Trump’s using our armed forces as political props

Last weekend, Donald Trump sent the military into a U.S. state to quash protests. He did it over the objections of state and local law enforcement – and he did it knowing it only raised the risk of escalating the situation.

But Trump doesn't care. To him, the military is nothing but a prop to use to bolster his own political capital.

Consider Trump's speech on Tuesday at Fort Bragg, in which his team pre-screened service members about their views of him. Those that attended were then directed to cheer and boo on cue. (Not that Trump's ever one to care about the rules, but the U.S. military's code of conduct expressly forbids service members from engaging in partisan political activities while on active duty or in uniform).

And this past weekend, Trump chose to spend his birthday throwing a big military parade in D.C. This cost millions of taxpayer dollars – after Republicans have spent months trying to justify passing their budget bill that cuts veterans' services and health care.

With the money Trump spent on this vanity project, we could provide housing and health care for veterans, make child care more affordable, and invest in new infrastructure projects. Instead, Trump wasted YOUR taxpayer dollars on a birthday party.

Coming from a man who called our country's fallen heroes "suckers and losers," the use of our armed services to stroke his ego couldn't be more insulting. It's also deeply frightening.

The men and women of the Armed Forces deserved all the recognition at the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Instead, we had empty stands for a wannabe dictator trying to show off.

The non-partisan structure of military command is a central cornerstone of our democracy. It protects civilians from the whims of a desperate or erratic political leader. Trump's actions blur the lines that we depend upon to maintain freedom and liberty.

In these trying times, I renew my trust in the core American spirit that rejects wannabe-kings, that understands that freedom can't be squashed simply by threats or strongman images, and that has preserved for nearly 250 years.

I will keep working to ensure it perseveres in this moment.

Ron