Why Trump's Birthday Parade Risks Being a Dark Turning Point [View all]

The president is, once again, disrespecting our armed forces by hijacking the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebrations—and turning it into a party for himself.

One of the fundamental differences between democracies and dictatorships is how the military is viewed. In democracies, the armed forces are an instrument of national defense, serving the people. But in authoritarian states, the military becomes a weapon the government wields against its own citizens.

This week, for the first time in our history, Americans are asking whether we have crossed a dangerous line in that regard.

It is the right question to ask.

As deeply disturbing and offensive as has been the deployment of troops in response to relatively small, largely peaceful protests in Los Angeles, it is very likely only the beginning. For years, since he was first elected as President, Donald Trump has sought the ability to use the United States military as a blunt instrument against those he perceives to be his domestic opponents.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/is-trumps-birthday-parade-a-celebration-of-the-army-or-a-funeral-cortege-for-democracy/