War as entertainment
In a recent interview Trump tried to justify his avoidance of the Vietnam War by claiming that he was not a big fan of it, a phrase he invokes as a judgment on ideas or people that he intends to denigrate.
Criticism of his choices during the Vietnam War, disparaging John McCain and more recently attacking a British diplomat are just a few of the many examples. A fan as defined by Merriam Webster is: an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or performing art) i.e. entertainment. By this definition, you can be a fan of Dancing with the Stars, Classical Music, Leave it to Beaver or the Chicago Cubs. But you cannot be a fan of war unless you reduce it to a level of entertainment.
Characterizing war as such belies the valor of those who, without the benefit of a deferment legit or not, had to endure it. Wars are fought for many reason; entertainment is not one of them.
William J. Sheridan
Arlington Heights