President Donald Trump continued his tradition of not doing much of anything in a time demanding a United States president step up to the plate. While in France this past weekend to mark the 100th anniversary of the conclusion of World War I — he avoided some of the actual demarcation. He skipped a ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial that unfolded this past Saturday, sending a group of administration officials instead.
The White House’s stated reason for the president avoiding the solemn occasion incorporated the fact that it was raining, but it’s hard not to imagine that something else was at play. It’s not like driving an hour in the rain is some kind of treacherous undertaking. Trump did face protests while abroad, and we know how much he dislikes those.
Former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum noted:
‘It’s incredible that a president would travel to France for this significant anniversary — and then remain in his hotel room watching TV rather than pay in person his respects to the Americans who gave their lives in France for the victory gained 100 years ago’
Ironically enough, Trump’s long sought military parade in Washington, D.C., had originally been set for Veterans Day, which was this past Saturday. The event was cancelled for the time being in the face of skyrocketing costs after snowballing from inspiration the president got while in Paris another time for Bastille Day celebrations.
For the volatile American president, though, there was plenty to complain about besides that too.
While in France for just two days honoring the conclusion of a massive war that shaped the politics of the Western hemisphere — and world — for decades to come, he publicly whined about votes for Democrats getting added onto Florida election totals in the ongoing effort to figure out exactly who’s ahead in a number of statewide races.
There’s no evidence of fraud or forgery, but the president claimed otherwise anyway.
He railed:
‘Trying to STEAL two big elections in Florida! We are watching closely!’
He also, while other world leaders were assembling and working on honoring the dead of World War I, blamed Californians for the raging wildfires that just recently have claimed dozens of lives. He just continued on with the familiar partisan complaining during what was supposed to be a solemn weekend.
He ranted:
‘There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor. Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!’
He’s previously made the absurdity of his position clear, ranging from completely ignoring climate change to making up nonsense about water being actively diverted to the Pacific Ocean and thereby contributing to the area’s dryness.
It’s not as though this weekend was the first time the president found himself at odds with world leaders. During past NATO summits, for instance, he’s come in with metaphorical guns blazing, asserting — with little backing — that allies are taking advantage of the United States and basically can’t unilaterally trust the United States.
Those assertions have consequences for the stability of the world or lack thereof. Trump, however, continues on with his nonsense anyway.
Featured Image via YouTube screenshot
