The definition of “buffoon” from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

1: a ludicrous figure: clown 2: a gross and usually ill-educated or stupid person acting like a ridiculous buffoon

The ultimate dividing line of our generation was the Vietnam War. We grew up inspired by the greatest generation. John F. Kennedy’s famous statement, “Ask not what your country can do for you... ask what you can do for your country,” rang loud in our ears. The war forced a decision upon our youth and their families. The choice was to serve, to oppose, or to evade wartime service.

Many, originally myself included, saw our duty as answering the nation’s call to arms. Others, immediately seeing that war as an act of murky imperialism and stumbling politics, opposed the war. Many were afraid to take a stand. Interestingly, today those who are the loudest proponents of violence and war ― conservative leaders like Ted Nugent, Rush Limbaugh, and Donald J. Trump ― chose fear over service. For at the end of the day, those who went to or supported the war, and those who opposed the war, did so understanding service to the nation was important, a citizen’s duty. The timid, frightened people who evaded service or who, with deferments in their pockets, actively supported the Vietnam War saw no duty greater than to personal needs.

Privileged from birth, it was during the Vietnam War period, Trump discovered he could avoid difficult times and hard work. His cocoon of wealth lacked checks and balances and enabled Donald Trump to believe himself both smarter and better looking than anyone else. At first making pronouncements based upon excellent education, and then as school grew more distant and Trump more coddled, Donald Trump realized that, almost universally, his pronouncements on any subject was met with instant approval and praise. Donald J. Trump was always right. Ask his friends.

Trump acquired an army of sycophants and grew powerful in his world. When you surround yourself with an army of sycophants, you can only grow into a buffoon and bully. Any echo of dissent was a minority to be punished, then ignored. The result for poor Donald Trump was a false reality where he is always correct and his tough decisions always right. If failure reared its ugly head, it was not Donald’s decision that was wrong but the information or actions of others.

When you surround yourself with an army of sycophants, you can only grow into a buffoon and bully.

Trump became a celebrity based as much upon his confidence and wealth than any real accomplishment. A master salesman, Trump could sell anything and walk away better off. The problem with Donald is that he did not age well. He joined his fellow aging males that make up a majority of the FOX News audience where the sound bite matters and the accuracy is not treasured. Poor Donald could well have gone to his grave believing that the rest of the world acknowledged he was the smartest man in the world. But the fatal flaw in the Donald tragedy appeared. This pitiful person actually believed his own propaganda. Pronouncements grew and support for him gained as well. Before long this person found himself president of the United States.

Donald Trump’s wild pronouncements now meet harsh reality. His “health care is more complicated than he thought” comment was the first of what will be many a rude awakening for Donald and America. He deftly blamed the military for the failed attack in Yemen and his lost armada. His cabinet is designed to destroy federal competency in every area including the military. Charlatans such as Sessions know how to feed Trump’s ego and prejudices while executing their own agenda, for Trump is an easy mark.

Sadly, the generals and admirals have yet to tell him just how complicated it is to maintain global military superiority. It has little to do with the number of ships and troops. National strength is a complex and nuanced mixture of education, health, science and economics developed into the correct matrix of soft and hard power.

The Trump budget jeopardizes national security. More proof Trump and his gang lack all knowledge of the elements of national power. An unhealthy nation is a weak nation. An uneducated nation is a weak nation. A weak economy means a weak nation. A nation lacking reliable allies is a weak nation. A nation that does not fund science and all types of research is a weak nation. The demise of both the Soviet Union and the Ottoman Empire demonstrate clearly that military size does not matter.

The Trump budget is a rehash of the old Soviet Union budget where the vast economy was directed toward the military. The Trump budget weakens America and places her at risk. Donald Trump and his advisors are ignorant, incompetent or both. Serious damage is being done. Buffoons are seldom aware of their gullibility or ignorance.