I haven’t written anything about President Trump since he took office a week and a half ago. This despite the fact that I have been deeply concerned by some of his “executive orders”. I considered his statements during his inaugural address to be reprehensible in the way he strongly criticized previous administrations while former Presidents were in the room. I feel that many of his picks for cabinet positions are unqualified and I am deeply fearful of the way in which his administration has already demonized immigrants and transgender individuals among others.
Still, I wanted to take a break from all of the anger and bitterness I feel towards this man and try to focus on other things.
But his remarks today during his press conference concerning the horrible crash in Washington were an absolute disgrace and can not be allowed to stand without a response. This horrible disaster which took the lives of so many has plunged victims’ families and friends, and the entire nation into mourning. It is a time to reach out in comfort and solace. It is a time for public figures to rise to the occasion and unite our country at this time of deep sadness.
At a moment in which he assumed the role of “comforter in chief”, President Trump began with some clearly scripted remarks which, from my perspective did not display the empathy and concern that such statements require. That didn’t surprise me. He has shown himself unable to express such compassion over and over again.
But, then, shortly after those brief remarks, he turned the press conference into an opportunity to rant against the Biden and Obama administrations and to make it known that the cause of the crash was the government’s DEI programs which he so adamantly opposes. His accusations against air traffic controllers when the investigation into the crash has hardly begun was horrendous.
It was an absolute disgrace to see the President of the United States playing the “blame game” while bodies still are being recovered and then, to hear him state that he and he alone can solve the nation’s problems. Over and over again, he found people to blame while continuously patting himself on the back and complimenting himself for the way he addresses issues and the way in which he only chooses the most “intelligent” and “best” people to work in his administration.
It was a horrendous display of egotism, of insensitivity and callous behavior.
While I’ve come to expect this of him, this was beyond despicable.
This is the way this President responds to a crisis: with name calling, demonizing and divisive words and actions. It is not the way a president – or any human being for that matter- should act
There is nothing else to say. We must all raise our voices.
And may the families of the victims find peace and comfort in knowing that all in this nation stand with them in their pain.
I’m afraid that “raising our voices” to this monster is just howling into the wind. We need to organize for the next election cycle.
I agree 100% about organizing for the next cycle. But, I think there is also a need to respond to this type of behavior in the moment through loud clear voices.
Rob, this is one of the rare occasions that I yelled and screamed like a deranged person at the TV. I have never been this disgusted at another primate like I have over his disgraceful performance. I have always said that hate is a terrible thing to carry but I cannot be kind here. I make an exception with the Orange moron. You articulated that message perfectly. Stay well cousin.
He is heartless and cruel. This is a time to support the families of the victims with compassion. He is beyond disgraceful, as you expressed so well.
Disgraceful is too mild but there is no word that would suffice so disgraceful will do, Rabbi. His words and tone exemplified lack of gracefulness. We can’t look away or stop listening but what a sad waste of time. Thank you for your words, Rabbi.