5 of the male vote. I agree with your analysis but would come to the conclusion that more than 2/5 of men go along with the alpha.
Trump is one of those individuals whose criticism should be considered a badge of honor.
18
face reality - there's is no evidence that djt is in any way emotionally or mentally fit for office.
meanwhile - the mountain of evidence that SCREAMS 'UNFIT' grows with each passing day.
why are we so stubborn that we can't admit that 2016 was our nation's biggest election day mistake and FIX IT?
46
McRaven has lived a life of service not one devoted to personal wealth and advantages over others. His comment was not flippant but a well thought through conclusion about what the man serving as President is doing.
The press for all of it’s fault can and does report what public officials say and do without presenting the same in service of those public officials. It reports when those public officials accomplish news worthy things and when they make mistakes or fail. They often contradict the message and give the public unfavorable perspective which contradict what the public officials are trying to convey to to public. Public officials may not like and it may spoil both their image and the public’s confidence in those public officials but it’s part of a working democracy.
If public officials call them enemies of the people instead of themselves, they are asserting the authority to tell people what they should know and is true, and that anyone who interferes is usurping that authority. They are basing this upon being rulers of an undemocratic form of government. This is a threat to democracy.
4
Yet the military will, as a whole, continue to genuflect to the GOP.
11
Yes, the way you did just now. "Grand Old Party" - seriously?
Trump disrespects people who serve in the military on a regular basis.
He has:
Mocked gold star families
Disrespected multiple fallen soldiers
Made fun of John McCain for 'getting caught'
Sent troops to the boarder as a political stunt
Failed to honor Vets because of rain
Mocked military operations and personal
This all comes from a 'man' who failed to serve in the military when asked to because of 'bone spurs'.
Trump is no leader, he is a con man that thinks a little lip service is all that it takes to be a leader.
28
From the article:
“It’s baffling why the president would launch an uninformed, spiteful attack on a public servant like Bill McRaven,” said Stephen B. Slick....
No, it isn't, if you consider the source. Trump is uninformed and spiteful.
22
Further to my previous post, I would very much like to hear the thoughts of Trump's newest BFF, Senator Lindsay Graham. It should be noted that Sen. Graham is a retired from the USAF Reserve with the rank of Colonel and was awarded a Bronze Star. I would expect that he may have some interesting comments on this issue (but I'm not holding my breath).
16
@Dave DiRoma Yes, don't hold your breath. Graham has sold out completely to the con-in-chief. He has lost whatever moral center he once had (if any- t hat is another story). I cannot bear to hear that voice pontificate on anything - especially on anything about the Constitution, no matter that he graduated from law school. End birthright citizenship anyone?
2
My heart aches for all of the military families now serving under this Commander in Chief. He proves time and again he knows absolutely nothing of honor and sacrifice.
17
@Philomele Too true, Trump "knows absolutely nothing of honor and sacrifice." He apparently thinks it's enough to stand for the National Anthem. But real service to your country--this he knows nothing about.
“It’s not clear what psychological need or political purpose is served by such behavior...”
The Trump presidency, explained in 14 words.
20
Nevertheless, Mitch McConnell supports Trump.
7
Saturday Night Live makes a single off-color joke about a service member, as they do since they're a comedy show meant to offend people, and they have to issue an official in person apology because conservatives lost their minds. Trump continuously goes out of his way to insult everyone in the military and conservatives celebrate him like the second coming of christ. The cognitive dissonance is insane.
36
Yes Rainman. Definitely a Republican built oligarchy. The bad man and his enablers take every opportunity to demean anybody without the power to defend themselves. as they take all the wealth they can. Wow. History says the common citizens will eventually erupt in anger, when they realize the unfairness, and say well, "Off with their heads", and good, peaceful times will return with hope and no fear of oppression. Leave it to history to illustrate the future.
2
Donald Trump our greatest domestic enemy and a man who avoided military service due to his bone spurs. God help America from this man.
13
Ol' Bone Spurs shoots from the hip once again. We knew he lacked all civility, but to deride someone whose life has been devoted to preserving our country is beyond simple ignorance.
13
I am heartbroken that I have a President who trades in insult.
9
We must never forget this destruction of our democracy caused by Trump and the Republicans.
NEVER.
22
Right after the attack on the WTC, Republicans were "glad" that we had a GOP president. Why? It took him months to make any response and then he attacked the wrong country. Most of the attackers were Saudis but George W was best buds with a Saudi prince because Saudis were our friends. Osama bin Laden had 54 siblings. Bush should have been able to work through them to find him. There were weddings that he attended so he was reachable. George W, the GOP president left office without finding him. Now, our half-wit GOP president is criticizing Obama for not finding bin Laden fast enough. As George W. said when comparing himself to the current resident in the WH, "I don't look so bad now."
8
Both the Admiral and Senator John Cornyn will participate in next week's Texas National Security Forum at the University of Texas. I wonder what our senior senator will have to say when questioned?
8
It’s imperative we remove this monstrosity in 2020. Everything good is bad and everything bad is good. We don’t need four more years of this
13
I have read a lot about the Osama raid and I found Admiral McRaven role in it bordering on heroism that is found only in fiction.
“ A battle-hardened colleague says McRaven reminds him of the comic-book superhero Captain America, while another says he “is reputed to be the smartest SEAL that ever lived. He is physically tough, compassionate, and can drive a knife through your ribs in a nanosecond.” Even as a three-star admiral, McRaven went out with his teams on snatch-and-grab missions about once a month in Afghanistan.” From Manhunt by Peter Bergen.
This is the man the US President feels free to trash.
This is not the USofA the rest of theworld used to look up to. It now sounds silly when your leaders brag about being the greatest country in the world and a beacon of freedom and democracy.
Wake up.
18
RE: “I don’t command and control anything,” he said in an interview with The New York Times. “I hope to be able to influence some of their decisions. But I’m not going to move pieces around the chessboard.”
Adm. William H. McRaven sounds like the other leaders I have known from the military where real leadership is recognized and valued.
His leadership is something Donald Trump, who only knows being the boss, and who believes that being the boss makes you a leader, can never understand.
