(Caricature of "The Donald" is by DonkeyHotey.)Donald Trump has stepped in it again, and it doesn't look like the stink will go away anytime soon. By attacking khazir and Ghazala Khan, the parents of a U.S. Army Captain who gave his life in Iraq saving his comrades (receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart), Trump has earned the ire of nearly everyone. That includes the VFW (normally partial to GOP candidates), Gold Star families, and even his fellow Republicans. Here are what they had to say about Trump's inexcusable statements:
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
“Election year or not, the VFW will not tolerate anyone berating a Gold Star family member for exercising his or her right of speech or expression.”
“There are certain sacrosanct subjects that no amount of wordsmithing can repair once crossed. Giving one’s life to nation is the greatest sacrifice, followed closely by all Gold Star families, who have a right to make their voices heard.”
17 Gold Star Families
You recent comments regarding the Khan family were repugnant, and personally offensive to us. When you question a mother's pain, by implying that her religion, not her grief, kept her from addressing an arena of people, you are attacking us. When you say your job building buildings is akin to our sacrifice, you are attacking our sacrifice.
You are not just attacking us, you are cheapening the sacrifice made by those we lost.
Senator John McCain
"While our party has bestowed upon him the nomination, it is not accompanied by unfettered license to defame those who are the best among us."
"I cannot emphasize enough how deeply I disagree with Mr. Trump’s statement. I hope Americans understand that the remarks do not represent the views of our Republican Party, its officers or candidates."
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
"All Americans should value the patriotic service of the patriots who volunteer to selflessly defend us in the armed services. And as I have long made clear, I agree with the Khans and families across the country that a travel ban on all members of a religion is simply contrary to American values."
Speaker Paul Ryan
"America's greatness is built on the principles of liberty and preserved by the men and women who wear the uniform to defend it. As I have said on numerous occasions, a religious test for entering our country is not reflective of these fundamental values. I reject it. "Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military and made the ultimate sacrifice. Capt. Khan was one such brave example. His sacrifice — and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan — should always be honored. Period." Senator Sue Collins
"No one should criticize grieving parents who have lost a son in combat. Capt. Khan was an American hero."
Senator Lindsey Graham
"If you're going to be leader of the free world, you have to be able to accept criticism. Mr. Trump can't. The problem is, 'unacceptable' doesn't even begin to describe it."
The smart thing would be for Trump to apologize to the Khans, all Gold Star families, and all Americans. But Trump's huge ego (i.e., narcissism) won't allow him to do that. He never apologizes, even when it would be the best thing to do.
Do we really want this fool to become president?
