Don’t fall for divisive tactics
Maybe we should take our cues from Paul Whelan’s family on the Brittney Griner release and not the political angling of Trump and his media. Paul’s brother David used his Facebook post to chide Trump for having the audacity to criticize President Biden; considering that Trump did nothing during his administration to obtain Paul’s release (which Trump with his usual false bravado claimed would have been so “easy”). As David Whelan aptly pointed out, “Then why didn’t he?”
The Griner release is being used as just one more wedge tool by the Republican Party to maintain heightened levels of dissent among us. “Griner Trade Makes US Look Weak” is a popular one. For decades, our State Department has dealt with dictators by using informed, complex and expert diplomacy. Trump, on the other hand, thought throwing his weight around as a “tough guy bully” would impress world leaders. That only resulted in broken relationships with former astute allies that President Biden is now successfully repairing.
Media spin on the Griner release is being used to re-ignite indignation at players like her who exercised their constitutional right to take a knee during the National Anthem, drive resentment against LGTBQ individuals (why a lesbian and not a Marine!) and lob criticism to ensure that President Biden gets no credit for any of his positive accomplishments.
But Biden’s State Department has assured the Whelan family that negotiations on Paul’s behalf are ongoing. His family is well aware that it wasn’t as simple as a Whelan vs. Griner choice. If the Whelan family can understand that diplomacy is delicate, difficult and time-consuming when dealing with manipulative egotists like Putin, then I think the rest of us should avoid jumping on the GOP divisive tactics bandwagon and respect the process.
Martha Hodges
Kailua-Kona
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