Hampshire College is in the cross-hairs of many local veterans for their truculent managing of the American flag on campus.
I have always cringed at the sight of a burning American flag, but the First Amendment is where our nation differs from more totalitarian regimes.
There are other battles in which the vets should have voiced their concerns and that is the disrespect coming from our commander-in-chief elect toward those who have served and/or have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Donald Trump in an interview stating Sen. John McCain is not a war hero because he was captured and Trump’s belittling a Gold Star family, interjecting the notion that the mother wasn’t allowed to speak on a televised segment because in a Muslim family, the wife needs permission from the husband. And when Trump was presented a Purple Heart from a war veteran, he smirkishly waved it around touting, “I always wanted one of these! I like receiving it the easy way!”
Mr. Trump had also used bogus fundraisers for vets to stimulate his campaign redundancy.
Search online: “The fake vet nonprofit that sponsored Trump’s USS Iowa speech on veteran’s issues.” And also search: “Trump’s veterans site directs donations to Trump’s personal …”
These insults should not have gone unchallenged. We now have an incoming president who is shameless and cares for no one but himself.
Bill Paul
Chicopee