The Unthinkable Has Revealed Itself
Growing up in the foreign service taught me a few things.
First, no one was better than anyone else—no matter their ancestry, the god they prayed to, or the color of their skin.
Second, as Americans in a foreign country, we had a duty to reflect the goodness of America—individually, as a family, and primarily out of respect for the diplomatic work our country was engaged in.
That mission was always to be charitable, deliver aid, fund education, build roads, and lay the groundwork for that nation’s sustainable future.
Third, one’s political affiliation was a private matter. In fact, it was unthinkable for anyone to mention which political party they belonged to. It was simply irrelevant because serving our country was the only purpose for being there, regardless of who happened to be president.
My father, pictured above with Jimmy Carter, began his career as a foreign service officer under President Eisenhower, and continued to serve under five more presidents, Republican and Democrat, before retiring.
Over the years, our family established countless long-lasting friendships gained in overseas posts. Never once did any of us wonder which party any of them belonged to. They were American, and they were serving our country. That made them good people.
Above all, voting back then was still believed to be a very private matter.
But now, despite its illegality, the Department of State is combing through foreign service officers up for promotion and asking them whether or not they voted for Donald Trump during the last three elections.
Plainly put, this is the unthinkable revealing itself. Asking a foreign service officer how they voted implies if one did not vote for this president in all three elections, they will not be promoted. They may even be forced to retire. If they lie to protect their jobs, the administration now has access to every voter’s voting record and could prove otherwise.
Is there no end to this man’s malevolence?
God help us all. God bless America.
Read the full news article here.
Well Street
A podcast commentator was discussing the administration's "rules are meant to be broken" policy. They move so quickly in violating laws and precedent, and in such numbers, that courts can't keep up. When judges rule against Trump or issue cease-and-desist orders, he and his people resist and intentionally drag their feet to test if and how effectively those rulings can be enforced.
A loyalty litmus test for foreign service officers' future is another example of Trump's "I can do anything I want" code.
Evangel
He is above the law, according to his Supreme Court. This means he can choose to disrupt the election and discredit its outcome...which he will do...but only if his candidates fail to give him the majority he seeks in Congress. That's the plan.
Slipstream
No president has ever made this kind of move. It's blatantly a "kiss my ring" or else move. Nothing he does surprises me any more. It's very disturbing and heartbreaking how he's tearing America down and burying our values in his rubble. Your dad would be very upset if he was still here.
Evangel
He definitely would be, along with the other family members who also served overseas in the State Department. Just when you think his highness can sink no lower, he does.
Wilsons Grave
This is standard operating procedure in military dictatorships. Top down hierarchy, bottom up loyalty. In a democracy we call it corruption.
Evangel
We've been headed in this direction for some time. Trump just made it obvious. Most Americans are still walking around with blinders on.
Youngdannville
The corruption in our government is closer to a 3rd world dictatorship than to a democracy. Decency is no longer part of the game. The infection known as Trumpism has spread throughout the government. If the RNC win this coming election I fear I will not live long enough to see decency or democracy return to this nation.I can however see a separatist movement happening
Evangel
True. This is why Flavio Bolsonaro has been welcomed into America with open arms, despite his immigrant status. Birds of a feather...
The reckoning is coming regardless of what happens on Tuesday. Most Americans won't stand for this, but there are still many holdouts who have felt embraced, comforted, and elevated onto a pedestal by Trump—or if wealthy and corrupt, have felt emboldened and shielded under his vile administration.