The point of Trump's dishonor: Why the Arlington debacle is about more than the fallen

[marmar]

The point of Trump’s dishonor: Why the Arlington debacle is about more than the fallen
The debacle encapsulates Donald Trump's craven lust for power

By Dennis Aftergut - Eugene R. Fidell
Published September 4, 2024 5:30AM (EDT)


(Salon) Much has been written about Donald Trump’s utter contempt for American patriotism as displayed at Arlington cemetery last week. Trump desecrating the hallowed ground where the bodies of recently fallen soldiers lay has generated disgust in most Americans. Yet, what makes the moment so significant goes beyond his politicizing sacred ground in self-service. The debacle encapsulates the craven elements of his lust for power:

1. His disregard not only of norms but also of the rule of law that protects all of us.

2. The bullying use of force to get his way, always by others not himself.

3. Leveraging the threat of further violence to intimidate those who can hold him to account.

4. His dependence on Republican enablers without whom he cannot succeed. In this case, the key enabler was House Speaker Mike Johnson, the highest-ranking elected Republican in the nation.

....(snip)....

You don’t need a docent to describe the fine points of each element of Trumpism. First, once Trump saw the opportunity for personal interest, he could have cared less about norms or rules that safeguard the feelings of others. At least one of the other grief-stricken Gold Star families expressed their strong displeasure with Trump’s misconduct.

Second, is there anything familiar sounding about Trump’s backers resorting to force when following the law doesn’t get them what they want? January 6 was of an event of a completely different order, but Trump’s MO doesn’t change, whatever the setting or scale: Law and order be damned, do what it takes to dominate.

....(snip)....

Now let’s focus on enabler Mike Johnson. On August 28, the right-wing Daily Caller quoted an anonymous source proudly proclaiming that Trump being at Arlington “would not have happened without Speaker Johnson.” He had apparently intervened with the military to ensure that Trump could be present despite hesitation from Arlington authorities who foresaw the abuse of sacred ground that would occur. ................(more)

https://www.salon.com/2024/09/04/the-point-of-trumps-dishonor-why-the-arlington-debacle-is-about-more-than-the-fallen/

[Dear_Prudence]

1. No Burning Man at Bedminster.

Per The Don, one doesn't need permission to party at a cemetary. So, what about Bedminster for Burning Man? At Bedminster Burning Man, participants would be respectful of the gravesite at the "No Hallowed Ground" cemetary (established by the would-be draft-dodger-and-chief); only graveside group photos featuring thumbs-up grins would be acceptable. The golf course's lush grass, wading pools, paved pathways, and clubhouse, (and the lack of natural habitat that could be disturbed) make it a lovely alternative to the Black Rock Desert. Sadly, The Don's 500 acre Bedminster estate is dwarfed by the current desert location for the festival, so it would be insufficient to host a large crowd. So, maybe not.

[Cirsium]

2. Good article

Excerpts:

"There is no exception for the politicization of a memorial service, even if sanctioned by a grieving family."

"A candidate who would track cheap political mud across the hallowed grounds at Arlington is capable of anything."