Lynne Stevens
Mr. President,
You have won the election and it was determined to be fair. Please remember that much of the country did not vote for you.
We would ask that you represent all American people, not just those you call your people. Now all Americans are your people.
The Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. military must earn the respect of those they lead. A military leader holds respect for the soldiers he commands and honors their service to the country. According to Rolling Stones magazine, a four-star general was quoted as saying, “He just thinks that anyone who does anything when there is no direct personal gain to be had is a sucker.”
The Atlantic magazine had widely reported on your conversations with senior staff in the first administration, stating that soldiers who died in war were suckers and losers. You also made similar statements about decorated war hero Republican Sen. John McCain who was tortured in enemy hands. These statements have been confirmed by your former Chief of Staff John Kelly.
Do you remember the time you and John Kelly stood over the grave of Mr. Kelly’s son in Arlington Cemetery and said, “I don’t get it, what was in it for them?” Many Americans have relatives killed in war buried in Arlington Cemetery. No President has ever brought shame to himself at Arlington Cemetery.
Citizens were alarmed to see the photo-op picture of you standing there with a gold-star family smiling with thumbs up. This was after being told no photos were allowed, which led to a dust-up that hit national news. In August, you stated the Medal of Freedom is “much better” than the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. You also stated the Medal of Honor recipients are “either in very bad shape by being hit by so many bullets, or they’re dead.” The Medal of Freedom – which you stated was better – was given to a very rich Republican donor, Miriam Adelson, because she is a healthy beautiful woman.
Mr. President, I hope you can truly understand how much average working people depend on Medicare and Social Security as part of a dignified retirement. It is clear now that you were not truthful about your knowledge of Project 2025, as many of its provisions are being formalized right now in your executive orders. Project 2025 says “In essence our deficit problem is a Medicare and Medicaid problem.”
This is very scary to people who do not have the means you and Mr. Musk have to pay for any cuts you make, or higher-cost retirees can’t afford. Many retirees live on fixed incomes.
Please understand that basic-living needs of working families transcends politics. We all need affordable shelter, food, healthcare and dignity in our twilight years. Our military must believe that you believe in them. Your words have power.
Mr. President, please be mindful: we are all your people now.
Lynne Stevens writes a bi-weekly column for The Graham Star. She can be reached via email, geminga@mailfence.com.