Trump: His comments, GOP silence inexcusable

The president’s recent vulgar comments at a meeting dealing with DACA and border security issues, as well the lack of initial response from most of the persons in that meeting, were shocking.

Members of the House who were present said nothing during or after the meeting. Two senators initially claimed not recalling any such language.

These reactions raise three possible reasons for their responses: 1. Not wanting to criticize their party leader, the president; 2. This talk is normal and not noteworthy for them; 3. They did not want to anger the president’s base.

This language is unacceptable especially in policy discussions. Our national leaders are expected to debate in a manner that is informative and reflective of our national values.

In 1975, following the completion of 30 years in Congress, Sen. J. William Fulbright delivered a commencement address in which he expressed pride in the persons and levels of discourse he experienced in his many visits to the White House under both parties’ presidents.

I wonder if any of the silent witnesses to this meeting with Donald Trump can express a similar note of pride in this president.

This story was originally published January 24, 2018 at 8:58 AM with the headline "Trump: His comments, GOP silence inexcusable."