No Light at the End of This Man’s Tunnel.

Awhile back, I decided to tap into my “inner progressive” and write about my growing concerns with this Donald Trump experience.  You see, I believe that government policy depends largely on the character of those making it.

I’m doubling-down on my conviction, and here’s why.

Character is not just some abstract quality.  I believe it to be the fundamental standard upon which all proper decisions are made, most notably in roles of leadership.  A true leader’s character should serve to frame how they interpret problems, and develop solutions, especially in times of crisis.

Moreover, a leader’s character, or lack of, impacts the direction of all those that follow.

The Iran war is a prime case in point. In my view, it started off badly when Trump rejected assessments from the entire US Intelligence Community who disputed any suggestion that Iran posed an “imminent nuclear threat”.  No top military brass or allies were consulted.  Instead, Trump rushed to judgement and started a war based on “gut feel”.  Meandering narratives for what Trump termed “a little excursion” included the need to stop Iran from nuclear bomb building, the destruction of missile and naval capabilities, even “regime change”. Then, as the war accelerated out of hand, Iran abruptly closed the Strait of Hormuz.  Caught off-guard, and humiliated on the world stage, Trump responded on Truth Social: "Open the Fuckin’ Strait you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell.” 

Posted on Easter Sunday morning, no less.

Two days later he adds: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.”

I submit that Trump’s behavior alone, not only illustrates his lack of moral character, it clearly plays a role in how this war is being managed by his team.  I mean, where do you think “Attaboy” Hegseth, gets all that “lethality” BS?

Trump’s “war of choice” has since dragged on for nearly 7 months, disrupted world order, and wreaked economic havoc. After thousands of war casualties, 18 U.S. service members killed, hundreds wounded, billions spent, U.S. weapons arsenals depleted, and irreparably damaged alliances, he mindlessly summed up the results of his rudderless policy decisions as “small potatoes”. 

So much for thought leadership.

True, policies like the Iran decision can be debated, adjusted, and evolved over time. But it’s the strength of character that guides an effective leader through that entire process. To say that Donald Trump lacks character is an understatement. In my view, Trump lacks the integrity, honesty, and ethical standards any sound decision-making process requires.

Some might say, wait a minute, remember that Trump is surrounded by dozens of competent people, so why worry?  I’ll tell you why.  It’s precisely because of his moral bankruptcy that he actually surrounds himself with the worst, least qualified, and most incompetent people. All subpar. Undistinguished in the true sense of the word.  Not one credible voice.

As for Trump, the questions will always remain. Will he ever prioritize the greater good, or will personal gain take precedence?  Will he ever act with empathy, or will he continue to ignore the human impact of his decisions? 

Unfortunately, I see no light at the end of this man’s tunnel.

NUFF SED!!!