After he was hot this summer, I commented on this very thing to my wife and college-aged son. Only a true patriot who was utterly convinced that his conscience would not allow him to step aside would endure so much, and cause himself and his family so many troubles and financial woes.
He didn't need to do this. It has earned him nothing. It has cost him so much - even nearly his life. Twice.
I never would have thought I'd say it, but Donald Trump will likely go down as one of the greatest patriots in American history.
Good article, Mr. Lucas. I too have often thought about what the signers of the Declaration of Independence risked - as they risked it all. Truly a gutsy bunch of founding fathers. Your connection of that type of bravery to President Trump is spot on.
Thanks, Bob. Sallie just told Sandy that you are having the same surgery in January. Good luck with that. It is a pain (literally) but after it is over, you will feel much better. My only advice is to follow the rehab protocol religiously. After we both recover we four will have to get together. Maybe at WG next spring?
I can think of perhaps one other: Lincoln, who had to sneak into Washington for his own inauguration, changing trains to avoid an assassination attempt. His family - and his own health - took a terrible toll during the civil war, ending of course with his assassination.
Can anyone think of a current military leader that would have the stature of General Creighton Abrams to lead the reestablishment of a warrior ethos vs the DEI culture indoctrination of the past four years?
Anyone with General Abrams’ would be a rare find. One of my picks for a four star who Trump should look at closely, would be General Bryan Fenton. But I confess that I am biased in his favor.
General Fenton has spent most of his career in special operations. Because of that you cannot tell much about his career from looking at things like Wikipedia and other open sources. But one of his contemporaries, whom I first met in Ireland, described him to me as a “special operator’s special operator.“
Theodore Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt during his campaign in 1912 to return to the White House. The bullet penetrated his (steel) glass case, passed through a copy of his speech and lodged in his pectoral muscle; Roosevelt immediately spoke to the crowd to assure his assailant wasn't lynched, then gave an hour-long speech (since he wasn't coughing blood, he know the bullet hadn't reached his lung). Doctors determined it would be safer to leave the bullet in his chest than to risk infection from removing it, and it remained there for the rest of his life (a bit over six years--he was shot in October 1912 and died in January 1919).
He was wounded (slightly) while leading his cavalry unit in combat in Cuba during the Spanish-American War (he resigned as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and accepted a commission as a lieutenant colonel to do so, and was eventually posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor during the Clinton Administration). These actions required a certain amount of physical courage as well (go read about it).
I will agree that Trump has likely weathered more attempts to bring him down most former presidents, but it should be observed that he has assiduously invited them. That consideration is necessary to keep from further polarizing our perspectives of what most people view as the other half of the country. Well-documented accounts of his business practices have shown him to be mercenary and unethical with respect to not only business competitors, but those who have reposed trust in him. It’s ironic that he and his supporters complain so loudly about “lawfare” given the facts that he was the one chanting “lock her up” when he ran against Hillary Clinton and demanded prosecution of Hunter Biden which, regardless of his guilt, was obviously an attack that was politically motivated. Trump has a long history of using the courts effectively against others, openly embracing the unethical legal practices of the desired and disgraced attorney Roy Cohn. I must confess a begrudging admiration for Trump’s strength, and even courage in persisting in his quest to regain the presidency. I’m not that tough, and I know it. But we should not forget that the tactics and the rhetoric that he has employed are despicable. The lies that he tells are so demonstrably obvious that only the willfully obdurate are taken in by them. To use the language of Psalm 19:14 the words of his mouth are unacceptable to anyone who understands the corrosive effect on a society of a leader expressing viciousness to audiences that include the young, and the meditations of his heart so far as we can infer them from his public statements are a far cry from those to which we were exhorted to aspire by the Sermon on the Mount. Having the most profound respect for your military service and commitment to our country’s security John, I would be interested in your views on his recent naming of his choice for secretary of defense. Knowing you as I do, I would presume that if a Democratic President had named someone with a similar lack of experience and qualifications to that post, you would be outraged. Trump has a personality which many admire, but as a country, we are better off when we are not beguiled by personality, but inspired by ideals. Let Trump speak of ideals that reflect what’s left of our shared values and I’m sure we will both have his back.
Wishing you the best John. As Cavalrymen someday we will all meet at Fiddlers Green. Merry Christmas and may the coming year bring you good health and much happiness.
I think you might include Abraham Lincoln as someone who endured as much risk as George Washington, and that ultimately came true. Otherwise, you are most correct. Trump has really endured challenges that the average person never thinks about. Best of wishes in your recovery
After he was hot this summer, I commented on this very thing to my wife and college-aged son. Only a true patriot who was utterly convinced that his conscience would not allow him to step aside would endure so much, and cause himself and his family so many troubles and financial woes.
He didn't need to do this. It has earned him nothing. It has cost him so much - even nearly his life. Twice.
I never would have thought I'd say it, but Donald Trump will likely go down as one of the greatest patriots in American history.
I think you have said it well.
