Fetterman: Military parade comprised of 'the very best of us'

[Polybius]

Source: The Hill

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said that President Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, is comprised of the “best of us” and that it should be celebrated regardless of where one might stand on the political spectrum.

“This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers—the very best of us,” Fetterman wrote in a Saturday post on social media platform X. “Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service.”

Fetterman demonstrated rare Democratic support for the parade that is taking place on Trump’s 79th birthday. The parade has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans over the expected cost of the festivities, projected to be between $25 and $45 million.

“We’re a lion, and a lion doesn’t have to tell you it’s a lion,” Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said on Tuesday. “I would save the money, but if the president wants to have a parade, he’s the president, and I’m not.”

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5351137-fetterman-military-parade-comprised-of-the-best-of-us/

---

Yeah, no.

[Orrex]

1. I wish him the very best health as he continues to recover from his stroke.

[ProudToronto]

45. I do appreciate

Your kind response.

[Canada Kid]

2. Think it's time...

I had a lot of respect for John Fetterman...but now it's time for him to go. His views are too skewed for me now.

[niyad]

3. Please go away, john, you are embrrassing yourself.

As for cornpone kennedy, after that remark, don't you DARE ever complain about waste or fraud ANYWHERE, by ANYONE.

[hamsterjill]

15. Well said!

+1000

[Balatro]

4. Is he angling for a position in Trump's cabinet or something?

Jeez.

[RockRaven]

5. Waste, fraud, and abuse is the best of us, eh?

Because that is what that parade was, and that is ALL that parade was -- no matter how much a Senator or a SecDef or a President or anyone else lies about that fact.

[NewHendoLib]

6. He is just a rudderless embarrassment right now.

[ProudToronto]

34. Not long ago

We had many threads here announcing that he was the greatest …… he can beat up everyone that we dislike, his gym clothes are so cool and make all the right people mad, and so on. Everything he said was awesome.

Now it’s “lurch” and “brain rot” and other despicable nasty bile. Essentially calling him the R word.

Simply for having a few beliefs that depart from a those of a few of us. Like standing with Israel, or some bipartisanship, or support of the military.

Please re-think the overt nastiness. Especially the insults for a medical condition.

[NewHendoLib]

37. It's not about his medical condition. It's about his

Shifting values that are detrimental to the party

[niyad]

38. hmmmmmm. You just signed up yesterday, although, from this post,

you have been here for some time, and your three GD posts are all scolding negatives. Very interesting.

[ProudToronto]

40. Long time lurker,

Signed up for this weekend’s activities.

And I don’t owe you an explanation, or any damned thing.

My interests are varied, but if I see something inappropriate, I am known to say something. Kind of …. “My right” sort of thing, eh ? I never did like to hear people use the “retard” trope against someone who doesn’t fit in, even when I was a kid.

Everything I’ve written isn’t negative, either.

[niyad]

42. Wow. Let's see. I actually wrote that it was clear you had been here

for some time. And, nowhere did I ask you to provide " an explanation, or any damned thiing". Do keep trying with the insults, though. We need the amusement.

[ProudToronto]

46. There was no insult in my post

But your post clearly insinuates that there is something wrong with my presence.

In that context of accusation, I don’t owe you or anyone a damned thing.
Though I did offer a reasonable “explanation” despite all that. Right at the beginning.

[bluestarone]

49. By your answers, i've made MY decision on who you are.

Good bye!!

[Celerity]

62. You seem nice.

Welcome to DU 🧦.

[Silent Type]

7. He has a point. It's OK to piss on the parade, but maybe chitting on 7000 troops who'd rather be elsewhere is bit much.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

21. Who is doing that?

[johnnyfins]

28. Absolutely NO ONE is doing that.

It's the age old Republican ruse.

Kind of like the "I support our troops" yellow ribbon magnets on cars.

Um, who doesn't support the actual troops? It's boogeyman creation at its finest. Their patriotism is defined by creating "America hating Americans" out of whole cloth.

[angrychair]

23. No proof of that

They are goose-stepping around for their Mango Mussolini's birthday.

