Statement of Hon. John C. Danforth Honoring the U.S. Army on Its 250th Anniversary

While it is always good to honor those who have served in our armed forces, Saturday’s birthday parade down the streets of Washington evokes images of the sort of military demonstrations that occur in totalitarian regimes, but not in America. It would be better to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary with solemn appreciation for heroic service than with a grand military parade where President Trump makes himself the central participant.

The most appropriate response to the President’s self-glorification would be measured expressions of contempt for his behavior. As we are seeing in Los Angeles, when demonstrators become violent they warrant forceful response by law enforcement, and they backfire, inviting public support for presidential abuse.