Everything that McRaven said is consistent with American values and honor. Again, something that Trump can never understand. And when you can't understand something you strike out at it.
11
Trump’s attacks upon the press and accusing them of being an enemy of the people because they contradict what he says just goes right over the heads of people. He’s asserting the power to control what people are allowed to know. Anyone who says that this poses a great threat to our democracy is telling the simple truth of it.
Trump has no leadership skills. He regards criticism as an affront against which he must retaliate. He could never survive in any organization which required that he function as a contributing member to not be expelled. As a public official he behaves disgracefully. He sees himself as the boss/proprietor of the country not as an elected public office holder who has powers in order to serve all the people of this country. He acts a winner of some game whose reward is absolute power over everybody. He is unsuited for the job.
6
Look into the faces of his predecessors, it is telling the strain this office has put on each of them. While we may not agree politically with one or another of them the pressure they put themselves under to keep America and even the world free from all the various forms of danger is immediately evident. It is in my opinion the hardest job in the world and a constant balancing act, which requires intelligence, diplomacy, and a strong ethical sense of what is right. The current occupant is the antithesis of all these things and worse. Why do we allow this man to disrespect the office he holds so blatantly time and again. Incompetent to hold the presidency does not begin to describe him.
7
Admiral ignores how the media treats this President. Fighting back is not a threat to anything. No President before has ever been treated by the Press the way this one has. Don't like it when he fights back too bad. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Jeff Zucker and Les Moonves are more to blame for the current state of the media and the television news than anything Trump has done. Did you really think the voters wouldn't catch on when CBS rolled out Madam Secretary two years before the 2016 elections? Or Zucker's pied piper strategy to help Clinton by giving Trump free press during the primary? If this Admiral is worth his Stars he can withstand a little criticism.
1
@GregP
Trump picks fights with people for no good reason. Listen to his ramblings and the lame answers he gives to questions. No wonder reporters ask followups.
I respect people who stand up to Trump and McRaven has faced real foes and prevailed. Of course he can take it but sadly there are low information voters who will now think he is not really a hero because Donnie Bonespurs said so. In the press briefings Trump's first answer usually makes no sense or is an out-and-out lie. I wish all reporters would stop attending his press briefings and let him stew in his fantasies.
@GregP
Curious that you denigrate the Admiral when we have a pathetic President who obviously can't "withstand a little criticism."
We need to bring back the draft and make it fair this time. We need a true cross section of young men. Many soldiers join because their parents can't afford higher education. Too many are made to be mercenaries.
2
Is there anything Donald Trump understands less than duty?
Less than service? Less than putting aside one's own likes or wants and doing your job? Imagine McCraven only did things according to his likes and dislikes, because one party or another were in office? Would he not have been drummed out of the military long before they had any dealings with Mr. Trump? The same is true of Judge Curiel. If he were as susceptible to influence as Trump imagined (because his ancestors spoke Spanish) would he not have been disbarred long ago. And despite being "a fan" of his own family history, John McCain stayed in prison and was tortured rather than take advantage of position. According to Trump's logic, if those who are captured are not likable, those who were killed must really be losers. Maybe that's why he can't make it to a cemetery in France or Arlington.
5
Like Adm. McRaven, I am a Navy veteran. And while my service was neither as long nor as distinguised as the admiral, it was honorable. Donny would not have made it in our Navy.
6
Trump is exposing himself as a joke, a bad joke. You might say that his denigration of his opponents, his political opponents, was to some extent aimed at his peers, his equals (at least if you ignore decency and honesty when you weigh them against him). But lately he has denigrated his clear superiors. No, not just the admirals and the generals. He has denigrated the soldiers and sailors and airmen, some of whom died to keep our nation safe in earlier wars and others who died while he was avoiding military service and nursing his bone spurs and fearing his “personal Vietnam” of AIDS.
It will catch up with him. Whatever you think of his base supporters, most of them do think of themselves as devoted Americans. And whether or not they themselves served, they revere those who did and do. And they know that in ways big and small, Donald Trump is demonstrating that he doesn’t care.
4
Mr. Trump has incorporated the best characteristics of Howard Hughes and Nero into his presidency.
1
trump knows one thing: he has to have people around him who do not question him. otherwise, he's too anxious to get out of bed.
1
As long as we are reporting and decrying Trump's latest sick outrage, we are not talking about more important issues such as climate change and what to do about it.
6
Senator McCain and now Admiral McRaven... I can see why he attacks them; they are men who are everything he pretends to be and can never measure up to, so he has to cut them down so their shadows don't loom so large over his tiny ego.
7
Does Trump not understand anything more complicated than saying about the despots in the world. "I like him. he likes me?" His ability to tell lies and falsehoods is beyond comprehension. I suspect he attacks Adniral McRaven because he cannot stand hearing about such an accomplished and good person, something he is incapable of being. Sadly, we are stuck with this apology of a human being.
2
Capt. Bone Spurs sounds jealous of our military heroes.
3
Attacking Gold Star families, upsetting the widow of a fallen soldier,insulting war heroes like John McCain, attempting to smear the honour of the man who captured and killed Bin Laden,using the army as props,attacking the Justice Department, the FBI and the Intelligence Community. I mean,my God,where and when does this madness stop?!
I live in Ireland but to see this happen as someone with relatives and friends living in America I have to say it's deeply upsetting and strikes me as so unAmerican,
so deeply dishonourable and anyone who continues to support this kind of rhetoric and behaviour simply in my mind is no longer American at least in how I've seen Americans up to now because this isn't simply a matter of political opinion,it's a continual attack on everything America stands for.
When you dishonour those that have sacrificed enormously for both their country and fellow citizens, where is there left to go? It isnt about Republican or Democrat, it's about humanity and love of country. The shame,the dishonour,the legacy of being forever connected to someone who brought such division and dishonour to an amazing country ,that will not disappear easily.It will last generations
6
This from a man who avoided the draft and is afraid of raindrops.
12
Next, Trump will be blaming George Washington for why it took so long to win the American Revolution. This has become quite a Circus.