Unbelievable courage. Wonderful insight John. Never thought of it prior to your writing, but I agree.
Good article, Mr. Lucas. I too have often thought about what the signers of the Declaration of Independence risked - as they risked it all. Truly a gutsy bunch of founding fathers. Your connection of that type of bravery to President Trump is spot on.
Best of luck with your upcoming surgery.
Thank you Lynn. I appreciate your support on both matters!
John
Praying for your successful surgery. Sandy’s friend Sallie, is my significant other.
Thanks, Bob. Sallie just told Sandy that you are having the same surgery in January. Good luck with that. It is a pain (literally) but after it is over, you will feel much better. My only advice is to follow the rehab protocol religiously. After we both recover we four will have to get together. Maybe at WG next spring?
Great idea, John. And welcome home Brother!🤗
I can think of perhaps one other: Lincoln, who had to sneak into Washington for his own inauguration, changing trains to avoid an assassination attempt. His family - and his own health - took a terrible toll during the civil war, ending of course with his assassination.
Good luck with the adventurous post op recovery- M R Weiss, MD
All of life is an adventure. That is my philosophy and I’m sticking to it.
Sometimes I compare it to Shakelton’s adventure in the Antarctic— tough but no fatalities.
Can anyone think of a current military leader that would have the stature of General Creighton Abrams to lead the reestablishment of a warrior ethos vs the DEI culture indoctrination of the past four years?
Anyone with General Abrams’ would be a rare find. One of my picks for a four star who Trump should look at closely, would be General Bryan Fenton. But I confess that I am biased in his favor.
General Fenton has spent most of his career in special operations. Because of that you cannot tell much about his career from looking at things like Wikipedia and other open sources. But one of his contemporaries, whom I first met in Ireland, described him to me as a “special operator’s special operator.“
‘Nough said.
I concur.
Theodore Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt during his campaign in 1912 to return to the White House. The bullet penetrated his (steel) glass case, passed through a copy of his speech and lodged in his pectoral muscle; Roosevelt immediately spoke to the crowd to assure his assailant wasn't lynched, then gave an hour-long speech (since he wasn't coughing blood, he know the bullet hadn't reached his lung). Doctors determined it would be safer to leave the bullet in his chest than to risk infection from removing it, and it remained there for the rest of his life (a bit over six years--he was shot in October 1912 and died in January 1919).
He was wounded (slightly) while leading his cavalry unit in combat in Cuba during the Spanish-American War (he resigned as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and accepted a commission as a lieutenant colonel to do so, and was eventually posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor during the Clinton Administration). These actions required a certain amount of physical courage as well (go read about it).
Good luck with that surgery! Hope your recovery is quick and complete.
I will agree that Trump has likely weathered more attempts to bring him down most former presidents, but it should be observed that he has assiduously invited them. That consideration is necessary to keep from further polarizing our perspectives of what most people view as the other half of the country. Well-documented accounts of his business practices have shown him to be mercenary and unethical with respect to not only business competitors, but those who have reposed trust in him. It’s ironic that he and his supporters complain so loudly about “lawfare” given the facts that he was the one chanting “lock her up” when he ran against Hillary Clinton and demanded prosecution of Hunter Biden which, regardless of his guilt, was obviously an attack that was politically motivated. Trump has a long history of using the courts effectively against others, openly embracing the unethical legal practices of the desired and disgraced attorney Roy Cohn. I must confess a begrudging admiration for Trump’s strength, and even courage in persisting in his quest to regain the presidency. I’m not that tough, and I know it. But we should not forget that the tactics and the rhetoric that he has employed are despicable. The lies that he tells are so demonstrably obvious that only the willfully obdurate are taken in by them. To use the language of Psalm 19:14 the words of his mouth are unacceptable to anyone who understands the corrosive effect on a society of a leader expressing viciousness to audiences that include the young, and the meditations of his heart so far as we can infer them from his public statements are a far cry from those to which we were exhorted to aspire by the Sermon on the Mount. Having the most profound respect for your military service and commitment to our country’s security John, I would be interested in your views on his recent naming of his choice for secretary of defense. Knowing you as I do, I would presume that if a Democratic President had named someone with a similar lack of experience and qualifications to that post, you would be outraged. Trump has a personality which many admire, but as a country, we are better off when we are not beguiled by personality, but inspired by ideals. Let Trump speak of ideals that reflect what’s left of our shared values and I’m sure we will both have his back.
Wishing you the best John. As Cavalrymen someday we will all meet at Fiddlers Green. Merry Christmas and may the coming year bring you good health and much happiness.
Yes you're absolutely correct.
I think you might include Abraham Lincoln as someone who endured as much risk as George Washington, and that ultimately came true. Otherwise, you are most correct. Trump has really endured challenges that the average person never thinks about. Best of wishes in your recovery
You nailed it, just like so many of Trump’s opponents want him literally crucified.
Another spot on article. Very well written! Prayers for a successful surgery and a fast recovery!