Margreet van Gastel

We are Americans. We are the most powerful nation on the planet. What defines us is not our power to dominate the weak. What demonstrates our character is not our capacity to traumatize the afflicted. What speaks our truth is not how we taunt, deride or belittle the embattled, broken or battered. We are: The country of the Marshall Plan The nation of The Berlin Airlift The nation whose leader said, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” We are at our best when we are resolute against evil -- not when we kowtow to those who perpetrate it. We tell our truth when we defend the weak -- not when we do it only if we get protection money. We are America when our leaders call the dictators dictators and those who fight to defend democracy against tyranny what they are: heroes. Donald Trump and JD Vance didn't show strength today -- they showed weakness. They belittled a giant and showed just how small they are. They have the most vaunted titles in the world: President and Vice President of The United States of America. But the title doesn't make the man. And today both men brought shame to their titles. A weary warrior was before them. A beleaguered man who has lost thousands of his friends and comrades to the unjust and illegal aggression of an authoritarian leader. They showed no grace; no magnanimity of spirit; no diplomatic acumen. They were small bullies with big titles and they disrespected the history and legacy of the nation they lead. Today, Donald Trump acted more like Russia's Putin than America's President.