8
We’re in a vicious circle with this guy. McRaven wrote a sharply critical op-ed about Trump and so of course, he’s on Trump’s enemies list. It’s hard for any thinking person not to be critical of Trump. Even if you like his policies (I do not), you can’t excuse his lying and childish, churlish temperament. There are too many of us to get on to Trump’s personal enemies list, but any person of note who speaks out is going to be on it. Trump has never cared if what he says is true or makes any sense or if it sounds presidential. So here we are again. Trump sounds like a crass ignoramus but he doesn’t care because McRaven criticized him, because he’s a crass ignoramus. It will never end until the guy is out of office and a painful footnote in history, which I hope is soon. Wouldn’t it have been nice if Trump had never gotten the idea of running for president into his head? I’m sure he wouldn’t see the irony of his musings.
3
“You know, living — think of this — living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan, in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don’t know, I’ve seen nicer. " I find it truly depressing and terrifying that this is a quote from the president. Now he is wasting his breath on the quality of Bin Laden's safe-house? The president is deranged. Bring on the 25th Amendment!
10
I particularly love the "I've seen nicer." Insecurities never at rest. What a utter waste of oxygen, and sadly, the people who still support him as well. This man does not seem to have a single redeeming quality.
8
If a few more Hillary Clinton fans would have voted we wouldn’t have a President of the United States denigrating a military officer who did his duties honorably. Who cares who a military person votes for? I’m sure Osama bin Laden didn’t care if a Republican, Democrat, or independent just landed their helicopter on his front lawn.
4
It should be pretty clear to anyone who takes the time to reflect that Donald Trump long ago realized that smearing the accomplishments and destroying the reputation of others is easier than working to achieve something himself. He is lazy, uninformed, and uninterested in learning. There will be no let up because this is Donald Trump. There will be no respite because Donald Trump is in deep trouble and has an entirely new set of targets for his smears and insults.
5
Before Trump said anything about McRaven, McRaven wrote an op-ed saying he wanted to be added to the list of those "who have spoken up against [Trump's] presidency", and say that Trump was humiliating the US on the world stage. Yet somehow the NY Times and others spin this as Trump pick a fight with a service member. And to be clear, what triggered McRaven's sanctimonious outrage was his leaking colleague John Brennan getting his security clearance revoked, clearance he doesn't need, but which he was using to peddle himself to talk shows.
No, you don't get to act like a political hack, and then hide behind the uniform and pretend to be a neutral party.
Most hypocritical are all the opiners acting like criticism of retired generals who become partisan hacks hurts morale, while ignoring the impact of over-the-top insults on the acting Commander-in-Chief.
2
Repeating "hack" over and over doesn't make it true. Repetitive slander is, however, a favorite tactic of the "acting" (reality show?) commander-in-chief that you inexplicably continue to defend.
2
@Jeff - McCraven was just speaking the truth, whereas Trump rambled and ranted. Did you read what Trump actually said? Lots of nonsense.
2
Trump using the military like toy soldiers on the border for political reasons is beyond just plain wrong. Leaders like Putin may be ruthless, but they don’t appear to be mentally unstable.
Trump looks more like Caligula every day.
It is embarrassing to be an American.
187
@Joe Smith
I accept your statement that "Trump looks more like Caligula every day, but not "It is embarrassing to be an American." In our Constitutionally-slowed process of changing leadership, in the recent election, we're still showing that as Americans we come to see our mistakes and are slowly, but democratically, repairing the damage.
And it's not always just the opportunity for bloodless removal of evil that our founders offered in the design of our democracy. Our Civil Rights and anti-war movements, to say nothing of the Civil War, showed that we sometimes have to visibly put ourselves on the line to defend and keep it. The Women's Marches were a beginning for our time.
But, all those resources still at hand, it'll only be embarrassing to be an American if we don't act to use them and actively convince our fellow citizens to work toward the common goal of removing those who view success as cultivating and releasing the evils that subjugate some and divide all of us.
11
@Joe Smith I've also noticed the similarity to Caligula, as when that tyrant also tried to humiliate his own security forces within the military. I'm for removing Trump by all lawful means, a.s.a.p.! But I'm also reminded, from the "I, Claudius" TV series (and I read the books, too!), of how Caligula's behavior ultimately hastened his removal by those loudly pronouncing "The watchword is liberty!"
1
@Joe Smith Caligula, yep.
Someone else said it, so I take no credit, but I repeat it almost everday.
Mussolini Cosplay.
2
This low-life is bringing in a whole new lexicon to the English language.
Trumpish : stupid-like, with intelligence just below a fly.
Trumped: A person who thinks he/she has pulled a "fast
one" over someone else, when in fact the "fast
one" turned out to be a total backfire
Trumper: An unintelligent person who has ego problems
who thinks he's above everyone else in
intelligence
Trumplike: Adjective attributed to a trumper
Trumpster: A foolhardy person who follows a trumper
43
Please add: Trumpster Fire
A completely avoidable disaster caused by someone's abject lack of knowledge, faulty logic, complete indifference as to consequence, and utter lack of concern for anyone else.
1
"Mr. Trump said he had “an unbelievable busy schedule”"
Very true. Fox "News" is on 24 hours a day, and it needs to be watched.
104
@The Poet McTeagle
Hey! Don't forget those terribly important golf games!
2
@The Poet McTeagle
Plus there's always golf to be played, and resorts to monitor--with a full contingent of Secret Service personnel on hand, of course.
2
@The Poet McTeagle Then there is all of that required face time with his mirror...
1
“It’s baffling why the president would launch an uninformed, spiteful attack on a public servant like Bill McRaven,” said Stephen B. Slick, a former C.I.A. station chief in Israel who is now the director of the intelligence studies project at the University of Texas at Austin.
It's not baffling to me at all.
34
Mr. Schmitt:
Catching Osama "faster" would mean that the military mission was conducted in less time.
Catching Bin Laden "sooner" would mean that the military mission was conducted at an earlier calendar date.
9
How anyone can continue to support this man is beyond me.
I await the coming denial that he ever said these things and that “Chris Wallace and Fox doctored the tape”, a la Lester Holt. The next distracting conspiracy. After all, Fox News supported CNN in their Jim Acosta lawsuit over PressPassgate, and Chris asked one or two mildly sharp questions. Gosh, these conspiracies are so easy to spin-up.
