I am embarrassed for this country that a man like Donald J. Trump could be on the cusp of election to the presidency and leader of the free world.
But one subset of his supporters bothers me more than any other. I refer to Veterans for Trump.
Trump says that he “loves war” and “loves the vets.” He nonetheless avoided, through five education deferments followed by a highly questionable 4F classification, actual participation in the Vietnam War and, thus, actually becoming a veteran. Whether his decision to escape putting himself in harm’s way was a matter of cowardice or a feeling of economic entitlement, right-leaning veterans should reflect on their support for this man.
I am a Vietnam veteran, and I have the great regard for those who opposed the draft on moral and political grounds and paid the legal price for their opposition.
I reserve my highest respect for 1) my peer group who served in combat and 2) those very few conscientious objectors who opted to serve as unarmed combat medics; unimaginable courage.
The 1960s and early 1970s were difficult times for all young draft-eligible men. Most acted in accord with their conscience. Some, like Trump, acted only in self-interest. His type of draft avoidance is not worthy of a single veterans’ vote.
Michael S. Berry
Durango
