Colonel Erik Goepner (Ret.): Trump Is Unfit to Be Our Commander in Chief - OPed Newsweek

[BootinUp]

A U.S. soldier from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment is dropped off for a mission near Jalalabad in Afghanistan on December 20, 2014. The author, a colonel who has commanded troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, writes, "As a veteran of the Afghan and Iraq wars, and a registered Republican, the thought of Trump sending Americans to war deeply unnerves me."

The loss of life does not change the fact that war can, at times, be necessary. It does, however, remind us of the solemn responsibility of those who lead America’s sons and daughters into war. That ultimate responsibility lies with the commander in chief. The president alone has the authority to send America’s most treasured possession into harm’s way.

As a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and as a registered Republican, the thought of Donald Trump being entrusted with that responsibility deeply unnerves me.

Trump is a bully. When he wins a primary, the people of that state are wonderful, amazing, and smart. But, when states like Iowa do not adorn him with the victor’s crown, they immediately become stupid. When a reporter with a physical disability fails to back up one of his outlandish claims, Trump’s bruised ego compels him to mimic the reporter’s disability while verbally berating him.

Bullying is un-American. It doesn’t come from a sense of strength or confidence. It is an expression of fear and insecurity; not the traits required for a commander in chief.

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