It's often military flights that are helping kidnap innocent people to dump them in foreign torture prisons. The military has had lots of birthdays but I don't think they have had a parade before and even so this is weird by any standard.

[niyad]

43. "chitting"???

[Marcuse]

8. The military parade was compromised by the very worst of us.

[cadoman]

44. false: the parade was a simple recognition of the history of the Army and the sacrifices of its members

And their families.

The hate on here for the Army is unbelievable.

Krasnov hijacked the event. It'd be like us turning on Planned Parenthood if Krasnov made a donation or said something good about it.

Just because Krasnov associates with it doesn't make it bad. We've created a stubborn and blind reflexiveness in the party.

[Marcuse]

60. You say hijacked, I say compromised. Our fundamental issues with its political leadership does not equate to Army hate.

A elected scoundrel who wraps himself in the flag compromises the republic for which it stands. We know the parade was less a simple recognition of the sacrifices of our military than it was an unprecedented $45M ego boost for its Commander in Chief in the age of DOGE.

Context matters. Believe him when off camera he tells General Kelly what he thinks of the citizen soldiers, including the General’s son, who sacrificed themselves in the line of duty.

And yes, we wouldn’t turn on Planned Parenthood.

[DonCoquixote]

9. when soem wonder why Hogg wants to primary people

THIS DINO is a prime example of why.

[Ponietz]

10. Guess he deserves acknowledgment for not embarrassing his Party for once

[dgauss]

11. Fetterman seems incapable of understanding context.

[Cha]

16. Purposely Obtuse. nt

[Solly Mack]

12. The U.S. Army celebrates a birthday every year. Until now, it has done so without all the bullshit Dear Leader worship.

[travelingthrulife]

39. Trump was the one who insulted them, flat out humiliated them.

They were forced to march to some sort of instrumental rendition of Fortunate Son.

Some folks are born made to wave the flag
They're red, white and blue
And when the band plays "Hail to the Chief"
They point the cannon at you, Lord

It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no senator's son, son
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one

Some folks are born, silver spoon in hand
Lord, don't they help themselves, yeah
But when the taxman comes to the door
The house look a like a rummage sale

It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no millionaire's son, no, no
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one

Yeah, some folks inherit star-spangled eyes
They send you down to war
And when you ask 'em, "How much should we give?"
They only answer, "More, more, more"

It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no military son, son
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one, one

It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
Songwriters: John Cameron Fogerty

[Solly Mack]

41. I agree. Trump insulted them all.

[Walleye]

13. Wrong. I saw some of the best of us today at our little no Kings rally. My brother was in Philly. There were the best o

[mdbl]

14. I'm sure the loonie magats love him

[Norrrm]

17. Trump could have pretended to be happy for his troops.

https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:26tsf647wqnoo7umh4ywwz7a/post/3lrlzhlecdk2m

[steelyboo]

18. Would someone call Gomez Addams and tell him to come pick up Lurch? He is getting out of hand.

[LT Barclay]

19. We endured Manchin, Sinema, and now Fetterman, and the DNC wants to ditch David Hogg and give us more politicians like

these?

[stillcool]

52. the people in those states

gave us those politicians. The voters. And every politician is a human being subject to every human trait inherent in us all. Greed, fear, envy, false pride...Including the person with the job of managing an organization that "Builds" the Democratic Party in every state in this country. Not one blue seat in PA that is no longer blue.

[AZProgressive]

55. I guess I can be blamed for Sinema

She was a very liberal member of the Arizona State Legislature and I actually voted for her in a primary for a Congressional seat over the Bill Clinton and Obama endorsed candidate thinking she would be more liberal but she shifted to the right or the center as soon as she was in office casting votes in favor of Wall Street.

When she ran as a Senator I saw her coming a mile away and actually voted for Deedra Abboud in the Democratic primary knowing how she would turn out but I still voted for her over McSally in the general election. By 2021 she was trying to impress Mitch McConnell and now she is a lobbyist mostly for crypto.

