Getting even is a need for many people. Donald Trump has made getting even the central theme of his existence. The crawling thing inside him that passes for a soul only wants to punish and diminish his perceived enemies. He lives for this.

And so we have Tom Hanks.

Hanks, 69, was to receive the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award, which recognizes an “outstanding citizen” who did not attend West Point and has a distinguished record of service that exemplifies the academy’s ideals: “Duty, Honor, Country.” A ceremony and parade were scheduled for Sept. 25.

Yesterday, the Alumni Association retracted the award.

When the award was made this was what was said.

“Tom Hanks has done more for the positive portrayal of the American service member, more for the caring of the American veteran, their caregivers and their family, and more for the American space program and all branches of government than many other Americans,” Robert McDonald, a former secretary of veterans affairs and the alumni association’s board chairman, said in the June announcement.

The Alumni Association says they changed their mind because it allows them to focus on its core mission of preparing cadets to lead, fight and win as officers.

I believe that is a lie and pitiful nonsense as well.

The award to Tom Hanks was well founded. It would be hard to find any American who has done more for the public of the Academy and the American military.

Why is this award being revoked?

Revenge.

Tom Hanks campaigned for Joe Biden. He was not one of Donald Trump’s friends.

He had to be punished.

This is despicable. It is the behavior of a tyrant. Every Middle Eastern despot, every fascist leader and every South American medal draped fool, all share the same need to make their enemies pay.

There is never enough praise, awards and attention to fill the empty hole of Trump’s tiny ego.

So, he settles for revenge.

The English has a phrase which I want to use on this occasion “he’s not fit to clean his boots.”

And so the fact of the matter is clear. Donald Trump is unworthy even to clean Tom Hanks’ boots.

James Alan Pilant