By John Q. Hosedrinker As I sit down to write about how Trump was allowed to use Arlington National Cemetery as a campaign prop, my blood boils with anger and frustration. The fact that such a dishonorable and disrespectful individual was given access to one of the most sacred places in America leaves me shaking my head in disbelief.
The reason Trump was able to use Arlington National Cemetery as a backdrop for his political grandstanding is simple: norms aren’t laws. The only thing that stopped previous Presidents from doing the same was their sense of honor and dignity – two qualities that Trump sorely lacks. This man, who negotiated with the Taliban, releasing thousands of enemy fighters and leaving the Afghan government sidelined, had the audacity to stand on the hallowed grounds of Arlington as if he had any semblance of respect for our fallen heroes.
It is sickening to think about how he publicly demeaned our soldiers and their families, calling them losers and suckers behind closed doors, yet had the nerve to parade himself around Arlington as if he cared. The man who avoided military service by allegedly faking bone spurs and used the White House as a stage for his campaign speeches dared to desecrate the memory of those who gave everything for this country.
The fact that the families of fallen soldiers invited him and welcomed his exploitation of Arlington is disheartening, to say the least. Trump’s track record of disrespecting the military, from insulting war heroes to avoiding visits to memorials like Normandy, speaks volumes about his true character. He sees soldiers as props, pawns to be used for his own gain, without an ounce of genuine respect or appreciation.
Reading about how he belittled a severely wounded soldier, questioning why someone like that was even present, makes my blood boil. His lack of empathy and compassion is appalling, and the fact that he was allowed to set foot in Arlington National Cemetery is a stain on the honor and dignity of all those who rest there.
It is time to hold those responsible for allowing his presence at Arlington accountable. The rules clearly state that partisan activities are inappropriate at the cemetery, and yet Trump was granted access to use it for his own political agenda. The families invited him, and they have every right to do so, but those within the military and cemetery administration who allowed it to happen must face scrutiny for their complicity in this disgraceful act.
As a proud Army combat veteran, I cannot help but feel disgusted by the way Trump was able to exploit Arlington National Cemetery for his own selfish purposes. The memories of my fellow soldiers who gave their lives for this country deserve more respect than to be used as a backdrop for a man who views them as nothing more than props in his political theatre.
In my eyes, Trump’s actions at Arlington National Cemetery serve as a stark reminder of the depth of his depravity and lack of integrity. The fact that he was allowed to use such a sacred place as a campaign prop speaks volumes about the state of our society and the erosion of decency and honor in our political landscape. May we never forget the true cost of freedom, paid for by the brave men and women who rest in places like Arlington, and may we never allow their memory to be exploited for political gain ever again.