Robert Mueller died March 21. Donald Trump found out and felt compelled to provide a social media comment – “I’m glad he’s dead.”
My mom always told me, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything.” Trump’s advisors really should advise. Someone needs to tell him that he need not weigh in on every event on planet-earth.
OK, let’s be fair. I know the MAGA-ites are already screaming at their computer screens, “TDS” and arguing that, “you didn’t quote our leader’s entire post,” so here it is: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
And no, I don’t know why Trump’s name is in all-CAPS, but I could take a guess. I won’t.
So, does the full post make it more palatable? Does it reveal class that we missed when I summarized it?
When Charlie Kirk was murdered, MAGA world melted down at any reaction to his death that fell short of canonizing him. Kirk was a dynamic, but often polarizing, figure. Some of the reaction to his death was absolutely classless; I agreed then and now. How about you?
When Rob Reiner and his wife were murdered last year, Trump, as always, made himself the focus. His post then (which raises another question – do we have to do all communications on social media?) was that Reiner’s murder was “reportedly due to the anger he caused by others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction … known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”
My God, folks!! Have we erased decency completely?
Rob Reiner was an actor and director who produced classic movies like The Princess Bride, The American President, and When Harry Met Sally. Mr. Trump, can you not find one good word, that’s not about you, after his murder?
Let’s review some Robert Mueller history. He VOLUNTEERED for military service and was sent to Viet Nam. In December 1968, he received the Bronze Star Medal with the “V Device” for his valor during combat.
In April 1969, Mueller was shot during an ambush, but he maintained his position and ensured fire superiority over the enemy and defeated the hostile forces. He received the Purple Heart and a Navy Commendation Medal for valor. He remained in Vietnam despite his wounds, however, and continued to serve after his recovery.
Mueller separated as a captain in 1970 and was inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 2004, He was FBI Director and led the FBI through a dramatic transformation in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks and he spent many years with the Department of Justice.
Now, before I get comments like “Lee Harvey Oswald was a marine; are you disparaging marines?” or “Joe Biden had student deferments, so why aren’t you attacking sleepy Joe?” can we just focus on the point? I’m not debating Trump’s military service at 18, but his lack of class at 80. I’m looking for my leaders to have some class, some dignity, some humanity.
No one is asking Trump to be magnanimous because that would not be realistic. Instead, can we just ask him to shut up?
I’ve said it before, character matters and I’ve held that belief over the years. But after this past decade, I am wondering if maybe I am wrong. Maybe we don’t care anymore about being civil, being kind, being understanding and empathetic. Maybe we don’t care about other people anymore unless they can offer us something, unless they suit our needs, or unless they stroke our egos.
Trump wanted to appoint Mueller FBI Director in his first term, but was blocked because Mueller had already served in that position. Now he’s “glad he’s dead.”
My dad had advice that was more to the point than Mom’s, and maybe more applicable to today, “It’s not about you, so just shut up.” You tell em, Dad.
So, are we done with kindness now? Just asking.
Curt MacRae is a resident of Coldwater, MI and publishes opinion columns regularly.
To be notified by email when a column is published, or to offer feedback: rantsbymac@gmail.com
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