By John Q. Hosedrinker 
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Donald Trump’s response to a question about attending the funeral of a slain National Guard member has sparked a firestorm of online criticism, and frankly, it’s not hard to see why. The incident, as relayed, paints a picture of a man utterly detached from the gravity of the situation, prioritizing self-aggrandizement over empathy and respect. When asked if he’d attend the funeral of Sarah Beckstrom, the 20-year-old soldier gunned down near the White House, Trump’s response reportedly revolved around his own political victories in West Virginia, rather than offering any condolences or acknowledging the loss.
It’s difficult not to be taken aback by the apparent lack of emotional intelligence displayed. While it’s impossible to offer a professional diagnosis without the proper qualifications, the reported behavior raises questions about the ability to connect with others on a human level. The comments online reflect this sentiment, with many people expressing a mixture of anger, disappointment, and, frankly, a sense of weary resignation. This kind of self-centered response, they say, has become expected. The focus, it appears, immediately shifted to himself, showcasing a pattern of behavior that many find exhausting and, frankly, appalling.
The contrast between the solemnity of the situation and Trump’s response is stark. Funerals are for grieving, not for campaign rallies. The family of the deceased deserves nothing less than compassion and respect, and the online reactions suggest a collective sense that this was not delivered. The criticism also extends to the people who continue to support him. There’s a palpable frustration over what some perceive as a normalization of unacceptable behavior. The comments express a sense of disbelief that this is the best the Republican party can offer.
The criticisms go further, suggesting that Trump’s actions are consistent with his character. His past comments about the military, his history of making things about himself, and what some consider a blatant disregard for basic human decency, all seem to contribute to this view. It’s a sentiment of being tired of the constant stream of self-serving comments and actions. The lack of empathy, they say, is a defining trait. Some suggest that this response is not a sign of dementia but a reflection of his true nature: a deeply self-absorbed individual.
The outrage is palpable. The comments express a genuine concern for the family and loved ones of the deceased soldier, coupled with a deep sense of disillusionment. Some believe Trump has normalized what is, essentially, grotesque behavior. It’s not just the words themselves, but the context in which they were spoken. The contrast between the seriousness of the situation and the perceived shallowness of the response has clearly struck a nerve. The remarks indicate that Trump doesn’t seem to consider anyone other than himself.
In this context, some express a deep disdain for Trump and the actions of his supporters. The comments are filled with words like “gross,” “demented,” and “soulless.” The reactions indicate that many people feel that Trump’s behavior is beyond the pale. Some point out that this is nothing new, and that Trump has been exhibiting this kind of behavior for years. Others wonder how anyone can continue to support him, given what they see as his fundamental flaws.
The question of whether Trump would have attended the funeral if there was a political advantage to it is also raised. Would his response have been different if he could somehow turn the tragedy into a political win? The underlying sentiment, is that Trump uses people as tools. The implication is that if there wasn’t an angle for him to exploit, he would not be interested. Many believe he wouldn’t care, and that the only funeral he would like to attend is his own.
The outrage is real, and the criticism is harsh. It’s hard to ignore the sentiment that this is not just a misstep, but a clear illustration of a lack of empathy and a blatant disregard for human suffering. It seems that many people are simply exhausted by the pattern of behavior. The question becomes, how much longer can this continue? It’s a sign of the current state of politics in the US.