Listen HereBy Clay Parlette
@claypar111
parlettec@findlay.edu
A recent letter signed by 50 top GOP security officials contained a grave warning for voters this November: “Indeed, we are convinced that he [Donald Trump] would be a dangerous president and would put at risk our country’s national security and well-being…he would be the most reckless president in American history.” This damning speculation comes from those who were charged with advising our past presidents and leading the nation’s top national security agencies, so it would be wise to give merit to their opinions.
There has never been a time in our history when our president proclaimed to be superior to the experts or that “I alone can fix it,” as Donald Trump has imperiously claimed. Not only has he asserted to “know more about ISIS than the generals do,” he has also openly invited Russians to hack our servers, “Second Amendment people” to attack those they dislike and, oh yeah, his supporters to “Knock the hell out of them [protesters].” Might I mention his greasy insults of the German chancellor, the British prime minister, and the Pope? Linda listen. This is no longer a joke. Trump isn’t just weaker on national security than Secretary Clinton, he is a national security threat.
Still not convinced that the guy with the hate fetish for Mexico isn’t who we want to be commander-in-chief? Take a moment to consider the qualifications of the GOP’s favorite Wicked Witch of the West: the former leader of our nation’s foreign relations and pantsuit aficionado, Hillary Clinton.
* When Trump says a wall is all we need to keep us safe…
North Korea actively continues to launch missiles and tensions flare in the Middle East and Asia. There’s no doubt that drug violence in Mexico remains a threat, but a Trump solution is another match on an open flame. We have reached a day where the Great Wall of China no longer serves as a viable security solution for any nation. In a day of menacing threats around the world, diplomacy, not wrath, becomes the key to protecting our citizens—and who better to continue this job than someone who has dedicated her life to it?
* When Trump calls our powerful NATO alliance “unfair”…
Our enemies lick their chops. What better way to defeat a civilization than by breaking apart the very bonds that make it strong? Again, in today’s world, diplomacy and alliances are key to offering the global security needed to protect our citizens, both at home and abroad—something the GOP’s candidate doesn’t seem to believe in.
* When Trump will have you believe that emails should disqualify you from the presidency…
He employed a top adviser with close ties to the inflamed Russian leader Vladimir Putin. That’s in addition to receiving endorsement from the abhorrent regime of North Korea, openly lying about the founding of ISIS and, in the words of the respected security leaders cited earlier, lacking “basic knowledge about and belief in the U.S. Constitution, U.S. laws, and U.S. institutions, including religious tolerance, freedom of the press, and an independent judiciary.” That’s some heavy stuff.
To many, when compared to Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton is not an exciting candidate. In fact, I’ll say it: she’s pretty darn boring. But the presidency is boring when handled properly. She offers the full package of solutions: from her experience as Secretary of State to her simple, yet potent proposals to combat terrorism, work with our allies, end gun violence at home, and holding our rivals accountable in a firm but diplomatic manner. Take the time to think about who you would rather send in a room to negotiate. If you’re me, it sure isn’t Trump.