28
Those of us who have not been bad-mouthed by Trump are starting to feel left out. Is there some list I can get my name on?
34
@Carolyn
In answer to your question, yes, and here's how you make that exclusive list. Join the military, risk your life for your country, achieve a high rank and politely challenge the rhetoric of a man who seems to have no appreciation of the democratic ideals you and your colleagues have spent decades seeking to defend and protect. You'll be at the top of the list, I assure you. Alternatively, you could volunteer to serve your nation in a time of war, have your plane shot down, be taken prisoner and be subject to deprivation and torture for five years, then serve your country in office for several decades before publicly disagreeing with a grown man who calls U.S. Senators names like Little Bob Corker or Pocahontas. That, too, would put your first in line for all the calumny you could wish for. :-) Heck, just raising pertinent questions in a press conference should do the trick. The possibilities are endless!
3
How many heroes does Trump have to rip into before half of this country sees he doesn’t care about those that serve and uses then only as a tool for political manipulation?
53
I believe the country has now sunk about as low as it can get. At least I hope so: I can't imagine what could be worse.
31
Someone once quipped that eastern European history proves that no matter how bad things get, they can always get worse. Let's hope it's not true here.
3
@tom Remember when people thought that during the Republican debates a few years ago? Those were the good old days. I fear that there is no bottom to this slide as long as Donald remains in the White House.
3
trump, the draft dodger, the one who can't be bothered to honor veterans because he doesn't understand the meaning of sacrifice, is intimidated by military men such as Adm. McRaven. They personify the traits so lacking in this tiny, tiny person pretending to be president.
82
Something Trump is often admired for is his being "unfiltered.'
I cannot help but think that the doctor that examined him has withheld information from the public or did not examine him for dementia.
I cannot think of any other explanation for his continued bizarre, uninformed, nonsensical and heartless comments.
44
@linda It's called craven meanness.
2
Surely by now, some Republicans must be offended past the point of letting political prejudice determine character.
No?
43
sadly, no
I can't help but wonder if those 4,000 former soldiers who stood and joyously cheered Mr. Trump's every divisive lie and assault on the Constitution during his appearance at the VFW convention in Kansas City last July still have Mr. President's back.
He has never had their's.
53
That disgraceful display at the VFW convention in Kansas City truly shamed the veterans in attendance, and I was so saddened that Trump's coarse, profane, false and disgraceful banter was cheered by these former servicemen and women who behaved so shockingly that day.
Reminded me of all the uniformed policemen assembled behind Trump who laughed when he proposed deliberately smashing the heads of handcuffed people into the doorframe of the police car instead of guiding them in without injury. I wondered if it is possible that people attending these things just laugh on cue because they think it's just part of the responsibility of the ones picked to stand behind Trump and be on camera. Recently a young man who frowned and rolled his eyes was pulled off stage and replaced by someone else during a rally. So the message is clear, join in the buffoonery or you're gone.
I haven't given up hope that some of this is just bravado in response to celebrity and not exactly the result of deeply held political beliefs. I would not want to think that the same people demanding NFL players stand for the anthem so as not to disrespect the military who fought for their freedom would turn around and laugh when draft-dodger Trump insults true military heroes like McCain and McRaven. That would be hypocrisy........ which is now a scourge across our land.
5
While Donny was nursing his heal spurs, I and over a million other servicemen slogged through a war in Southeast Asia. The lowest ranking among us were and are head and shoulders above him in every respect. This so-called man does not know the meaning of honor and duty; he only knows throwing insults at those whom he sees as threats. Admiral McRaven is better man than he is (not to difficult to attain), so he is fair game for Donny's juvenile vitriol. Will this nightmare never end?
74
what's it say about Jim Mattis and John Kelly? Sorry I don't buy their self-serving claims as the adults in the room limiting the damage of our Commander in Chief. I think Trump chose them both because he knew they would capitulate. Mattis and Kelly are amoral and weak, and Trump knew it.
28
@JL Watch again the Brussels breakfast table Trumpian tirade and the look on Kelly's face and tell me that Kelly is not totally revolted by the little toddler-in-chief. I trust Mattis, too.
@JL Actually it is the Republican Party in control of the Senate that is amoral and weak.
4
But where are the Republican leaders of Congress who refuse to criticize Trump for his remarks about McRaven? Where is the conservative backlash that failed to materialize when Trump disrespected the military by not laying a wreath on Veteran's Day? Or when he skipped out on the ceremony commemorating Armistice Day in France due to a drizzle? I guarantee that if President Obama did any of these things, he would have heard it from the Republicans and Conservatives. Our country better wake up and realize that "the Emperor has no clothes!"
46
@Carl LaFong
You so captured the moment we are living in. The racism of the GOP is evident everyday . If President Obama has ever done anything as disrespectful to America and Democracy they would be calling for impeachment . The cowardice of the GOP is viewed daily by the public. The latest insult to heroes of this country shows how corrupt the GOP even with military men in their ranks they continue to support of a tiny little man who could care less about them.
8
Remember the ruckus the Republicans made over Obama not wearing a flag pin?
“If we have taught them well, they will understand the importance of honesty and integrity, two qualities that will define their legacy in life."
Too bad our president did not have anyone to teach him well!
Many thanks to an amazing person, Adm. McRaven, and for all he did and continues to do for his country. Men like this are what makes America great!!!
24
Thank you, Admiral McRaven, for your unstinting service to our country.
75
This is such an affront to the men and women who risk their lives every day to serve their country. The Republican Party always supported the military. Unfortunately, the Party of Trump stands behind Cadet Bone Spurs. What would former Republican presidents who served their country say about their party today? General Eisenhower? Richard Nixon? George H. W. and W. Bush? Current Republican leaders are AWOL.
46
@CReardon
The GOP and every party member and supporter should be ashamed. Their silence when Trump goes off on a rampage against someone he does not like, specifically here with Admiral McRaven, is embarrassing. The GOP's silence, and at times, overt support for the stupid words that come out of Trump's mouth is nothing less than encouragement and consent with every word spoken by Trump.
Thank you Admiral McRaven.
1
What did you expect? After "I like soldiers who don't get captured" it was clear Trump has no respect for the military at all.
