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Fraggin'

By Bill Shunas

Trump has decided that what was the Department of Defense should henceforth be called the Department of War. Okay? No skin off my back, but what's in a name if your fight is an unjust military operation? His re-naming of the Pentagon is really no more than another attempt to keep his face on TV, his voice on the radio, and his little fingers all over the Internet. I'm not a shrink, but it seems that the guy is off. Many of his supporters would agree. Forgive me if I sound like him. He's always saying "many supporters" or "many experts" to make it sound like his position is correct.

The anti-Trumpers may be divided into two general categories. One group is those who look at him as an American fascist ready to change our way of life in favor of some form of fascism. The other group of anti-Trumpsters has one simple explanation. As voiced by one of the talking heads. "He's stupid." Maybe, just maybe, both groups are right.

Maybe it's both. Maybe Trump has an agenda to bring fascism, and he, at the same time, is mentally challenged—or stupid. Either way, there is a shadow over the land. Bringing fascism here probably includes having some intellect on which to base an ideology. That's why you have presidential advisers. Like Kristi Noem. They shoot dogs, don't they? Their own. And she probably thinks more of her dogs than her constituents. Trump has plenty of advisors to go along with this program. Start with Stephen Miller. Or don't start with Stephen Miller. Too sleazy, but a perfect Nazi. In picking his aides and advisors, judges, and cabinet, he leans toward those who drank the Kool-Aid of QAnon.

Among those he has no use for are veterans. Not only does he have no use for vets, but he also takes pains to cut funds intended for the betterment of vets. And the disrespect. For example, at the welcome ceremony for the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Mark Milley chose a severely wounded Army Captain, Luis Avila, to sing "God Bless America." At the ceremony, due to the rain and wet grounds, Avila's wheelchair almost tipped over. Several people rushed to his aid while Trump said, "Why do you bring people like that here? No one wants to see that, the wounded." Trump told Milley never to bring Avila back. This is from the man who was famous for calling pilot John McCain a loser for having his plane shot down. Is there a pattern here?

So, from what I can see, Trump doesn't have the intellect to process a political concept such as fascism. His only skill learned over the years is that of a high-stakes hustler. Reminds me of Minnesota Fats. The main problem is that to continue his current hustle, he brings forth many, many, many fascist people and programs. And the American people are stuck with this gargoyle.

I wonder what active duty personnel think about all this? He's sent the National Guard into several cities, and lots of those soldiers appear to be unhappy. It's supposed to be normal for most of those in the military to support the nation's leader. And it's normal for many to change their minds (see VVAW).

Even if Trump is mentally challenged, this man was able to get elected twice. He has followers. They were willing to face various criminal charges, including treason, on January 6. The table is set. You've got a popular leader. You've got followers who are not afraid of doing something stupid. And Trump makes nice with authoritarians around the world. Not hard to see where Trump gets his ideas. So we resist and wait.

Bill Shunas is a Vietnam veteran, author, and long-time VVAW member.