Today is 9/11. Nineteen years ago, today, the United States was attacked, and 3,000 Americans died. Since then at least another 3,000 have died due to exposure to toxic substances released by the destruction of the Twin Towers. This day is an open wound for those who watched the tragedy unfold and a dark cloud over those born since then.
At that time, as the world joined us in a rare show of solidarity, there was a moment when the US had the opportunity to change the course of history towards a more promising future. But George W Bush, President 43, chose to other direction. He rebuffed all offers of help, and barely acknowledged the kindness expressed towards us. Instead, he set us track to start an illegal war that continues to smolder in the mid-East and around the world. He was warned that his actions would bring on a disaster, he ignored the warnings, and disaster followed.
And now, on the eve of the most important election in our nation’s history, we observe this fateful day with another President in office who is unarguably far worse that Bush 43. Trump is a direct inheritor of the forces that got 43 elected and turned his administration into a catastrophe. Today, on the stage set by 43, President 45 is in the final steps of wrecking our nation and democracy.
Trump should not be allowed to set foot on the hallowed ground at the 9/11 monument and park. He has not earned the right to represent the American people on this day of remembering. He is a traitor to the US, in word and deed.
The last two weeks, started with Jeffrey Goldberg’s article in The Atlantic, exposing Trump’s disrespect for our military and his diseased psychology. These revelations continue to be confirmed by other news outlets, including Fox News*. Then, two days ago, the New York Times and Washington Post began reporting on the contents of Bob Woodward’s new book, Rage, which is based on 18 interviews that he had with Trump, we learn that Trump was fully aware of the dangers of the coronavirus in February. Yet he continued to mislead the American people up until the present and the release of Woodward’s book. These conversations were taped, and segments are available online.
*Fox reporter Jennifer Griffin reported that anonymous sources challenged the portion of the Atlantic article about his canceling his trip to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery but did substantiate the bit related to there being no security risk to drive there. These sources said Trump was in a bad mood because of comments made by French President Macron and simply did not want to go. A third unnamed source confirmed what Trump had said about the Vietnam War. ““It was a stupid war. Anyone who went was a sucker.”
Trump’s behavior since before his election in 2016, brings into clear focus his treacherous intent. His colluding with the Russians, openly at times and covertly at others, is clearly described in numerous books written by FBI officers and people within the Trump
administration. His treachery continues today. He is blocking the distribution to local and state security officials, National Security Alerts that describe Russian attacks on our election, both meddling with election infrastructure and spreading disinformation favoring Trump. Indeed. He is doing the same to the House and Senate.
Trump vigorously echoes the Russian propaganda daily. Repeating Russian disinformation and not alerting the nation to the origin of these lies is an open acknowledgement of collusion with our enemy, Russia. It is treason.
During his administration, Trump has steadily torn down the US and made us extremely vulnerable to the actions of Russia and other powers. He has repeatedly acted to undermine our relationships with our closest allies. This weakens organizations like NATO, which defends Europe from Russian aggression, as in Ukraine, and empowers Russia.
Trump wrecked the Iranian Nuclear Agreement with Iran which was succeeding despite what he and his followers said. It was so successful that our European partners in the agreement, struggled to maintain it without the US. Iran continued to observe the agreement for a while, but Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and actions pushed them to restart their nuclear programs. By stepping away from a legal agreement, Trump undermined our credibility as a trustworthy partner in international agreements. Other actions tarnished our honor even further.
The betrayal of the Kurdish people is a chilling example of Trump’s treachery. The Kurds were premier soldiers that did the most as an ally to defeat ISIS. Courageous and honorable they took the fight to the Terrorists and to the dictator of Syria, Al Asad. With enemies on all sides, Syria, and Turkey, it was the US that held them at bay and allowed the Kurds to find a place that they at least could call home. They depended on us for their safety. In October of last year, Trump abruptly ordered all US forces out of the Kurdish area. There was no time for the Kurds to prepare. Literally on the heels of withdrawing American forces, Turkish troops swarmed in. And a brutal onslaught ensued. Syria too, with Russian support overwhelmed Kurdish forces driving them back into a narrow buffer zone between Syria and Turkey. Today, the Kurds have renounced their allegiance to the US and struggle to exist as a people.
One consequence of the defeat of the Kurds, was what happened to the tens-of-thousands of ISIS warriors and their families that the Kurds were guarding. During the war, the Kurds were given the unwelcome task of guarding captured terrorists and their families because of their loyalty and honor. When Syria and Turkey overran the Kurds the prisons and camps were left unguarded and ISIS slipped away to regroup. In a few fateful days, we lost the War on Terror. Who benefited? Russia, by gaining significantly more power in the mid-East and Turkey by gaining more leverage over the Kurdish people who they have been oppressing for decades. In addition, Turkey has become closer to Russia and more hostile toward US interests. That was less than a year ago.
There are many more examples, such as North Korea. In four years, Trump has done an amazing job at destroying the United States premier position in the world. At home he has turned once patriotic Americans into unwitting allies of the Russians and driven a deep wedge into the solidarity of the nation. A division that may bring Americans to blows against each other.
Trump has turned us into a third-world country. As the election approaches, Russia, China, and other players, are choosing sides and trying to use Americans as proxy agents to influence the election and get what they think will be the best outcome for their geopolitical goals. Who benefits? Russia prefers that Trump win because he has been successful at spreading chaos and undermining all democratic nations around the world. Trump’s antagonism with China helps Russia fend off the growing threat along its southeastern borders. China’s economy dwarfs Russia’s. China’s rapid modernization of its
military poses risks to Russia. However, it does not matter who wins the coming election because the US will continue to weaken, and US policy will continue to oppose Chinese goals.
Trump is a traitor, in word and deed. His actions clearly demonstrate that he has betrayed our country and each American.
Today is 9/11. We look back at a day when 3,000 Americans perished and with them the belief in American invulnerability. Today, nineteen years late, America is vulnerable to the whims of a traitorous President who is a puppet of Vladimir Putin and Russia. Oh, how the mighty have
fallen.
In 52 days, we vote. Regardless of the barriers Trump throws up, such as destroying the US Post Office, or threats by him and his traitorous allies that are working in all levels of government, vote. Our Founders committed their lives and wealth to creating a freer nation. They knew that if they failed, they would lose both. Can we do any less? The freedom of our children and generations into the future is at stake. Our planet and our ability to live on it are at stake. Our individual honor is at stake. Who we
are as caring human beings will be decided in 52 days.
Vote! Demand justice! Remove the Traitor from the White House and his treacherous allies in all levels of government.
Updated with editorial corrections 18:13, 09/11/2020
9/11 And A Traitor Is President is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Les Phillips, Les-Phillips.com