Once again, I find that I have to address a political situation in this blog, something I have not wanted to do. But this is so extraordinary that I cannot sit by and ignore it. Once again, Americans and the world need to speak out.
In a White House Lawn interview today, President Trump said something incredible, something I never thought any President of the United States of America would ever say, in any context: “He [Kim Jong Un] speaks and people sit up at attention. I want my people to do the same.”
He later claimed that he was being sarcastic, but there is no place for that kind of dictatorial speech by an American leader. Has he forgotten that he was elected and not born into his position that the North Korean Dictator was? And to compliment one of the worst dictators in our world is unconscionable. The North Korean Dictator oppresses, starves, tortures, and kills the people of North Korea. How can the President show any kind of admiration for such a tyrant? How dare he show envy for the North Korean dictator?
There is no place in a democracy for any hint of a dictatorship. How dare he say this? Does he have no compassion? Does he have no decency?
The United States, along with its allies, fought World War Two to defeat dictators. Millions of people died in that war, and their memories must be honored by never–never–having a leader speak like a dictator. Let us remember that we live in a democracy; in order for it to survive, our leaders and our people must honor that democracy.
And President Trump needs to understand that he serves the American People. The American People are not his people.
Later claiming sarcasm does not excuse this horrific statement. There is no excuse for this statement.
Americans must be aware of the risk of dictatorship.
How dare any President speak like a dictator?
Thanks for posting this. I’ve thought quite a bit about the general silence in the creative-writing-indie-publishing community, and about my own reluctance to bring this kind of topic into my blogs or my Twitter posts (though I am very vocal on FB). Chuck Wendig is the possible exception. I may have to follow your lead at some point. I didn’t see this. Do you have a link for a video? I would like to post this on FB.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are very welcome, and I think it is crucial for writers to speak out. As for links, check any of the major news sources today–I am sure CNN will have it.
LikeLike
Scary times with our littlest dictator.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, they are scary times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anyone who believe he was joking is either a fervent Trump supporter or in denial.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are completely correct.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know Charles that the questions were rhetorical, but I’m forced to answer them anyway,
He has no compassion.
He has no decency.
I’d be willing to lay odds that someone told him afterwards to say he was being sarcastic.
Hugs
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you are correct.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, said, My Friend!! Preaching to the choir with me but . . . . sad what has happened in America!!
Thanks for sharing this – Bravo!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on K. D. Dowdall and commented:
What has America become? Americans elected a man without honor, without integrity, without humanity, who tells falsehoods with impunity. He has no concept of democracy, he honors horrific dictators and wants to be one, a horrific dictator. He has a really good start at doing just that. He denigrates our friends and neighbors across the world that are democratic. Democracy is not perfect, but it is surely far better than the alternative: Russia and North Korea, to name but two horrors that exist in the world.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your reply is cogent and deeply important. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! We need many more people to speak out, because if we don’t we will get what we deserve – a dictator, a horrifically insane individual.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome, and I do hope many others do speak out.
LikeLike
Charles, I have re-blogged both of your outstanding posts and I completely agree that we are headed down a road of no-return. Democracy is on the cusp of destruction step by step.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Karen, Thank you so much. We, the writers of the world, must speak up now, and we must mobilize voters now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes…somehow. This is what happened in Germany and other countries now under horrific cults of personality that are just simply mentally ill humans.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you give them too much credit. I see them as truly evil and not mentally ill. But I might be wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, in retrospect…I completely agree with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s disturbing and not one word from our cowardly Republican lead congress. Shiver.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is deeply disturbing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know many that voted for him. I’m waiting for them to see the price they are going to pay. We will all pay if we don’t move him along somehow and I know many are trying to get him out of that office. He see’s himself as supreme and in full power. Dangerous! Every time he opens his mouth, I’m stunned. I almost can’t listen anymore. My blood pressure can’t handle it. Everyone should be very frightened right now. I know I am.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am frightened also, but please do not let anything raise your blood pressure! Many are going to vote against him and his crew.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I’m still around then, I definitely will vote against him and his kind. Really want it to happen today. There are so many with no heart or understanding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As I have seen here, there are also many with heart, understanding, and kindness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As neither dictator, Kim Jong Un or Trump, have a conscience, I am fail to be surprised.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope that people who do have consciences begin to act.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too. I’ve been living abroad for nearly 11 years and believe me, the rest of the world is watching to find out if that will happen. The doubt grows with each passing day. Thanks for the post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, and I hope the sane people will prevail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We shall see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, we are paying attention. Rest assured we are paying attention. Gee, what was that quote…”Give me liberty or give me death?”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope more people start paying attention.
LikeLiked by 1 person