It’s hardly a news flash that Republicans in Congress have failed to confront President Donald Trump about the wrecking ball he is wielding.
Maybe they should watch “Band of Brothers” and take stock of the late Senator John McCain’s courage, which I’ll discuss in a minute. First, let’s review what’s going on.
Republicans have been referred to as cowards, subservient and accused of having cravenly submitted to Trump. Harsh words, but what else describes the Republican majority in the House of Representatives who approved Trump’s proposed budget.
No one outside the administration thinks the proposed bill, which balloons an already enormous national debt, is good for the economy. Serious people, like those in the Economic Policy Institute, see nothing good about the bill.
Trump fired 18 inspectors general—independent watch dogs for fraud, waste and abuse—from several federal agencies. Trump permitted Elon Musk to take an axe to the federal workforce without providing a blueprint for the future and didn’t require detailed disclosures of what he did. Did any Republicans seriously challenge Trump about any of this?
True, opposing Trump is not for the feint hearted. Opposition brings MAGA hate mail, Trump’s criticism and vulgar talk, and intimidation behind closed doors.
But doing what is difficult is what the job requires.
Why do Republicans back down?
Heres’ what columnist Thomas Friedman has to say: “I look at these Republicans and say: You people clearly don’t have mirrors, wives and daughters. How does it work? Are you living on some offshore island? You’re doing all of this for $185,000 a year and free parking at [Ronald Reagan Washington] National Airport?”
Of course, it’s not the money or the parking. To paraphrase James Carville from years back, “It’s the prestige, stupid!” And the power and ego satisfaction.
But prestige, power and ego satisfaction are mere trappings of political office, not the essence. The essence is serving the nation and protecting the Constitution.
Here’s where “Band of Brothers” comes in. A solider confides to Lieutenant Speirs, a fierce platoon commander, about how scared he was on D-Day. After being separated from his unit, the soldier hid in a ditch.
“You know why you hid in that ditch?” Speirs asked. “I was scared,” the soldier answered. Speirs replied, “We’re all scared. You hid in that ditch because you think there’s still hope, but the only hope you have is to accept that you’re already dead. And the sooner you accept that, the sooner you’ll be able to function as a soldier’s supposed to function.”
Staying in office is the goal
Republicans cling to reelection, as if they were put in office only so they can be re-elected. Until they accept the possibility of losing office—just as soldiers must accept the possibility of death—they will fail America and dishonor the oaths they took.
And here’s where McCain comes in. He cast the deciding vote in 2017 against a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Weak from his cancer treatment, he walked on to the Senate floor at 1:29 a.m. on July 27, gave a thumbs down to the clerk and voted no. Only two other Republicans joined him.
Mind you, McCain had been maligned by Trump for being shot down and taken prisoner in the Vietnam War. “I like people who weren’t captured,” said Trump, the draft dodger. But after more than five years of torture as a POW, McCain knew what real fear was and bucked Trump.
Prestige is fleeting, but legacies last. Republicans will not be remembered as heroes—those who “give their lives to something bigger than themselves,” as author Richard Rohr puts it. Instead, they will be reviled for having failed to confront a president who threatened the nation’s wellbeing.
Air Force fighter pilot Fred Blesse, who fought in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, said it all in four words: “No guts, no glory.”
And if the tables were turned, I fear Democrats would do no better.
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Jack D’Aurora writes for Considerthisbyjd.com
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Well said, Jack, and sadly true about the prevailing motives of the Republicans, who are currently in control, and those of the Democrats, if they were instead the ruling party. I guess this just proves once again there truly is no honor among thieves.
Great article Jack!
“The only way for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. (Something like that). I cringe every time a reasonable republican says he/she will not seek reelection.
You are right. Our only hope is to admit we are already dead.
Another great article, Jack!!! I’ve said for years too politicians put party over country and nothing gets done. Another thing about Senator McCain during his POW years was the Viet Cong offered to release him because his father was an admiral, but he stayed with his men.
Well written and spot on Jack. Thanks for speaking out and adding to the resistance!