81
@Tom
I agree that Trump has no respect for the military, but he has no respect for anyone or anything.
What Trump said about McCain was childish, pointless, and ignorant. There is a difference, though. McRaven remained a nonpartisan public servant. McCain remained an active politician within the Republican party to the end of his life despite the craven, cowardly, America hating, racist manner in which they have behaved for decades now. He knew better but was too big a coward to do the right thing and leave the party.
16
McCain was a conservative Republican. Into which party would he go to continue serving in Congress?
1
@Casual Observer
It's awfully telling that you didn't contradict my characterization of the GOP.
To answer your question he could have joined the right of center, conservative Democratic Party. We have no liberal party of any appreciable size.
2
It's time elected Republicans take a strong stand against these unconscionable remarks This particular instance (though certainly not unique) offers a perfect opportunity because of the clear and craven disregard it shows for devoting one's life, without the glamour and trappings of the White House, to the service of one's country.
47
An unbelievably busy schedule? You mean how Trump manages barely to skip a week each month in going to rallies since he was inaugurated? That's not even counting all the time he dedicates to golf, tweeting, and Fox News appearances. Yeah - busy schedule. The rest of us work regular jobs, many with 40 hour weeks where we get fired if we're so 'busy'.
63
@JustJeff Trump barely works 3 hours a day. As I write this, he's in Mar A Lago for Thanksgiving even though it's still 2 days away.
White House sources have said that after Trump returned from Paris last week, he did nothing but brood and whine over the outcome of the midterms.
1
@JustJeff
After sitting in traffic I needed a good laugh from a person who couldn't even get the name of the city in
California correct. Governor Brown has patience . Busy schedule please he wouldn't know how to be busy if it wasn't for watching Fox news.
Busy being a bully ever day is a taxing job to have.
@JustJeff: I, for one, am glad when he plays golf, watches TV, or eats cheeseburgers in bed instead of interfering in the nation's business, which he always gets wrong.
Now he just needs to find something legal to do with the rest of his time. How about another cheeseburger, Donnie?
1
Those in uniform who serve our Country deserve respect from the People's House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Instead, Commander Bone Spur treats them like his private palace guard.
I wish Mr. McRaven well and that he makes more statements supporting our Constitution and democracy.
37
The same people who believe that NFL players kneeling during the anthem "disrespects the troops" will have absolutely no problem with Trump's comments. In fact, they are probably already repeating them.
130
"After nearly two years in office, Mr. Trump still has not fully grasped the role of the troops he commands, nor the responsibility that he has to lead them, top Defense Department officials say." What, exactly, has Trump grasped about how our government works? I think his big takeaway so far is that, with shamefully few exceptions, the Republicans in the House and Senate care more about getting re-elected than about sustaining our democracy. And they couldn't care less about what happens as a result of their abdication of duty.
In addition to keeping a running tally of the number of lies Trump tells per day, how about a running tally of his daily demonstrations of being completely ignorant about how our government functions and how the US Constitution limits his powers. Yes, I know--not enough hours in the day.
75
@Nancy. I like your idea. Surely someone has time to make such a list and publish it weekly.
Trump once again demonstrated that he is a disgrace to the Presidency and embarrassment to our country? It must be Tuesday.
90
Mr. Trump said he had “an unbelievable busy schedule”.
Indeed. To say Mr. Trump's schedule is that busy truly is unbelievable.
93
@FM Please somebody run a calculation on how many days in 2018 Trump has spent at Mar-A-Lago. Very busy indeed!
26
@FM He has to watch television 18 hours a day, that doesn't leave much time for anything else.
14
@JAL There was a tally a couple of weeks ago. Bottom line: on average, more than 3 days a week since his inauguration.
3
Are the rest of the Republicans still in office going to be silent about this and allow the POTUS to demean our bravest military heroes without even one word of pushback? What's happened to the GOP?
102
@RGY Every day, they continue to show their complete lack of honestly, integrity and moral courage in support of this travesty of a president. If there is such a thing as karma, may it soon prevail.
2
Mr. Trump demonstrates repeatedly that there is no depth to which he will not descend. He has no sense of honor or respect for others, including those who have literally risked everything to serve our country. Words cease to capture the pervasive disgrace of his Presidency. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the men and women of our armed forces who serve our country each day with professionalism and dignity which are in such sharp contrast with the present occupant of the White House. Like a majority of other Americans, I will count the days until this man Trump is no longer in office. I give thanks for the wisdom of the American people that will be expressed at the ballot box. In Mr. Trump’s case, the rhetorical question, “Do you know no shame?”, must be asked each day.
47
And, still, Trump’s base of so called “patriots” continue to support him.
42
Republicans in Congress: Have you no shame?
229
@EdH
The Republican Party abandoned America a long time ago.
The Grand Old Putinistas have left the surly bonds of patriotism to touch the face of Trumpian fraud and Kremlin-style oligarchy.
There are no Americans home in the 2018 Republican Party.
70
@EdH Shame? They do not know what that is. However, wait and see, as soon as Trump's power lessens they will turn on him like piranhas. It's in their nature.
12
@EdH
If they haven't repudiated him by now, why start? Apparently there is no perceived political benefit? Sad.
10
“I admire all presidents, regardless of their political party, who uphold the dignity of the office and who use that office to bring the nation together in challenging times,”
So not Trump then, got it!
82
I don't know how any veteran can support a president who makes a habit of insulting them, whether they have PTSD, were prisoners of war, or didn't act "fast enough."
If you want to talk underserved communities, active military and veterans fit the bill.
Both Democrats and Republicans talk about supporting our troops, and there's always plenty of money for new "toys" that cost billions and don't work...but in terms of pay for active duty personnel and family support, and how veterans are cared for, very few actually walk the walk.
I know it's blasphemy to discuss raising taxes on corporations, but who among the new faces in Congress has the guts to propose a surcharge on every military supply contract: for the honor of doing business with the military, each contract includes a requirement that each company pays a 10% (or more) tax to be used solely for veterans' care and support?
They help create veterans; they should be responsible for at least part of their care.
87
Unfortunately, such a "tax" will merely be passed on to the government in their contracts. Of all the lies Ronald Reagan told, the worst was that the government would save money by outsourcing its work. With Trump, the GOP is completing its con job on America.
