Our country is greater than that

The time has come when bad words are not forgotten but remembered. Especially if you have a shot to be the leader of the United States of America. Whether in politics or in the schoolyard — there was a time when flippantly saying comments or spouting out insults was unacceptable behavior.

But Donald Trump has changed that concept of what is right and it is having an effect on how people react during times of conflict and disagreements.

Trump’s frequent off-the-cuff remarks are a large part of his appeal. He’s insulted women newscasters, politicians, foreign leaders, undocumented immigrants; the list goes on and on. The words seem to just dissolve into the rhetoric and news cycles.

In July 2015, then presidential nominee, Trump, slammed Arizona Sen. John McCain. The republican senator is a decorated Vietnam War veteran. On this Memorial Day weekend the “soundbite” that he uttered almost a year ago made headlines once again.

“He’s not a war hero,” Trump said. “He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured.”

Calls for an apology immediately occurred, and now, it’s being requested again. The fact that he has not is very unfortunate.

It’s not a surprise that Trump was and is being asked to apologize for insulting a former prisoner of war. When people have to continuously ask that it be done shows that those words of insult caused injury to those who suffered the wounds of war. Former presidential candidate, U.S. Senator, and World War II veteran Bob Dole is one of those requesting that Trump apologize.

Is an apology at this point enough? And, what example does that set for his supporters? What about children who hear how Trump handles situations, and what words he says?

Trump’s comments not only have created a low for political campaigning but it diminishes the value of words that are spoken. There is a difference between being politically correct and being respectful.

Adults tell children to be careful with their words. Kids are taught to treat others well and with respect. Long gone are the days of the schoolyard rhyme of “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

Anyone who has been in a meaningful relationship or has suffered from being bullied will tell you that words hurt.

Anyone in a leadership position will notice the difference when words of praise are spoken and the change that it brings to people who hear it.

Words matter because they strike a chord among those who hear them. And, words matter when they are spoken.

Words strung together with purpose bring meaning to what we do and how we serve. Service to country is at the forefront of our Homeland Security Enterprise, therefore, it raises a concern over the use of law enforcement at every Trump gathering, which has a reputation for turning violent and putting lives at risk.

Where it is the secret service who are protecting Trump or local law enforcement, there is a security game plan in place because words spoken in protest or insults made against protestors or others will undoubtedly cause a reaction that needs to be controlled.

Would Trump’s denigration of war veterans affect his ability to Commander of Chief? How would our military be treated overseas based on Trump’s characterization of other world leaders?

These are questions that Homeland Security leaders must prepare for.

On the other hand, our military is a fine example of how to use words respectfully and how it unifies.

Military mottos realize the power of words. Here are a few examples: Army: “This We’ll Defend”; Coast Guard: “Semper Paratus” (Always Prepared); Navy: “Non sibi sed patriae” (Not Self, but Country); Marine Corps: “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful); Air Force: “Aim High…Fly, Fight, Win”.

These are words that are said by those who proudly defend our liberty and freedom.

As this political season carries on, there will undoubtedly be more insults highlighted in the media, which by the way motivates conflict and sensationalizes much of the “Trump Factor.” Our Homeland Security efforts will need to adjust its strategies domestically and internationally. Trump is unstoppable; however, there is a danger when derogatory language becomes the norm without any thought to the insult spoken.

Our country is greater than that.

WeSeeHSE: Seeing, Sharing, Informing

Motto list compiled by Military1:

1. Army: “This We’ll Defend”

2. Coast Guard: “Semper Paratus” (Always Prepared)

3. Navy: “Non sibi sed patriae” (Not Self, but Country)

4. Marine Corps: “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful)

5. Air Force: “Aim High…Fly, Fight, Win”

6. Navy SEALs: “The only easy day was yesterday.”

7. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers: “So Others May Live”

8. National Guard of the United States: “Always Ready, Always There”

9. Army Rangers: “Sua Sponte” “Rangers lead the way!”

10. Air Force Pararescue: “That Others May Live”

11. Army Special Forces (Green Berets): “De Opresso Liber” (To Liberate The Oppressed; To Free From Oppression)

12. Air Force Combat Control: “First There”

13. Army National Guard: “You Can”

14. Army recruitment: “Army strong”

15. 1st Marine Division: “No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy”

16. 7th Bomb Wing: “MORS AB ALTO” (Death From Above)

17. 1st Special Operations Wing: “Any Time, Any Place”

18. 1st Fighter Wing: “Aut Vincere Aut Mori” (Conquer or Die)

19. Navy Divers: “We Dive the World Over”

20. 2nd Battalion 9th Marines: “Hell in a Helmet”