To the editor:
I didn't think things could get much darker in our domestic and foreign affairs, but once again I underestimated Trump, "our supreme leader," as he apparently wants to be referred to.
And, to a bunch of pandering Republicans in the Congress who refused to use their Constitutional mandate to enforce the War Powers clause. They will ultimately suffer at the polls in November for their inaction (in my opinion) because the effects of this war we have embarked upon are only beginning to play out.
I recall in the old Laurel and Hardy films, one piece of dialog when things went badly was, "Well, it's another fine mess you've gotten us into, Ollie."
As Trump has progressed over the last few months in his actions: to destroy drug boats (never proven) and killed survivors in the water (against international laws); captured and removed the president of Venezuela; did something in Africa that never has gotten much attention; threatened Greenland; killed the Iranian Ayatollah Khomeini; and launched a war against Iran with shifting explanations of the reason for our military actions (no imminent threat to our country) — when asked he said he had a "feeling based upon information."
There appear to be no specific goals or objectives in mind to accomplish, no "exit" strategy, and no consideration of how this would destabilize the entire region. He did not explain the whole Iranian venture to the U.S. public (or anyone for the matter), so he does not have our backing.
This is akin to the old saying "a bull in a China shop," but this bull appears to be blind to anything other than his ambition to wield power any way he can.
His Secretary of Defense (War?) is so full of himself that he states that he can do anything he wishes to against the established laws. Laws- Rules of Engagement — that were put into place to protect not only foreign powers in the exercise of war, but also to protect our own service members in combat.
Trump's teaming up with Israel's long-desired attack on Iran is making cities in Iran look a lot like those in Gaza's with buildings destroyed and people out on the streets — homeless. A few days ago, "precision missiles" from the United States forces destroyed an elementary school, killing 120-plus children.
And now, it was reported that Trump was considering sending "boots on the ground", American foot soldiers, into Iran. Iran is a country of 92 million, with a variety of weapons, and the professed statement over the years of "Death to America."
Our troops would do their best because they do their duty, but a necessary component in such an enterprise is leadership that is wise, not malevolently powerful.
There are credible reports that Russia, through its technology, has assisted Iranian forces in targeting our forces. When asked about this, Trump chose not to answer, too caught up in glorifying his "big beautiful ballroom."
Six of our service people from an Army National Guard unit based in Des Moines, lowa, on temporary deployment to Kuwait, died at a lightly- fortified Army outpost this last week in a drone attack.
Nine were injured and remain hospitalized, one woman from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, was among the casualties. She had been due to return to Minnesota in the near future, but will now be returning in a coffin.
All six will be returned to the Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, the reception point for military who have died in foreign engagements.
Trump's rush to war did not give the military adequate time to fortify the base before the drone attacked. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will be ordering flags to be at half-staff in her honor.
I was in the U.S. Air Force for four years, and the South Dakota Air National Guard for 30 years.
Guard members are the true citizen-soldiers, dating back to the time of our American revolution.
They serve for various reasons: perhaps to have some help with college tuitions, perhaps as a part-time "job" to help support their families, but at their core lies the desire to serve their country.
Their welfare was not supported by Trump, their Commander in Chief. It is traditional that when service members have died in armed conflict and are returned to Dover AFB, that presidents are present to pay their respects.
Trump is supposed to be present at their return, but I believe he will be there in name only — to have his picture taken for political purposes. Since he is a person who lacks empathy and respect, he may be thinking to himself the words with which he described military members: "suckers, losers".
He is a man who, in his first term in office, flew to Normandy, France, for the anniversary of the World War D-Day operation.
But he did not join the other heads of state at the cemetery who had come to pay their respects to the fallen heroes who had stormed the beaches, braved the withering German fire, and gave their lives to free Europe from the Nazi threat.
They are often referred to "the greatest generation" because of their bravery. Bravery is described as everyday people performing brave actions against impossible odds.
In these perilous, uncertain times, it is vital that "We the People" stand together with the same courage and dedication to upholding the strengths of the democracy upon which our nation was founded 250 years ago.
We must recognize the truths that lie behind the "false faces" some leaders present to us, and hold them accountable. At my core believe that Truth will overcome falsehood and deceit, and that Love will triumph over hatred. God bless America!
Larry Green, Luverne
