The White House is forging ahead with plans for the latest Trump-inspired spectacle: a huge military parade through the streets of Washington.
Tanks rumbling down the streets. Missiles poised atop launchers. Soldiers saluting the fearless leader perched imperiously in his viewing box as a marching band plays. Generals standing smartly in black convertible limousines ... oh wait, that's the annual Russian Victory Day celebration in May.
And it's nothing to emulate.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the parade plan reflects Trump's respect for the armed forces. But we're with the skeptics, including members of Congress from both parties, retired military leaders and veterans who brand this as a misguided exercise in chest-thumping. "Confidence is silent and insecurity is loud," says Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana). How did North Korea tyrant Kim Jong Un celebrate the opening ceremony of the Olympics in neighboring South Korea? With a big military parade.
Seems to us this Trumptastic idea falls more in line with the president's unseemly bragging about the size of his ... nuclear arsenal. The mightiest military in the world doesn't need to peacock its weaponry to intimidate enemies and comfort citizens.
We hope that Mattis and his Pentagon planners tell Trump that a vein-popping display of military might isn't the way to show his respect for the nation's soldiers. Beefing up health care for veterans is. Making sure that soldiers have the latest gear and a clear mission when put in harm's way is. Updating and streamlining the nation's nuclear arsenal as a deterrent is.
Editorial on 02/13/2018