Tough v. compassionate, compassion as weakness. This framing comes naturally to Rs, but is not inevitable. How we handled WWII proves as much. The pandemic, like previous national emergencies, was an opportunity for Americans to unite against a common foe, in this case, a virus. Trump squandered that opportunity. He is far worse than others before him, but he is not alone.

Some of our nation’s military leaders stepped up and spoke out in support of protections afforded by our Constitution, rights that are supposed to safeguard our freedom and protect us all from tyranny. They have spoken out for the rule of law and against a failed presidential stunt [by former Pres. Trump] that was designed to demonstrate strength but revealed cowardice and insecurity, demonstrated a disregard for the law, and flagrantly abused power. They are speaking out against the President’s and his advisors’ suggestion that the United States Armed Forces be used aggressively against peaceful, American protestors on American soil. They are doing the honorable thing….