Editor, Times-Union:
The dressing-down of President Zelensky in the Oval Office is being celebrated by Republicans who are trying to put the best spin on it possible.
Indiana Senator Jim Banks called it “a powerful moment that reminds us what a strong American President looks like.” In reality, Banks and Republicans know it was anything but. Even people who don't support Ukraine have to admit it was a humiliating temper tantrum and a stunning loss of self-control by the man who holds the keys to our nuclear arsenal.
Make no mistake, Republicans are trying to cover for Trump's increasingly erratic behavior. They're worried about the fallout for themselves, and the entire party. There is no whitewashing what occurred: a man who faked bone spurs to avoid the draft tried to lecture war hero Zelensky, then threw him out when he dared talk back.
Trump has a history of belittling war heros to mask his own cowardice and incompetence. John McCain, General Mark Milley, the 1,800 Americans who lost their lives at Belleau Wood.
VP Vance, a former marine, failed to speak up in support of Zelensky’s valiant military efforts, instead choosing to play attack dog in a sickening show of mindless loyalty. The only winner was Putin.
Among the losers, the American economy, and the thousands employed by defense contractors. The arms will still flow to Ukraine, but now they’ll be made in Europe and elsewhere.
Instead of rushing to defend Trump's insanity, Republicans need to ask themselves if they're on the side of Putin and Trump, or if they're on the side of America and democracy. If the fiasco we witnessed in the Oval Office wasn't enough for Republicans to speak up and end their cult-like devotion to Trump, then what will be?
Robert Osbun
Leesburg, via email