General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI served under 8 commanders in chief. Trump doesn't grasp the role.
By Wesley K. Clark
November 19 at 9:00 AM
f all the roles of the presidency, commander in chief was perhaps the one that candidate Donald Trump most relished. His take-charge style, his hat and slogan, his command presence on the stage, his early experience at New York Military Academy and his boasting that I know more about ISIS than the generals do demonstrated his inclinations. And many Americans, including service members and veterans, believed that he would be a strong and effective commander in chief.
Yet as president, Trumps actions and behavior have led service members and veterans to question whether he really understands who a commander in chief is, or what he does.
I served under eight presidents. I applied for West Point as President John F. Kennedy confronted the Soviets in Berlin, went to Vietnam under President Richard Nixon and came home on a stretcher, worked in the White House under President Gerald Ford, and eventually retired as NATO supreme allied commander under President Bill Clinton. I ran for the presidency myself out of deep concern as the ill-considered Iraq War unfolded under President George W. Bush. My heart is with the men and women in uniform, as well as our veterans. It is that affinity that brings me to these observations.
President Trump believes he honors and respects the military. He praises our men and women constantly. I dont think anybodys been more with the military than I have, as a president, he told Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday. He has appointed numerous generals to serve in his administration (I have generals that are great generals) and gained pay raises and hikes in defense spending. He fired the VA chief. He has a snappy salute and appreciates a good military parade, like the one he saw in France last year. He wants to be loved, respected and admired, no doubt.
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2018/11/19/i-served-under-commanders-chief-trump-doesnt-grasp-role/?utm_term=.cfd24f9307a1
Achilleaze
(15,543 posts)duforsure
(11,884 posts)Traditional russian role as a dictator, where he corrupts , and compromises people to serve only him , and not this country , while claiming he's making this country great again, all the opposite of the truth. All while he attacks institutions undermining this Democracy, then repeats his lies making America great again BS. The level of corruption is unbelievable , and the replacements of people not corrupt enough continue with more corruptible people for him to use shows his intentions. Only someone who hates this country , as I believe he really does, could do something like he's doing to us now, and on a daily basis. Just look at those murderous, criminal corrupt dictators he looks up to, and he idolizes .
nolabear
(41,932 posts)General Clark make the same mistake so many do. They focus on his lack of knowledge or his leadership shortcomings as though if he could he would do better. If he was smarter, less clumsy or old or inexperienced. I dont believe that for a minute. He doesnt give a flying fuck about the troops, the generals, anything other than how he looks, how he can use them to win, not in any real way but moment to moment. Its hard for people who cant imagine being that kind of warped creature to fathom it, and it gives him ridiculous power to do the heretofore unimaginable.
dameatball
(7,394 posts)When I read this, I wondered why he bothered to write it.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)usaf-vet
(6,161 posts)Trump doesn't give a rat's a$$ about our active duty military and veterans.
He only want to use them as a political prop (see unnecessary Mexican border deployment).
He also wants them as onstage backdrops for his political rants.
He is a malignant narcissists who thinks the world revolves around him.
He doesn't deserve to be the CiC.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)feel about this over the Thanksgiving holiday. Not sure how they will respond, but I am pretty sure my brother doesn't like Trump.
BamaRefugee
(3,483 posts)smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Good strategy!
JDC
(10,114 posts)Trump is an unmitigated disaster and a zero at leadership. Period.
kimbutgar
(21,055 posts)SpankMe
(2,956 posts)From the article: "In his campaign, Trump promised that only he knew how to lead America. In the field of national security the jury is still out."
The jury isn't still out. The jury is in. Way in. They've rendered their verdict, have been thanked by the judge, have been dismissed and have received their checks for their jury service in the mail. That ship has sailed long ago.
The verdict was: Guilty. Guilty of corruption, incompetence and mind-numbing stupidity. Guilty of causing cracks in America's foundational values and institutions. Guilty of being the world's nastiest asshole. Guilty of being a Supreme Motherfucker.
I respect Gen Clark's editorial. But I really hate that after all that's happened, he still leaves room for further analysis of Trump's behavior ("the jury is still out" ) as if any redemption or reversal of the damage is possible. No further hesitation or delay is needed on the judgement of Trump's "service" to the country. No jury is still out. It's in, and it's bad. Just say so, General. Don't hedge your words out of fear of the conservatives. Say what you really mean to. We really need you to.
skypilot
(8,851 posts)Five of the worst words he could have ended this editorial with. My mouth dropped open when I read them.
malaise
(268,694 posts)The vile MAGAcretin has lost the military. Watch the ride.
FakeNoose
(32,579 posts)... did Gen. Clark ever say a complimentary thing about Obama when HE was President? I can't remember, but that's just me. It doesn't seem that he did, even when Bin Laden was taken. It seems Clark is bending over backwards trying to find some fool thing to compliment Cheeto on, even when there's nothing!
"The jury's still out." What!?!
sarge43
(28,940 posts)Sir, with all due respect, have you been paying attention?
Moron has trashed Gold Star families, POWs, combat PTSD victims and a Navy Seal who conducted a deadly dangerous and successful covert op.
He's bragged that STDs were his Vietnam. "I...went to Vietnam ... and came home on a stretcher." You call that praise for your service, sir?
He wanted to put a pill popping ass kissing careerist in charge of the VA.
On the centennial of the end of WWI, he couldn't even drag his ass to Arlington to honor the first Unknown. A soldier or marine who paid the highest price; he died alone, even his name was lost. In case you missed his 'explanation', he was busy making phone calls. Would you have accepted that lame ass excuse from a subordinate?
Again with all due respect, around the Day Room we wouldn't call the above praise; we'd call it chicken shit.