   My abhorrence for the president isnât exactly a secret. I think heâs a misogynist, a sociopath, a liar, a cheat, a bully and woefully under-educated about our government, our history and his position on the world stage. I pray every night the damage he is doing to our relationships with our allies and to our countryâs reputation is not irreparable. To say I am depressed would be a gross understatement of my emotional health. That said, I hope you will read this anyway. Donât let your political beliefs stop you from hearing a viewpoint that perhaps differs from your own. After all, the more you know… đÂ
   My husband and I watch Sunday Morning on CBS every Sunday, unless itâs a rerun and even then we often still watch. This morning there was a segment about groups who refurbished World War II war planes then flew them to England for D-Day remembrance events. The piece included an interview with a gentleman who flew over Normandy Beach, in such a plane, on D-Day, he is 92. Another gentlemen was with the landing forces, also in his 90s. An observation was made that THIS year will probably be the LAST year any member of the WWII armed services will be at these ceremonies because there are so few living members left and those that are are in their 90s. The journey is far and difficult on someone in their 90s. And yet, they still want to go even though they know it is ill-advised. No one can doubt their loyalty to their country.Â
   Those of us who werenât there will never understand what those men and women, families and friends, sacrificed to keep this country free and safe for future generations. We owe them a debt we can never repay. The last scene in the D-Day piece was a overview of the Normandy Beach American Cemetery in France. The rows and rows of stark white crosses against the vibrant green grass stretch far into the distance. Itâs a sobering landscape. As are Arlington National Cemetery and the Punchbowl in Hawaii. If youâve never seen them, Google them. They are worth viewing. As you look at the pictures, remember what each cross represents. Remember each man or woman commemorated there; the dedication, love of country and willingness to give their life for a cause believing it more important than themselves. The sacrifices of their families, waiting hopefully at home. The sacrifices of the whole country for a war effort that surely never felt like deprivation but a partnership with those fighting far from home. Their part to ensure their loved ones safe return. These men and women left their homes and families; frightened of the unknown but bravely going because it was a job that had to be done.
   The president couldnât be bothered last year to go to the cemetery in France during D-Day remembrance ceremonies because it was RAINING. This year, he placed three flags at three grave sites at Arlington the Thursday before Memorial Day. He didnât place the wreath at Arlington because he was meeting with the Japanese. At a joint press conference, he chose to publicly criticize a former Vice President (and possible future political opponent), siding with comments made by Koreaâs maniacal foreign dictator. Maybe he is unaware WWII was also fought because of Japanâs attack on Pearl Harbor, the reason my father enlisted. The timing could have been better. During the same trip, the presidentâs staff requested a Navy destroyer, the U.S.S. John McCain stationed in Japan, be moved or disguised because of continuing animosity with Senator McCain for whom the ship was named. The senator died over 10 months ago; a war hero even though he was âcapturedâ.
   Itâs been explained the president went to military school, as if that somehow exculpates his lack of service in any branch of the military. He is only two years older than I. I knew several guys who âwentâ to military school in those days. Without exception, they were sent (involuntarily) and mainly because they were causing problems for their families. I donât know of one who wanted a future career in the armed services. They came back home just as troubled as when they left.
   Military service requires selfless dedication, single-minded determination, a willingness to sacrifice whatever is necessary for the common good. This president exhibits none of those traits. He doesnât understand those traits. He may not even know the value of those traits.
The president thumbs his nose at this country and itâs people, daily. He wouldnât understand sacrifice, any sacrifice, if it jumped on his head.  Â
Sooseyâs Ruminations 