Honesty and integrity at stake

Dear Editor,

We all watched the recent White House address that cut into primetime TV. And even when Donald Trump tries to deliver a positive message his anger and hate always get in the way. He knows Americans aren’t buying his ‘great’ economy while doubling down on how much he ‘loves tariffs’ and his discrimination of immigrants and his excuses to use taxpayer money in ways that we or Congress haven’t approved. 

And once again, with unpresidential disgust, while millions shocked and mourn the tragic death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Trump shows us again the kind of man he is when he posted online talking about himself in a ‘third party’ demeaning a man he only wishes he could be, talented in the entertainment arts.

A brilliant film writer and movie legend from “When Harry Met Salley” to “The Princess Bride” and “A Few Good Men” and so many more memorable movies Reiner has been loved and admired for. And not just his works in film making. But as he had said, “You can use your celebrity,  your good fortune, to make change.” The Reiners were lifelong environmentalists and human rights activists. Two things Trump hates most. 

And mocking the violent death of a loving husband and wife and father and mother that were kind and compassionate and cared about others and the well-being of our country proves Rob Reiner’s point when he said, “Donald Trump is hurting the soul of our country.” Trump thrives on hate and violence and we have seen it for too long now.

His hate rhetoric grows more intolerable as he refuses to let up. But I and others regardless of those who try to label us with derogatory names parroting Trump’s exact words see it as a patriotic duty to hold Trump accountable. No different than any other president. Though he thinks he is. It made sense when his White House Chief of Staff said, “Trump has an alcoholic’s personality.” 

Which obsession and aggression and ‘I can do whatever I want’ attitude regardless who gets hurt, is spot on. A “king baby” attitude is his calling card. His rage and insecurity with men he can’t bend to his will or be like eat away at him to a fault. Faulting others for his slip ups and mistakes to the point people are sick and tired of hearing about ‘sleepy Joe’ when Trump can’t keep his own eyes open when even on national TV.

Whether it be his pettiness and jealousy and now just his old age but the combination isn’t good for our country with the heightened problems here and round the world. Sen. McCain who at the time of his death Trump initially didn’t want the White House flag to fly at half mast with our nation’s longstanding protocol. Why? Because of his small mindedness of what it means to be a military hero and a sitting senator.

And too noteworthy McCain helped protect, wait for it … healthcare. Yes a Republican! Which infuriated Trump. Or Sen Kelly while Trump tires to trash his impeccable reputation as a pilot fighter and astronaut and now a sitting senator. Trump childishly projected himself as a pilot fighter as if he wants to be like Kelly, minus the feces. Or the horrific murder of Rob Riener and his wife he tried to make it about himself, saying they were killed because of TDS – Trump derangement syndrome, when it was not about politics but about a family tragedy.

Military hero or a great American artist the list is long with Trump’s obsession with men like them who share a common thread; the courage to speak truth to power. Men who through their honesty and diligent integrity have given themselves for the betterment of others. 

No matter how many men Trump tries to degrade and erase or how many buildings and institutions and centers and whatever else he puts is name on to feed his ego and vanity it won’t work. He’ll never be as great a man like those still with us and those who have passed.

J.M.