Lawrence's Last Word: Trump's Lies About Why He Didn't Serve In Vietnam | The Last Word | MSNBC In an impactful segment from MSNBC's "The Last Word," host Lawrence O'Donnell dives deep into Donald Trump's justifications for not serving in the Vietnam War. Trump has publicly claimed that his lack of service was due to his "never being a fan" of the war, but the context and implications of this statement reveal much more about Trump's character and the prevailing attitudes towards the Vietnam conflict during that era.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion:
Trump's Avoidance of Duty: O'Donnell highlights that Trump received multiple medical deferments during the Vietnam War, particularly citing a bone spur condition. The segment reveals that Trump seemed to take pride in his avoidance of both military service and anti-war protests, a stance significantly different from many of his contemporaries who took more active roles.
Historical Perspective: The segment places Trump's assertions within the broader context of the Vietnam War, noting how many of his peers were directly affected by the draft and the realities of war. O'Donnell contrasts Trump’s avoidance with the actions of other public figures, like John Kerry, who served in combat and actively protested against the war after returning.
Trump's Narrative: The discussion critiques Trump's narrative around his service—emphasizing the contradictions in his claims and how they reflect a broader unwillingness to acknowledge the moral complexities of the Vietnam War. O'Donnell argues that Trump’s reluctance to vocally oppose the war, along with his lack of service, speaks to a deeper moral failure.
Public Response and Legacy: The conversation also touches on the public's perception of Donald Trump as a leader, including how his war record (or lack thereof) and his attitude toward service influence their views. O'Donnell encourages viewers to reflect on the values of service and the responsibilities of citizenship in times of conflict.
Conclusion
This segment serves as a reminder of the complicated narrative surrounding military service in the United States, particularly regarding figures in power. It beckons viewers to think critically about the implications of such narratives and their significance in the present day. What are your thoughts on Trump's commentary about the Vietnam War and his avoidance of military service? How do you feel about the portrayal of service in the context of leadership? Share your opinions and insights below!