If you believe, as I do, that military strength is paramount for peace, then petulance is the worst prescription. For that reason, the president’s childish refusal until yesterday to allow President-elect Joe Biden and his advisers access to national security briefings is dangerously foolish.
I am extremely concerned that Donald Trump’s obsession with overturning the plebiscite on Nov. 3, and hindering the normal access for a president-elect and his/her transition team to top-secret information about the world’s trouble spots invites aggression and weakens Biden’s grasp of foreign affairs, just as he ascends to the presidency.
Understanding that few things have been normal, or even rational about this administration’s actions the past four years, I still held out hope that Trump might be concerned about the country’s ability to react to an international crisis after Jan. 20, 2021. He’s not. I shouldn’t have been surprised.
Trump cares hardly a whit about our nation’s domestic and foreign stability. His primary focus is himself.
I’m paranoid enough to believe that Russia and China are savoring the chaos and confusion in the United States. Our weakness is a narcotic to these two countries. Bad actors proficient in terrorism must be considering their moves in light of our country’s currently incompetent leadership and undemocratic transition,
I would be courting hyperbole to say I have trouble sleeping at night worrying about possible acts of aggression by our primary opponents. What’s not fanciful is my fear of a potential probe of our conventional and cyberspace defenses.
Under this hapless administration, the Defense Department is in disarray. The commander-in-chief, like a tin pot autocrat/dictator, is purging the top civilians for displaying insufficient loyalty—and integrity. An agency that performs excellently during a crisis requires informed and capable civilian leadership.
I realize that national security is not the only essential government service suffering from neglect by our irresponsible White House occupant and his unwillingness until yesterday to grant access during a critical transition.
So is the battle against Covid, global warming, homeland security, economic stimulus and many other government functions that do not improve with negligence. Democrats and Republicans alike yearn for a stable democracy and respected leadership.
Trump continues to worship at the altar of vengeance, paranoia and selfishness. It’s pathetic. It stymies a necessarily and customarily smooth transfer of power.
Prior to the election, a pro-Trump reader wondered what I would write about once the president was defeated. I was curious how he knew the result before all the voters exercised their right to record their selection. After the votes came in, with former vice president Biden the declared winner, I naively thought that the bizarre behavior of our 45th president might end., or at least subside. All of us could focus on the future and the badly needed upgrade of American leadership. Instead, we continue to observe, painfully so, the president’s trampling of democracy in his pursuit of denial and denigration of the election process.
Past failure to grant access to classified information about the world’s trouble spot invites harmful behavior by bad actors who roam the world stage determined to wreak havoc amid weakness and distraction. It’s frightening.
Strength as represented by a U.S. military and led by an attentive commander-in-chief can deter deadly aggression. Living in limbo is unsettling and perilous.
I so wish I could opine about a thoughtful and sensible White House. It’s currently impossible and unrealistic.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.
Art Cecil says
Howard: I am amazed that you continue to opine about how much you hate Donald Trump. The election is over. Get on to the next subject.
Howard Freedlander says
Does Trump realize the election is over, Art?
Art Cecil says
That’s not a serious question. No doubt he does. Enjoys getting under liberal skin. I still prefer America First to whatever Biden brings. But we don’t really know since press won’t ask serious questions. Art
Howard Freedlander says
So, Art, his lawsuits and tweets are frivolous, and refusal to grant access to Biden’s team just attempts to torment liberals? If that’s true, do you believe those actions bespeak thoughtful governance? How do you know what Biden will bring, besides a large dosage of sanity and sensibility. I believe it’s premature, Art, to jump to conclusions based on your perception of liberals. BTW, Joe Biden views himself as a centrist.
Stephen Schaare says
You describe Trump as self absorbed and selfish. Pretty well describes your four year obsession with the President. So many of you on the far left have no sense of irony. Pity.
Howard Freedlander says
What’s ironic, Stephen, is Trump’s uncanny ability to draw attention to himself through self-destructive behavior. Do you find it easy to ignore and tolerate?
Stephen Schaare says
Howard, I cannot stand Trump’s self destructive behavior. He has always been this way. The final nail for me occurred at roughly 9:12 pm during the first debate with Biden. The election was lost at that moment, and I turned the page. I sure did enjoy the robust economy and the exposure of unacceptable bias by the media. I am unable to align myself with the party of Pelosi, Sharpton, Shumer and so forth. These people hate the founding principles of this once great Republic. Call me a nationalist or simply old fashioned. Guilty as charged.
Thank you for your reply. Have a good holiday.
Deirdre LaMotte says
It is utterly laughable that someone so incurious, vacuous and narcissistic as Trump could achieve anything but chaos. He entered the Office on the tail of a long period of economic
growth and stability. He is leaving it in shambles with a democracy close to the edge of functioning. Thank you
Judicial system for protecting our nation from Trump and his renegade Republicans. That people voted for this dismal man will remain an eternal blight on the reputation of a once
enviable democracy.
Rev Julie Hart says
It amazes me that the GOP says the Dems are intent on destroying the foundation and the founding principles of our country. It amazes me that Dems say the GOP is intent on destroying the foundation and founding principles of our nation. This civil war continues to rage on. When did governance take a back seat, or worse–the rumble seat–to party politics.
There should be included in the many Oaths of Office, an oath which denies the supremacy of the Party. Those elected or appointed are there to do the work of governing this Country(or State, or County). It is most worrisome that the SCOTUS is put there by “this party” or “that party.” They also must “surrender” their party membership, and judge only on the basis of law; not what the Dems want or the GOP. Sounds too idealistic doesn’t it? But isn’t that what the American Democracy experiment is about? To achieve a more perfect union?!
In the post election surveys, I’ve urged the Biden Administration to include members of the GOP and Independents in positions of leadership. Let’s really make this a government of, for, and by the people. It’s the only way this hateful nonsense will ever stop.
The Rev Julie Hart
Deirdre LaMotte says
I really must say there’s is no coherent Democratic Party. That it is fraught with many factions
makes it much less bold than the tow-the-party-line-Republicans. There is no “both sides”
on Trump; he has proven to be dangerous to our democracy. Period. As a former Republican,
I never cared who was a Dem or Republican. One could assume the leaders had their nation ‘s
best interest at heart.
Thankfully, we do now. Biden has said he wants to work with Republicans.
Will the Republicans work with him? They certainly did not with President Obama.
K. M. Miller says
Howard – Relax!!! Contrary to what one reads & hears, the transition process is & will work. Regrettably, it would appear that you are (or have) fallen into the vast conspiracy of right v. wrong. As an officer of the court, I’d sincerely hope & trust that you have not forgotten faith in our Republic’s fundamental principles!
Howard Freedlander says
As a non-lawyer and full-time citizen, I find it understandably difficult, Ken, to feel as relaxed or as confident as you are that Trump will abide by the nation’s precious founding principles. The right-wrong parameter is just the proper one in judging a person who plays by his own rules, creates his own reality, and views truth as unnecessary.