What is unique about Sinema is she used to be in the green party said that Reagan & Bush were they real "saddam lovers" & acted like a fighter for the people before becoming one of the most conservative Democrats in Congress. I think it was just greed for her switch. It wasn't just the voters Schumer wanted Sinema and discouraged other Democrats such as Stanton from entering the race.

After all this her replacement seems to be following the Sinema playbook especially at the beginning of Trump's term.

[stillcool]

57. it's got to be a toxic environment

and always has been. No human is immune. The more poisonous the environment the easier it is to partake

[LT Barclay]

56. I think the DNC is helping guide things their way far too much as the removal of David Hogg shows. And although I know

enough to not get into it here, I watch the DU purge of 2015 and learned about what happened to the party during that time.

[stillcool]

58. the DNC does what it does

really too bad more people aren't directly involved in their elections, myself included. A day in the life of a politician was a real eye-opener for me when someone I knew was elected. She works really hard, and her knowledge of every aspect, every issue that comes to her and needs attention is astounding. She is in a small pond, and she is not a big fish. She is there because she likes it, because it's her job. She doesn't go on television, ever. That is not her job. People here would hate her.

[LT Barclay]

61. I'd like to be also, but on my job I'm treated like an indentured servant. It is hard to get away for a doctor's

appointment for myself. And I really should be there for my wife (3rd round of chemo for metastatic breast cancer), but not yet to the point where I can get FMLA. So, as important as it is, I can't get into the ground level either. And I'm not sure I'm the best person to do it, as I'm not diplomatic, and it has cost me promotions and jobs in the past.
I met someone who was a MO state rep. We were talking and he was so brilliant that I said we need people like him in office. He just smiled and gave me his business card. We were discussing the expansion of I-70 in MO and I was saying that rail improvements would be cheaper and move more cargo. I sent him an article that I had stashed away.

[RainCaster]

20. Fetterman: not 'the very best of us'

His mind has gone into severe rot mode. We need a new rep here, this time from the DNC

[BigmanPigman]

22. Don't let the door hit you on your way out.

Bye bye, DINO!!!

[Gore1FL]

24. I think the people who join the military are to be lauded for their roles in society.

I often feel like they are recognized more than others who have chosen other important, yet traditionally uncelebrated roles in our society.
Cities couldn't fiunction without the poeople who pick up the trash, drive the busses, stock the grocery shelves, etc.

There were "the best of us" in that parade. There were the "best of us" who cleaned up afterwards, too. Other "best of us" protested.

[Prairie_Seagull]

25. Myopic room reading. nt.

[Tarzanrock]

26. Nobody gets more 'benefits' in our society, other than politicians ...

than people who join the military. These people are pretty damn well 'compensated' in our society.

Joining the US military offers a wide range of benefits, including financial stability, education opportunities, comprehensive healthcare, and valuable skills development. These benefits extend to service members and their families, providing support during and after their military careers.
Financial Benefits:

Stable Pay and Allowances: Service members receive a guaranteed paycheck with regular increases, as well as housing, food, and clothing allowances.

Bonuses: Many military branches offer substantial signing bonuses for enlistment.
Retirement Plan: The Blended Retirement System provides a 401(k)-like savings account and a defined benefit pension plan after 20 years of service.
Financial Assistance: Military OneSource provides free financial counseling and tax services.
Thrift Savings Plan: Service members can contribute to a Thrift Savings Plan, similar to a 401(k), and receive matching contributions from the military.
Military Discounts: Service members have access to discounts at various retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as tax-free shopping at military exchanges.
VA Home Loans: Veterans can benefit from the VA home loan program, which offers low-interest mortgages with no down payment requirement.

Education and Training:

GI Bill:
.

The GI Bill provides financial assistance for college education and vocational training for service members and their families.
Tuition Assistance:
.
The military offers tuition assistance programs to help service members pursue higher education while serving.
Specialized Training:
.
The military provides extensive training in various fields, including combat, technical, and leadership skills.
Career Development:
.
The Army provides career counseling, employment readiness programs, and partnerships with civilian employers to support career advancement during and after service.

Healthcare Benefits:

Comprehensive Healthcare: The military offers comprehensive healthcare coverage for service members and their families through TRICARE, the Department of Defense's healthcare program.

