Sullied another honor

The current national disgrace that occupies the White House has sullied yet another tradition when he awarded the Medal of Freedom to Rush Limbaugh.

Limbaugh has a history of making racist and divisive remarks during his radio broadcasts. He once said a Georgetown student’s seeking contraceptive access made her a slut. He suggested Michael J. Fox was faking symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

For decades Limbaugh has been the most prominent voice of the toxic right on talk radio, warping political debates with vitriol and dividing Americans against each other for the sake of ratings.

Donald Trump, who has long shown an eagerness to twist pardons, hallowed ceremonial events and other presidential prerogatives to his own self-serving purposes, can now add the Medal of Freedom to the list of sacred traditions he has sullied.

The spectacle was especially shocking against the backdrop of earlier high-caliber recipients: civil rights activist Rosa Parks, literary great John Steinbeck, music giants B.B. King and Aretha Franklin, and labor leader Cesar Chavez.

The intent of this medal is to honor those who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the U.S. In what universe does that describe the man who once declared the purpose of feminism as to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream of society?

Make no mistake: This was all about Trump. It is always about Trump.

WALTER KORZICK

Conway