Trump doesn’t respect military families

In American democracy, politics and political affiliation are important. Certain attributes such as honor, service, duty and respect are equally, and sometimes more so.

Over the last few weeks it has become apparent to me that, particularly in matters regarding military service, Donald Trump does not share those values. As a veteran of over 32 years of military service, I am compelled to conclude that regardless of his other qualifications and political positions, Trump is singularly unfit to serve as commander in chief of our Armed Forces.

His public denigration of one of our Gold Star families, those families who have lost a son or daughter while serving in the Armed Forces, and who uniquely deserve our gratitude, honor and respect, is abhorrent and indefensible. In the context of his previous comments and actions, it is obvious to me that Trump possesses no real understanding of nor respect for our service members and their families.

My sense of duty to my country, my fellow service members, veterans and their families make it impossible for me to consider supporting Trump, whose words and actions can be considered neither democratic nor patriotic, as our next commander in chief.

John Owen

Spokane