Dental Care: Dental care is also provided to service members.
Access to Medical Facilities: Service members have access to military hospitals and clinics, as well as civilian providers through TRICARE.

Other Benefits:

Paid Time Off:
Service members accrue 30 days of paid vacation each year.

Travel Opportunities:
The military offers opportunities to travel and experience different locations and cultures.
Support for Families:
The military provides resources and support for families, including childcare, education assistance, and employment services.
Leadership and Personal Development:
Military service fosters leadership skills, discipline, and personal growth

[True Dough]

27. Don't humor Trump. We already know who he is.

He referred to those who sacrificed their lives in war as ‘losers’ and ‘suckers’. He didn't want overweight soldiers or wounded ones to appear in military parades.

He makes an incompetent boob the Secretary of Defense.

And he deployed the National Guard to LA without adequate supplies or arranging for proper sleeping accommodations.

Yeah, Trump really cares about the welfare of America's troops.

[Tarzanrock]

29. The 'protests' in Los Angeles began on June 6 --

it's now June 15 -- that's now nine (9) days in 'Occupied' Los Angeles. That's a long time for the California National Guard to be eating military rations,
C-rations and the like and to be sleeping on hard floors. Tonight Law Enforcement in downtown Los Angeles was still firing "tear gas" into protestors and shooting them with rubber bullets. There are photos of this on the Los Angeles Times website.

[Tarzanrock]

30. More than 200,000+ people came out and protested in 'Occupied' Los Angeles today.

This immigration/ICE issue is not going away. It is beyond clear that the Turd's racist immigration policies are utterly unacceptable to the people of Los Angeles and that they are a "failed" policy. Only the stupidest, hard-lined, racist dumbfuck believes otherwise.
CBS reports on the tear gas and rubber bullets employed again today: https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/no-kings-downtown-los-angeles-protest/

[SupportSanity]

31. Not a Democrat. Fetterman is making Kyrsten Sinema & Joe Manchin look good.

[displacedvermoter]

32. He should get a podcast going with Jared Golden

and open each broadcast with Kumbaya.

[Kali999]

47. Golden worked for Collins

He really sucks.

[displacedvermoter]

48. Really

[ananda]

33. Oh, just STFU and resign, John!

You are no longer the representative your
constituents elected.

[Paladin]

35. Yeah, like I'm going to take patriotic advice from Fetterman or Kennedy.

Fuck them both.

[twodogsbarking]

36. Look how good we are at killing people and supplying weapons for others to kill even more people.

I am waving my flag. Whoopee. Who is this god that would bless such a thing?

[Martin68]

50. No, Johns, they aren't "the best of us." Those were the people in the No King's protests. Everyone in the parade was

"just following orders."

[Wonder Why]

51. Are you sure Kennedy of Louisiana didn't say?

“We’re a lyin', and the lyin' don’t have to tell you they's a lyin'

[stillcool]

53. that's good

[usonian]

54. Yes, the parade is comprised of the very best.

The DickTater and company comprise the very worst.
Ain't worth the (nose) power to blow them to hell.
So how come the military (apparently) were unarmed, and a psycho assassin wasn't?

Fucking Disgrace.

[Deminpenn]

59. I get his point, but it's tone deaf

We need to get over this hero worship of all things military, too. Just as in any large organization there are a range of people from smart to dumb as a rock, leaders and followers and everything in between. When I worked in DoD, I met and worked with military who were talented leaders and others who were totally the opposite. The vast majority are people just doing their job like any other worker.

[Aussie105]

63. John is ok.

He just needs to retire and not add to the static.
Maybe he was thinking of the No Kings rallies, and not the tanks down the street event?

The parade?
Bit of a joke, nobody wanted it - perhaps it should have been on a more appropriate date, and any day not Trump's birthday would have been fine.

Did Trump want a birthday party?

Sure, open up the White House, free hamburders and coke for visitors, maybe beer and skittles and dancing girls too.
You know, a REAL birthday party!

[TexasBushwhacker]

64. Except it happened to take place on Trump's birthday

and he still looked pissed, not proud.