6
@Kathleen Warnock
You have so captured all of our thoughts. Just think if Facebook wanted to try and redeem themselves in the eyes of the public. To dispel the notions that they are nothing but a greedy corporation who sold American democracy down the river. Mr. Facebook CEO be like Mayor Bloomberg, start giving a billion dollars to help the Veterans. Facebook knew what the Russians were doing and did nothing, it would of touched their bottom line. Well now is the time to give back to the veterans otherwise everything you say are empty promises as you continue to steal from the American public our privacy and democracy.
Trump loves Facebook because both don't care about democracy or people. Its all about the money.
2
“If we have taught them well, they will understand the importance of honesty and integrity, two qualities that will define their legacy in life.” Something that members of today's GOP and our president do not have and don't seem to appreciate or understand. This lack frightens and puzzles me at the same time. How can any of them claim to represent us or our values when they have only one value: to remain in power no matter what lies they must tell or who they slander in the process? God help us when the election of 2020 comes around.
77
Imagine Donald Trump in combat and being ordered to reinforce a friendly that is under heavy attack.
No, neither can I.
213
@DCJ
Trump in combat?
What about his heel spurs? The man is a disgrace to the office of POTUS.
17
@DCJ He would not do it and then would criticize the friendly for getting himself or herself in that position. Oh, and if that person supported Hillary, they'd be toast.
11
I wish Mr. McRaven well and hope after having served the country, he can take care of his health and have some years left to enjoy his retirement.
156
My sincere best wishes to you, Mr. McRaven, in your fight against leukemia. You are an exceptional man leading an exceptional and inspiring life, and continue to exhibit grace under fire.
274
Once again DJT puts his own interests and ego above the truth and the welfare of the nation. This pathological inability to accept any criticism, and to go to any length to minimize and denigrate the contributions and sacrifices of others, most shamefully those who has served in the military where he has not, has cheapened the office of the presidency as he occupies it. Not everyone wants to be a flatterer, adulator or sycophant, thank goodness.
185
@Alan from Humboldt County Even though I didn't, couldn't, never could have, voted for him, having Donald Trump as the President of the United States of America makes me ashamed to be an American.
4
The implication is always that he doesn't KNOW things (and it's certainly a reasonable one) as in, Mr. Trump did not know which government agency gathered intelligence. The word ignorance is interesting because without the noun suffix, the verb form is to ignore. It doesn't matter what he knows or doesn't know because this is not important to him. Does anyone believe that fairness and knowledge inform his Twitter feed? Even if he did know, he is certainly both capable of ignoring that fact and secure (at least as secure as an insecure mass of pulsing insecurity can be) in the knowledge that those who show up in their red caps to cheer him on do not know and do not care either. If he didn't cross the line with his comments about John McCain, I do not know how this will filter through whatever rose-colored glasses his fans (and they do seem to be fans) are looking through.
95
@wanda So sad, but so true. We should all be ashamed that over 40% of American voters selected Trump in 2016 knowing what they were selecting, or were too "ignorant" to know what they were voting for.
1
i guess it's all about loyalty. admiral mcraven must not be on the list of "his generals. his admirals." what does it take? blind loyalty to the country or to the individual?
Title 10 of the US Code states that US Navy enlisted personnel and officers will take the following oath:
“I _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
they obey orders from the president and officers, but promise to support and defend the Constitution against foreign AND DOMESTIC enemies. they do not swear loyalty to the president. i think the last one requiring a loyalty oath to himself was that murderer in germany in the last century.
it appears to me that there is at least one domestic enemy who wants to subvert the Constitution.
153
Find a man or woman who has served this nation honorably and courageously, who ran toward the fire, or their survivors who dare speak ill of Trump, and he will hate them.
I don't understand how veterans, their organizations and families can ignore the fact that he views the bravest alive, and the fallen, as not worth his spittle, or messing his bouffant.
167
@Lawrence: It's a very low bar to find someone who doesn't evoke feelings of inferiority in Trump. He hates all of them, and spitefully demeans them to assert his place in the pecking order. Veterans do understand that we have a petty pretender in the White House.
3
Attacking Gold Star families, upsetting the widow of a fallen soldier,insulting war heroes like John McCain, attempting to smear the honour of the man who captured and killed Bin Laden,using the army as props,attacking the Justice Department, the FBI and the Intelligence Community. I mean,my God,where and when does this madness stop?!
I live in Ireland but to see this happen as someone with relatives and friends living in America I have to say it's deeply upsetting and strikes me as so unAmerican,so deeply
dishonourable and anyone who continues to support this kind of rhetoric and behaviour simply in my mind is no longer American at least in how I've seen Americans up to now because this isn't simply a matter of political opinion,it's a continual attack on everything America stands for.
When you dishonour those that have sacrificed enormously for both their country and fellow citizens, where is there left to go? It isnt abkyt Republkcan or Democrat, it's aboyt hunsnuty and love of country. The shame,the dishonour,the legacy of being forever connected to someone who brought such division and dishonour to an amazing country ,that will not disappear easily.It will last generations.
303
@David, Ireland: Wonderfully said, sir. All of us across the pond (who are sane) appreciate your biting words.
14
@David "where and when does this madness stop?!" At the ballot box in 2020 :)
6
Is Trump actually going crazy? You'd have to be crazy to not realize that a significant part of the Republican base comes from the military and the rest has a high regard for the military. Alienating them is not a wise move for any leader of any party.
56
@I. M. you would think so. I am retired military and will never vote Trump or Republican due in part to these issues. On the other hand, I know a retired full COL and a retired LTC who feel otherwise. I ask them how they could support somebody who disrespects gold star families and other military people. That behavior goes completely against the military ethos. They say, "Better than crooked Hillary, look at the great economy, tax cuts, Trump supports our beliefs, stands up to other countries, etc." They are all about being Republican/Conservative because it supports their way of life and they believe liberals will destroy America, etc. These are smart people with advanced degrees, with years of military experience and who have seen some of their people killed in war. I just can't fathom the depth of their devotion to somebody so disrespectful of the military and who is also constantly dishonest. It saddens me.
