Honoring a Fallen Friend on Memorial Day Amid Political Controversy
Trump called POWs losers and dodged Vietnam. On Memorial Day, I honor someone who didn't
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On Memorial Day, Robert Reich reflects on his friendship with Robbie, a Vietnam War soldier who went missing in action. He contrasts Robbie's sense of duty and kindness with Donald Trump's controversial remarks about veterans, particularly John McCain, highlighting the importance of honoring those who served selflessly.
- 01Robbie, a kind and compassionate friend, went missing in action during the Vietnam War on October 12, 1972.
- 02Reich opposed the Vietnam War and emphasizes the loss of over 58,000 American lives and millions of Vietnamese.
- 03Donald Trump criticized Senator John McCain, a POW, stating he prefers people who weren't captured.
- 04Trump dodged the Vietnam draft citing a bone spur, leading to questions about his commitment to service.
- 05Reich reflects on the meaning of duty and obligation to society, contrasting it with the transactional view of relationships espoused by Trump.
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In a poignant reflection for Memorial Day, Robert Reich honors his friend Robbie, who went missing in action during the Vietnam War. Their friendship began in college in 1964, where Robbie's kindness and sense of duty stood out. Reich, who opposed the Vietnam War, recalls the tragic loss of over 58,000 Americans and millions of Vietnamese. He contrasts Robbie's selflessness with Donald Trump's controversial comments about veterans, particularly his denigration of Senator John McCain, a POW who endured torture rather than accept early release. Trump, who avoided the Vietnam draft due to a claimed bone spur, is criticized by Reich for his transactional view of relationships. This Memorial Day, Reich urges reflection on the true meaning of duty and the obligations we owe to one another as members of society.
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