During last week’s Democratic National Convention, there was one speaking engagement that was the epitome of mockery and hypocrisy.  As a retired military officer, I was appalled at this charade.  That was the appearance by Mr. Khizr Muazzam Khan and his wife, who lost a son in Iraq.

I will say this once.  I am extremely saddened for any family who loses a loved one in conflict fighting for this country.

Unfortunately, the mainstream media never gave a damn about Gold Star American mothers and their families over the course of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and Global War on Terror and their suffering.  Now, in just a single case, the case of immigrant Muslim parents who lost their son, there suddenly is extreme and massive interest...albeit for just these parents. 

What is more obvious and apparent is the degree to which the Democrats and the Clinton campaign demonstrated and showed their hypocrisy by seeking to politicize their story, to use this stunt to go after Donald Trump.  Worst, it is abundantly clear that the parents agreed to use their story, themselves, and the unfortunate loss of their son as political props in a made-for-TV political exhibition. 

Again, it is time to speak out on the Anti-Trump Political Media Show.  What went on last weekend mainly on CNN and Sunday news/talk shows is an outrage.  The liberal media are in the tank for Hillary Clinton, and they know it.  First of all the Khans stood on the stage of the DNC and not only told their story, but savagely attacked Mr. Trump.  They said two things that were way out of bounds: the first, that Mr. Trump has made no sacrifice, and the second, that Mr. Trump never read the Constitution.

Mr. Khan’s first attack presumes that a person needs to lose a child in war as a precondition to have an opinion on things.  I served nearly 30 years in the U.S. military, through many wars, and have seen death and destruction.  I know many who have lost loved ones – sons, daughters, husbands, and wives.  In America, there is no precondition for opinion.  In America, there is one condition – it’s called the First Amendment.

Mr. Khan’s second attack on Mr. Trump has nothing to do with whether Mr. Trump has ever read or did not read the Constitution.  That was a clearly Democratic Party scripted stunt for this convention.  His comment does, however, have everything to do with Mr. Trump’s call for a ban on Muslims, from Muslim countries involved with or supporting terrorists and radical Islamic terrorism.

That said, most Americans agree with Mr. Trump – that something has to be done until we figure out what’s going on.  There is nothing wrong with a nation implementing a referendum or curtailment on immigrants and refugees from entering a sovereign nation, particularly under and in accordance with that nation’s laws.  Most if not all countries of the world do so.  America as a nation has done so numerous times throughout our history for various reasons as well.  German chancellor Angela Merkel is on the verge of losing the grip on her leadership in Germany because she and her nation failed do similarly and take the necessary security measures, immigration restrictions, vetting, and border closures to protect her citizens.

Donald Trump is not perfect, nor is anyone, but he has common sense, logic, and foresight to put forth responsible recommendations to secure and safeguard this nation and its citizens.  The extreme way the mainstream media, the Democratic Party, and some Republicans are trying to disparage Mr. Trump, by implementing schemes and devising charades such as this, defies decency and respect for all.  Those who willingly condone, partake in, have a hand in, or agree with it are both shameful and disgusting leaders and followers.

Jim Waurishuk is a retired USAF colonel, served nearly 30 years as a career special mission, senior intelligence, and political-military affairs officer.  He served as deputy director for intelligence for U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), is a former White House National Security Council staffer and a former distinguished senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, Washington, D.C.  He lives in Tampa Bay, Fla.