Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

LastLiberal in PalmSprings

(12,871 posts)
Fri Nov 1, 2024, 06:40 PM Friday

Opinion: Trump calls himself a "poltical prisoner." That's an insult to these real heroes.

By Sen. Ben Cardin, Democrat representing Maryland

Regardless of your political affiliation, we should all agree that Trump’s 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 “I’M A POLITICAL PRISONER” and Trump’s 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, I’ve encountered numerous political prisoners and their families. I’ve embraced the spouses and partners of individuals imprisoned for speaking truth to power. I’ve stood beside the loved ones of journalists and opposition leaders, demanding their immediate release. I’ve 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.
more
---------------------------------------------------------
I would prefer he be a martyr rather than a political prisoner. Oh, well, one can dream.
5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Opinion: Trump calls himself a "poltical prisoner." That's an insult to these real heroes. (Original Post) LastLiberal in PalmSprings Friday OP
Let's make him a a prisoner first. That way Jerry2144 Friday #1
Remember his statement about John McCain duncang Friday #2
Oh poor poor pitiful he... Faux pas Friday #3
I'm so sick n tired of his victimization of himself, his whining and threats. Wish he'd wither up n go away Deuxcents Friday #4
Trump belittles the Medal of Honor to praise his Presidential Medal of Freedom. keithbvadu2 Friday #5

Jerry2144

(2,597 posts)
1. Let's make him a a prisoner first. That way
Fri Nov 1, 2024, 06:47 PM
Friday

He could finally say simmering that’s at least half true.

At his sentencing, I’ll be chanting “4 more years! 4more years”

duncang

(3,428 posts)
2. Remember his statement about John McCain
Fri Nov 1, 2024, 06:56 PM
Friday

I don’t like heroes that are caught. Well I don’t like supposed “heroes” that are caught and convicted for felonies running for president.

Faux pas

(15,252 posts)
3. Oh poor poor pitiful he...
Fri Nov 1, 2024, 07:00 PM
Friday

I know when I want to impress people I always pull out the old pity card what a dink minus.

keithbvadu2

(39,852 posts)
5. Trump belittles the Medal of Honor to praise his Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Fri Nov 1, 2024, 10:04 PM
Friday

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.

Latest Discussions»Editorials & Other Articles»Opinion: Trump calls hims...