Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is the bravest Republican in the Senate. This no-nonsense woman won her Senate seat in a write-in ballot, even with a hard to spell name. Only she had the courage to thoroughly criticize the president after he was out of line in his attempt to politicize the military. He called in various policing contingencies to beat peaceful demonstrators and to shoot them with rubber bullets and pepper balls.
Former Trump Secretary of Defense four-star General James Mattis had not spoken out against Donald Trump until after the president crossed this red line. In a public letter, he warned:
‘Militarizing our response, as we witnessed in Washington, D.C., sets up a conflict—a false conflict—between the military and civilian society. It erodes the moral ground that ensures a trusted bond between men and women in uniform and the society they are sworn to protect.’
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Murkowski spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill earlier. Her words were powerful:
‘When I saw General Mattis’ comments yesterday I felt like perhaps we are getting to a point where we can be more honest with the concerns that we might hold internally and have the courage of our own convictions to speak up.’
A Republican-led group committed to Trump’s loss this fall, the Lincoln Group, put out this video:
‘Dear @lisamurkowski, it’s quite simple. #AmericaOrTrump https://t.co/L4cqS26tk5
— Justin Satzman (@jsatz23) June 4, 2020’
Dear @lisamurkowski, it’s quite simple. #AmericaOrTrump https://t.co/L4cqS26tk5
— Justin Satzman (@jsatz23) June 4, 2020
Murkowski said that “General Mattis’ words were true, and honest and necessary and overdue:”
‘I was really thankful. I thought General Mattis’ words were true, and honest and necessary and overdue. And, I have been struggling for the right words, and I was encouraged a couple of nights ago when I was able to read what President Bush had written. And I found that to be empowering for me as one leader.’
Next, the Alaska senator told reporters Thursday she might not vote for Trump, and that she is “struggling:”
‘I am struggling with it. I have struggled with it for a long time I think you know that. I didn’t support the President in the initial election, and I work hard to try to make sure that I’m able to represent my state well that I’m able to work with any administration and any president. He is our duly elected President I will continue to work with him.’
The senator continued noting she thought all of the Senate was “struggling:”
‘I will continue to work with this administration but I think right now as we are all struggling to find ways to express the words that need to be expressed appropriately, questions about who I’m going to vote for not going to vote for I think are distracting at the moment.’
There were a few brief comments from other Republican senators. Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) spoke about the “fundamental constitutional right to protest,” The US News magazine wrote:
‘There is no right to riot, no right to destroy others’ property and no right to throw rocks at police. But there is a fundamental – a Constitutional – right to protest and I’m against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God as a political prop.’
The only black senator Tim Scott (R-SC) said:
‘If your question is, “Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op?” the answer is “no.”‘
Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD) said he “hopes [Trump] projects calm.”
Then, there was Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) who condemned Las Vegas violence and urged “the overwhelming display of force.” Apparently, he could not wrap his mind around the idea that members of the right-wing extremist group Boogaloo were responsible for inciting violence. They have been arrested. Cotton said:
‘Violent anarchists and insurrectionists were once again allowed to rule the streets last night in too many cities. In places like St. Louis, they responded by shooting, beating, and running over police officers who weren’t given the support they deserve to restore order. In Las Vegas, an officer was shot in the head. The only way to end this insurrection is the overwhelming display of force.’
Featured image is a screenshot via YouTube.
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
