TRUMP'S MILITARY PARADE ABORTED

October 31, 2018

Dear Editor:

Trump’s parade got nixed for good reason. Veterans objected to being trivialized in this affront to their contributions to this country through their service. Trump is trumpeting the unsubstantiated “threat” represented by the mass of refugees who, out of fear of death at the hands of corrupt governments, drug cartels, and facing the specter of death threats to their young children, are walking thousands of miles to escape these threats.

Trump sees their northward movement through Mexico as an imminent threat to the US. So, his “solution” to this non-problem involves the military.

While fomenting xenophobia, unfounded fear, racism, and hatred, Trump orders 15,000 active duty US troops to the Southern border with no clear military objective, and no authority to move against the would-be emigres who pose no threat to any of us.

It’s abundantly clear that this is a cynical, naked political ploy to stoke Republican turnout in the election. It shamefully rests on dehumanizing the refugees and demeaning the US military. As a combat disabled Marine Vietnam veteran, I’m insulted at this callous, shameless ruse. We all deserve better. Mr. President stop fomenting hate and bigotry and stop using the US military as powerless pawns in your pathetic, wicked schemes.

Thank you,

Gary E. May