19
@I. M. He criticized McCain and won the nomination and the election. He correctly predicted that he could shoot someone dead in the middle of Fifth Avenue and not lose any support. He’s not crazy. He knows that there is a strong bent toward authoritarianism in this country and he knows how to harness it.
3
@I. M.
Trump is mentally ill.
The press and public were too quick to move off the allusions to the 25th Amendment by senior officials in the Administration .
They were not the usual pablum but reflect the concerns of the people who work with him and bare witness to his instability.
Trumps instability is so unrelenting transparent that it is now considered "normal for this atypical President". He is sick and dangerous.
We were warned.
7
What we are witnessing now is the complete degradation of the American presidency under Donald Trump.
Not content with the successful ripping apart of the national political and social fabric; unhappy with the near-decimation of his predecessor’s legacies; intent only, it would seem, upon cementing his own disruptive, disgraceful version of the “American carnage,” the lie that underlined his candidacy and was the centerpiece of his inaugural address.
Admiral William McRaven, the spearpoint of the dogged American resolution to bring Osama bin Laden to book, has now to undergo an unheard-of public assassination of his military service to his country, a service be it reminded once again, that Trump refused to undertake when he was a younger man, eschewing his nation’s call for the pleasures of the rich, single civilian.
The 45th president has, for all time, disgraced himself beyond measure and has become, without exception or justification, America’s worst security breach, now endangering men and women under arms as well in his clumsy attempts to demean any president not named Donald Trump. How this “commander-in-chief” can command the respect of anyone—past present or future—serving under arms is going to be an impossible mission for him.
This is, by far, the lowest of the lows that now unblushingly dot this disgraceful presidency. For Trump, everything is politics, a dishonorable and threadbare rug upon which his soiled shoes now stand.
388
@Red Sox, '04, '07, '13, ‘18
Now we know why Russia wanted him elected. Ripping political, social, ethical
and moral fabric of the country serves the interest of Russia well. Give credit
to Putin to figure Trump out.
21
Agreed and love the new moniker (go Sox!).
9
No patriotic American should make any excuse for the president’s reprehensible comments. Whatever your feelings are about tax cuts, immigration, judges on the Supreme Court, mocking the courage and service of a military hero is a shameful display that must be denounced in the strongest terms by all who value the fundamental principles of this nation.
108
You know, I wonder what Military folks and SEALS think about this personal attack against a Flag Officer and fellow soldier. The seals in particular value the soldier to soldier bond. I wouldn't think that they think too kindly about President Trump slandering one of their own.
57
I think if they are republican they will vote republican again. They will vote him in. He has disparaged and humiliated almost every group of people other than conservative whites, who voted for him. He’s going to be president again in 2020.
Donald Trump, who of course repeatedly fled military service, and the Republicans are just being inadvertently honest about their contempt for all Americans who serve their country.
Usually they put up a halfhearted attempt to make it look like they care the military, but every so often their shabby little ruse falls apart and their utter disrespect for military service becomes too obvious to deny.
44
Next I expect Trump to say, because Adm. McRaven was injured in a parachute training exercise, he's clumsy too. After all, I don't think Trump was ever injured in a parachute jump -- bone spurs, you know.
46
At some point 45 will have insulted just about everyone, and yet the republican senators do nothing. What has become of our democracy where this mentally ill person is still allowed to govern?
175
@Starwater - In the future everyone will be insulted by Trump for 15 minutes. (Apologies to Andy Warhol.)
Trump is so unfit to lead it would be funny if it weren't so completely un-funny . . . and dangerous.
Like a vampire in the movies, Trump knocked at doors and needed to be invited in by the homeowner/victim before he could cross the threshold. And 26% of eligible voters let him in. By the way, that's about 16-17% of the population.
What an absolute drag for democracy. And the truth.
70
The president's uncalled for attack on William McRaven, who led a successful search-and-destroy mission to eliminate Osama bin Laden is little more than a jealous rant and a pathetic lament that he wasn't the president who brought bin Laden to heel. Barack Obama was the president who brought the world renown terrorist to justice, and that's something that this president cannot live with. He will never accept or acknowledge his predecessor's great achievement.
69
We will never be surprised, unbelieving, or more disappointed in how this president reacts. His comments, comebacks when the news doesn’t go his way are totally unpresidential. He has yet stated his opinions with any decorum. It amazes me how he has the audacity to criticize men , and women who have served this country, have credentials, and yet where are his? When was the last time he had a uniform on? Ever? Served? He doesn’t serve us. He sits at the table alone.
36
Trump rules by fear. Fear is a product of doubt and uncertainty. Fear is a furtive emotion and it has to be reignited like a spark plug or the engine dies. Trump isn't talking about Mr. McRaven. He's talking about his supporters who need him to make them feel betrayed by the things they need to trust. By singling him out, he pays him an enormous compliment for it shows that he knows how much the American people feel grateful for having gotten to Osama bin Laden but also how confused they are that it would happen during President Obama's watch. Now, when people argue at the bar that Obama got bin Laden, Trump's tribe can argue back, "Sure, but it would have happened quicker if Trump had been there!" Trump's supporters are impatient for their next fix of fear and he supplies it just before they kick the habit and come to their senses. Simple chemistry.
40
A man whose highest "military school" honor consists of a bowling trophy and a medal for neatness needs to sit in a chair and do exactly what the actual military practitioners tell him to do and congress approves. He's dangerous otherwise.
29
Cadet Bone Spurs is simply doing what he does. What concerns me more is all the Republican officials and voters who used to support the military remaining silent.
Their silence is deafening, revealing how hollow are their pious praises for our military...
122
@cosmosis
As a party, the GOP has never supported the military, except by slogan.
2
Mr. Trump recently dishonored U.S. veterans and those who fell in defense of our country when he failed to attend memorial events on the centennial day of the end of World War I. One of these events occurred in the rain in France, but the other was at Arlington National Cemetery, two miles from the White House. Now he is dishonoring a war hero, Adm. McRaven, who is not a person who has dabbled in politics. I hope any veterans who have supported Mr. Trump are thinking long and hard about whether this is the kind of person Americans want to be leading our country and to serve as Commander-in-Chief.
