A tale of two apologies

Yesterday, President Trump presided at an event honoring Native American Veterans.  It was to recognize the remarkable courage of the Native Code Talkers, particularly for their contributions in World War II.  We were led to believe that in addition to honoring these Veterans, they were also to receive an apology for not being previously acknowledged as the heroes that they most certainly are.  He went off script for one comment.   In that one comment, he made a racial slur.  The three Navajo Veterans present responded with shock and silence.   Their class and dignity was apparent in contrast with the former reality tv star.

I was shocked.  I don't know.  Despite all evidence to the contrary, I still want to believe that somewhere underneath that ridiculous hair lies a brain that understands the significance of his office.  I still want to believe that in his heart he is capable of empathy or atleast compassion to someone who doesn't share his last name. 

There is an old saying saying that previous generations were doing the best they could.  But, once they knew better, they acted better.   Trump has to know better.   Yet, he can't get through a simple ceremony without dishonoring himself. 

This afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will issue an apology to the LGBTQ community for historical injustices.  In addition to the apology, the government will set aside money for arrears, for further education, and to make changes that will begin to correct any residual homophobia in our country.  In contrast to our the staff of POTUS, the staff of the Prime Minister are hoping the Prime Minister does go off script.  They have no worry that he will say anything offensive because, at his core, he sincerely cares about people and takes his responsibility as leader seriously.  His staff know that he is actually at his best when people can see his raw compassion.  Justin Trudeau likely has not knowingly discriminated against anyone in the LGBTQ community, yet he is apologizing.  He is taking the responsibility of his office to acknowledge that this discrimination has existed in our country.   No denial.

Trump will probably issue a correction tweet this afternoon indicating that the media didn't report this event accurately and he has nothing to apologize for.  Apparently, Native Americans share the same status of women now.  We are all "special people".

Dictionary.com has listed "complicit" as the word of the year in 2017.   I wish the nice folks at Dictionary.com would consider sending Trump the definition of the word "service."  He appears to have no understanding of this word.

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