I am so sorry for the families of all soldiers who have died serving our country.
Gold Star Father, General John Kelly, current WH Chief of Staff, explained what he told Trump about speaking with families who have lost a soldier. It must have been painful beyond description for General Kelly to relay how he received word that his own son had died in combat. I have the greatest sympathy for General Kelly and his family and I’m grateful that he shared his personal story.
Gen. Kelly relayed in a news conference today, that when he received his dreaded call that his son had been killed in Afghanistan, he was reminded that his son was doing what we wanted to do when he died. His son had signed on for it.
It might be comforting for a military general to hear the message that his fallen soldier had known what he or she was signing on to. But there is a vast difference between a general’s perspective and that of Mrs. Myeshia Johnson, a young, pregnant, mother of two, who had just lost her husband in combat.
Politics aside: It is not comforting, and totally insensitive for the president of the United States to tell a newly widowed woman, on her way to receive her beloved’s remains, that her husband knew what he was getting into. Yes, it’s true, the soldier knew the risks. There’s no debate there. But does the White House think that such a message would really comfort a spouse who is reeling in raw, untold grief?
If, when speaking to Mrs. Johnson, Trump was using General Kelly’s phrasing about a soldier knowing what he or she signs on to–then why did he deny saying such a thing to the widow? Which is it?
Since Trump denies relaying that insensitive message, does this mean he understands it to be insensitive? If pressed, would he be able to explain why folks believe it’s an insensitive statement for a young, pregnant, mother of two, newly widowed, grieving woman?
Gen. Kelly said that his initial advice to Trump was not to make these calls to Gold Star families. Excellent advice, and regretful that Trump was unable to follow it. Perhaps only those who are capable of compassion should try to show compassion.
“Many receive advice, only the wise profit by it. ” ~ Publilius Syrus
“Compassion is the wish to see others free from suffering.” ~ Dalai Lama
