This is unhinged even for Donald Trump
Memorial Day is generally treated as the beginning of summer, as the weather of much of the country heats up and pools open, while unfortunately, too many people forget about the sacrifices of the brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces that made many of our freedoms possible. It’s why I avoid saying “Happy Memorial Day” to anyone, regardless of whether or not I happen to have plans for the day. There should be some solemn consideration for the fallen in battle regardless of what else you do.
Of course, it would’ve been bad enough if a Democratic president started the day off by wishing a Happy Memorial Day, but Donald Trump was far from finished there. He badly embarrassed himself enough last week with a rambling speech for cadets graduating at West Point, but the tribute he was meant to give as president this year at Arlington National Cemetery was beyond depraved and stupid – even for him.
Apart from a few initial remarks about freedom and peace, from a guy who isn’t really a fan of either, Trump had to go right into a riff about celebrating America’s 250-year anniversary. For any of you geniuses keeping score, that’s not until next year – as is the FIFA World Cup match that the US will be hosting. Somehow, that overshadowed his remarks as well. It’s getting to the point where any degree of propping him up isn’t going to cut it.
James Sullivan is the assistant editor of Brain World Magazine and an advocate of science-based policy making