Nearly everyone I know has sacrificed something for another person, a cause, or his or her country. These sacrifices may be nothing more than a simple kindness, or in all too many cases offering their lives for their country. This is America at its very core; doing for others. When our nation achieves greatness, the reasons will lie in the compassion and understanding of its people; when racism and bigotry are nothing but a bad memory.
Throughout my nearly 73 years I have been a citizen of the United States. Thirteen men have held the title of President of the United States; 12 of whom I remember. I grew up believing that our nation’s leaders should be role models for all young men and women. Their character, morals, and principles should be an example for all Americans.
Sadly, this was not the situation for most of those 12 men. I was young when “I liked Ike.” His love for his country was admirable. I learned later in life about his prejudices. He cannot be called a “great” leader.
I began high school just months before John F. Kennedy was elected. His vision for America combined with an energy which appealed to our nation’s young people and inspired a level of patriotism not seen since the beginning of WWII. His assassination in 1963 crushed the spirit of myself and my friends. He sacrificed his life for his country.
For Americans in my age group, Lyndon Johnson will always be a bad memory. Under his presidency thousands of young men and women in my age group were sent to their deaths in a country halfway around the world; and to this day I don’t know why.
We all know the story of Richard Nixon. His ambitions; his personal beliefs; resulted in immoral and criminal actions.
I found it unacceptable when Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon, and this will forever be his legacy.
Jimmy Carter remains one of the finest and most patriotic men in America. He continues to sacrifice his time and energy for others. I continue to believe that the presidency overwhelmed him.
In 1980 I supported Ronald Reagan. As the governor of my state of California, he had accomplished great things. However, by the time he ran for reelection in 1984, he had proven to be the enemy of the working class.
Another good and patriotic man succeeded Reagan, George H.W. Bush. Sadly, he continued the fiscal policies of Reagan and the result was harmful to our nation; specifically, the working class.
Bill Clinton was a great CEO. When he left office our nation’s treasury had a surplus. However, his morals were extremely controversial and he was less than a role model for younger Americans.
George W. Bush was a disaster. His lack of experience and a low level of intelligence allowed Dick Cheney to manipulate him into placing our nation in two immoral and unwinnable wars. His failed economic policies caused a recession so severe it bordered on a recession.
President Obama offered an example of everything a president should be. His intellect, love of country, and devotion to the American people will never be forgotten. He remains the only president in modern history not involved in a scandal.
Today we have Donald John Trump. This illegitimate president is the biggest mistake in American history. He and his family have never sacrificed anything for another man or woman or for their country. No Trump has ever served in the military. Trump’s grandfather, Friedrich Drumpf, was exiled from Germany for refusing to complete military service at age 16. His skill was as a barber, and there are many suspicions about how he made the family fortune.
Donald Trump received five deferments during the Vietnam War. Four were related to education, and one was medical. We now know that the medical exemption was for “bone spurs,” and was purchased by his father Fred from a resident in one of his apartment buildings.
The Trump Klan cares about the Trump Klan and no one else. They are a family of cowards and greedy men and women. Trump is not only a disgrace as our illegitimate president, his entire family is a blight upon our nation.
Time to rid America of its would-be king. Vote on November 3, 2020.
Tell everyone; “The Truth Lives Here.”
Op-ed by James TurnageSource
Image courtesy of DonkeyHotey
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