Opinion: Trump calls himself a "poltical prisoner." That's an insult to these real heroes.
By Sen. Ben Cardin, Democrat representing MarylandRegardless of your political affiliation, we should all agree that Trumps attempt to rebrand himself insults the sacrifices of the many actual prisoners still suffering around the world.
Over the summer, minutes after Donald Trump became the first former president in American history to be convicted of felony crimes, his campaign began fundraising. Emails flooded supporters inboxes with the words IM A POLITICAL PRISONER and Trumps picture. Your support is the only thing standing between us and total tyranny, the appeals declared.
Throughout my career, and especially as chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ive encountered numerous political prisoners and their families. Ive embraced the spouses and partners of individuals imprisoned for speaking truth to power. Ive stood beside the loved ones of journalists and opposition leaders, demanding their immediate release. Ive mourned the deaths of these courageous individuals, whose lives were cut short by authoritarians who saw their dissent as a direct challenge to their rule.
Let me be clear: Donald Trump is no political prisoner. However, Narges Mohammadi is.
Since 1998, Mohammadi an Iranian human rights lawyer and activist has faced relentless persecution at the hands of a misogynist Islamic Republic of Iran for her unwavering commitment to Iranians human rights. Her activism has led to repeated incarcerations, with her most recent sentences totaling almost 14 years in Tehran's Evin prison, accompanied by more than 150 lashes. Last month, it was reported that she has once again been sentenced to additional prison time, the latest in a string of sentence extensions, and the Iranian regime continues to deny her critical medical care despite her deteriorating health.
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I would prefer he be a martyr rather than a political prisoner. Oh, well, one can dream.
Jerry2144
(2,618 posts)He could finally say simmering thats at least half true.
At his sentencing, Ill be chanting 4 more years! 4more years
duncang
(3,591 posts)I dont like heroes that are caught. Well I dont like supposed heroes that are caught and convicted for felonies running for president.
Faux pas
(15,363 posts)I know when I want to impress people I always pull out the old pity card what a dink minus.
Deuxcents
(19,694 posts)keithbvadu2
(40,083 posts)Trump belittles the Medal of Honor to praise his Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Trump calls those who sacrificed their lives for our county suckers and losers
Trump ridicules all POWs with his 'captured' comment.
Trump desecrated Arlington National Cemetery for a cheap campaign photo shoot.
Trump said 'Happy Memorial Day' to the Japanese military which killed many, many thousands of our soldiers.