139
I know one of those vets, a very able and honorable guy. Did my knee replacement. He voted Trump because he hated Hillary. We have not discussed politics, but I have to wonder what he is thinking now.
9
@Guano Rey
I don't believe anyone who would vote for this man actually understands the concept of honor.
1
The same chronic immaturity which causes the President to label the press as the "enemy of the people" leads him to lash out against Adm. McRaven's criticism. A person who cannot hear criticism without lashing out in retaliation simply isn't temperamentally qualified to be President. He shows himself as undisciplined, unwise and weak. Criticism comes with the territory. A real leader reacts to it stoically and picks his battles carefully.
One would hope that this incident, like Trump's earlier denigration of McCain's war record, would cause thoughtful conservatives to doubt whether this President really deserves their support. Doesn't McCraven's career embody an ideal of self-sacrifice, honor and discipline that our success as a nation depends on? Who is a better role model for our children: him or the President.
Many conservatives already think this way and in time, we can hope, more will join them.
48
Could it be that Trump's irrational attack on Admiral McRaven might mark the point at which we'll look back and say, this is where he went off the rails and lost even a significant portion of his die-hard "base"? Even for them, attacking a distinguished Navy SEAL and military hero for nakedly political reasons might be, indeed, "a bridge too far."
28
It’s no longer about Trump. It’s about his supporters, congressional and otherwise.
8
@Gary E.
It appears that most of his followers are indeed too deplorable to understand concepts like decency and honor. They'll never acknowledge his many failings.
Cadet Bone Spurs, who answered his nation's call of duty in 1968 with a note from one his daddy's doctors that said his feet hurt, wants America to know how much braver and how much smarter he is than the generals and everybody else.
NOTE to sane Americans and patriots: When the Imposter-In-Chief demonstrates his cowardly lion and heartless tinman self 24-hours-a-day 365-days-a-year, it's a hint that he should be removed from office before he flushes the country down his personal back hole.
The man is unwell; he's not much of man...and he's certainly no patriot.
Impeach
Indict
Incarcerate
527
@Socrates: You neglected to mention the Straw Man who was afraid of fire (Robert Mueller?)
12
yes!!
I am particularly in agreement with the last (3) sentences.
IMPEACH.
INDICT.
INCARCERATE.
...I'd buy the T-shirt.
12
@Socrates Ah, but the tin man, the scarecrow, and the lion knew what they lacked, recognized its value, and went on a quest to acquire it. Can't say the same about this man, who fully believes that he's perfection incarnate -- the best, the smartest, the richest, the the cleverest, etc etc. etc.
17
Trump’s ignorant trash talking ramblings would be par for the course in the confines of his country club after a round of golf.
But people deserve a President who knows what he is talking about before he opens his mouth on national t.v. And the military deserves a Commander in Chief who has his facts straight before he dresses down a former military officer.
Such ignorance from the President is frightening.
425
@Rita
After a dozen drinks I have been known to expound upon things of which I know nothing,to criticize accomplished people who have done nothing to hurt me. In my nastiest moods I can be rude,hurtful and crude to others just for the hell of it.
Trump is supposed to be a teetotaler though. So what's his excuse?
2
If you are not for Trump, you are against him. That is Trumps thinking. It does not matter what you have accomplished in your life. If you are criticizing Trump, you will draw his ire. Why people who work for him or support him find this acceptable.....there is no answer.
109
As commander in chief, as with every other aspect of his role as President, Trump is a disgrace and the single greatest threat to our nation.
611
@B Windrip: You certainly hit the nail on the head! I guess his GOP backers have blinders on as long as T-RUMP signs any program they want.
10
Trump, as we all know, has a tenuous relationship with fact, and mental acuity. He goes off like a child during a tantrum. His targets shift like the wind, and now he's laser-focused on Mr McRaven, who has served this country with dignity and honor for decades. It will be someone else next week, or maybe even tomorrow. This is a nice way of saying that Trump is the problem, and as long as he's in office, nothing will change. We can, however, change our response to the craziness. Focus on policy, focus on facts, focus on spotlighting this behavior for what it is - abuse.
178
Trump says, “Wouldn’t it have been nice if we got Osama bin Laden a lot sooner than that, wouldn’t it have been nice?”
Well, wouldn't it be nice if Trump has prevented the Korean war? After all he was 4 years old and should have used his smarts.
Well, wouldn't it be nice if Trump had resolved the Cuban missile crisis before it began? After all he was a young 16-year old man at that time.
Well, wouldn't it be nice if Trump had prevented the 9/11 attack on America an the disaster that ensued? After all he was a 65 year old "successful businessman" at that time.
Well, it seems that Trump was either not smart or too slow. Wouldn't it have been nice if he was either smart or fast?
59
“The future rests with whether we have taught our young men and women the importance of being noble, the power of the noble deed,” he said. “If we have taught them well, they will understand the importance of honesty and integrity, two qualities that will define their legacy in life.”
Sounds like a direct rebuke to our so-called President who has no concept of a noble deed, no honesty, no integrity, and is headed for a legacy of disgrace.
It's a logical follow on from his comment <...that the president, instead of setting an example as a leader, had “embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation.”>
64
Another true American hero is telling us the truth about the dangers to freedom and democracy posed by Donald Trump.
There is a long list already.
America will either continue as a democratic republic, or it will have a dictator who is above the law.
It is mainly in the hands of the Republican Party and we will hold them accountable.
89
@rich ... remember that the Republican party (and most of 'representative' government) is merely a tool of the Wealthy - and will do as they are told. Perhaps, more effectively, the ordinary citizen might visit the oligarchs in their communities and homes to present their views? It is probably the fear of this possibility that keeps their private jets warmed up and ready for flight...
6
“I admire all presidents, regardless of their political party, who uphold the dignity of the office and who use that office to bring the nation together in challenging times.”
Amen!
146
@TOM
Indeed. Nothing more needs to be said.
Mr. McRaven is an outstanding public servant, leader and patriot who understands the importance of the dignity of the Presidency and freedom of the press. He is facing his biggest challenge in battling a very deadly disease, which I’m sure he will do so courageously. I wish him well.
68