As you may have figured out by now, many of the ideas for this blog come from the intersection of synchronistic events, one or more unrelated data points which create a narrative. Today’s post is just one more example.
Event #1: Yesterday, CNN released its latest poll numbers on Donald Trump’s handling of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Only 29 percent of Americans now approve of the way he is responding to the special counsel’s efforts, down from 33 percent in October. However, the decline in Trump’s rating has not translated in a rise in the public’s view of Robert Mueller. His 48 approval rating was a one point decrease from two months ago. Several pundits suggested Mueller’s standing may be the result of the barrage of attacks from Trump and his surrogates during a period in which Mueller is unable to defend himself.
Event #2: Yesterday was also the 50th anniversary of the battle during the Vietnam war in which Mueller’s bravery under fire earned him a Bronze Star with distinction. His citation reads in part:
On 11 December 1968, Second Lieutenant Mueller’s platoon was the lead element in a company size combat patrol being conducted in the Mutter’s Ridge area of Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons, and grenade launcher fire from a North Vietnamese Army company and sustained numerous casualties. Quickly establishing a defensive perimeter, Second Lieutenant Mueller fearlessly moved from one position to another directing the accurate counterfire of his men and shouting words of encouragement to them. With complete disregard for his own safety, he then skillfully supervised the evacuation of casualties from the hazardous area and, on one occasion, personally led a fire team across the fire-swept terrain to recover a mortally wounded Marine who had fallen in a position forward of the friendly lines.
Once again Trump has chosen to denounce an American military hero rather than accept responsibility for his own actions. And since Mueller is not free to make his own case at the moment, I thought it was important that others stand up for him. For those of you who remember Highlights for Children, one of my favorite features was “Goofus and Gallant.” What better way to illustrate the difference between Trump and Mueller than a parody of this time-honored vehicle for teaching children about do’s and don’t’s.
For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP
So glad you highlighted Mueller! He deserves the recognition 100xs over. He was under fire on Mutter’s Ridge and is under a different kind of fire from someone who won’t even visit our troops now and did not even entertain the thought of joining the military when Mueller did.
And then there’s the fake bone spurs………………
My UVA NROTC class of 1968 was composed of 15 new officers. 5 Marines, the rest Navy – pilots, submariner’s, and Destroyer Line Officers , like me. The Marine Officer instructor at UVa – 1966-1967 was Major Robert Thompson. Major Thompson commanded the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines during the Battle of Hue City (and was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism). The President of my graduating class in 1968 was Lt Peter Gray. My best friend at UVa was Marine 2nd Lt, Jim Terry, USMC. Peter was killed in Viet Nam. Jim was wounded multiple times in the back and was hospitalized for over 14 months. He later became a Marine JAGC Officer, a Marine B.Gen. and MilitaryJudge – although he could barely walk. I could go on with others of my contemporaries. But we who survive, like Robert Mueller, in Viet Nam at the same time, understand what sacrifice, public service, and our Constitution actually means. You can guess what we think of today’s GOP and Trump.
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4379, http://uvamagazine.org/articles/flag_of_honor
As you know, I was also at UVA in 1968 when Peter was president of the graduating class. The first time I visited the Vietnam memorial in DC, the first name I looked for was Peter Gray. Thank you for making this connection and sharing your experience.