In Union There Is Strength
I have watched this week's unfolding events, angry and appalled. The words "Equal Justice Under Law" are carved in the pediment of the United States Supreme Court. This is precisely what protesters are rightly demanding. It is a wholesome and unifying demand—one that all of us should be able to get behind. We must not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers. The protests are defined by tens of thousands of people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to our values—our values as people and our values as a nation.
When I joined the military, some 50 years ago, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens—much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief, with military leadership standing alongside.
We must reject any thinking of our cities as a "battlespace" that our uniformed military is called upon to "dominate." At home, we should use our military only when requested to do so, on very rare occasions, by state governors. Militarizing our response, as we witnessed in Washington, D.C., sets up a conflict—a false conflict— between the military and civilian society. It erodes the moral ground that ensures a trusted bond between men and women in uniform and the society they are sworn to protect, and of which they themselves are a part.
Keeping public order rests with civilian state and local leaders who best understand their communities and are answerable to them.
James Madison wrote in Federalist 14 that "America united with a handful of troops, or without a single soldier, exhibits a more
forbidding posture to foreign ambition than America disunited, with a hundred thousand veterans ready for combat." We do not need to militarize our response to protests. We need to unite around a common purpose. And it starts by guaranteeing that all of us are equal before the law.
Instructions given by the military departments to our troops before the Normandy invasion reminded soldiers that "The Nazi slogan for destroying us...was 'Divide and Conquer.' Our American answer is 'In Union there is Strength." We must summon that unity to surmount this crisis—confident that we are better than our politics.
Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people—does not even pretend to try. Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership. We can unite without him, drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society. This will not be easy, as the past few days have shown, but we owe it to our fellow citizens; to past generations that bled to defend our promise; and to our children.
We can come through this trying time stronger, and with a renewed sense of purpose and respect for one another. The pandemic has shown us that it is not only our troops who are willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of the community. Americans in hospitals, grocery stores, post offices, and elsewhere have put their lives on the line in order to serve their fellow citizens and their country. We know that we are better than the abuse of executive authority that we witnessed in Lafayette Square. We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution. At the same time, we must remember Lincoln's "better angels," and listen to them, as we work to unite.
Only by adopting a new path—which means, in truth, returning to the original path of our founding ideals—will we again be a country admired and respected at home and abroad.
James Mattis
Sour grapes. Not worthy of a general. Obama did zero to unite the country. He marginalized everyone on the right. Matt is is a "mad dog" all right. Mad as in losing his marbles.
ReplyDeleteBullshit: President Washington used troops to quell domestic rebellions.
ReplyDeleteThis is 2020 not 1790. Christ people. Stop with the history reference if you don't understand the contest of history. The problem with strong executive branches of government is just this. They are prone to do what they want. They are surrounded by sycophants and will always push the envelope. That is why you need strong legislative bodies to counteract one man rule. A benevolent competent dictator is still a dictator.
ReplyDeleteLike we had the first two years of Obama's first term?
DeleteTrump considered using troops for quelling arson, looting and violence, IF the governors and Mayors refused to get things under control. His first priority is safety. I watched Madis recently on a C-span discussion he is a globalist plain in simple, he is willing to weaken US sovereignty.
ReplyDelete3:42, you are trying too hard to justify regaining the White House with someone else as President. We we need most is leadership that believes in an unwavering American Constitution. That document has served us well for about 200 years. It delineates everything you desire.
ReplyDeleteCitizens are fully protected by our Constitutional structure provided EVERY generation of adults respects its design. Safeguards are fully in place.
What’s happening now is adults stepping ‘outside it’s bounds’ with no fear of consequence. Law & Order is in chaos and being used as a political tool to reach a goal outside the usual norms. The prescribed means of electing and effecting change is being ignored. At that point, we a losing our nation and becoming a place of backward civilization.
Rules DO matter.
Thank you for posting Mattis’s full statement. Leadership appears in such strong contrast to the current administration that is willing to sacrifice the rights of the people for a photo opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI like Mattis and don't like Trump. But just as doctors doctor, plumbers plumb, mechanis mechanic, so do warriors war. The Mattis strategy would have us in Afghanistan for another 19 years, at least. It's why we place civilians in charge of the military - even when those civilians are the Trumps and Obamas and GW Bushes of the world. He gets to sound off like every American. But he's admittedly angry, and demonstrably bitter. Those with cooler heads use them. Neither he nor Trump is that type.
ReplyDeleteGenerals and politics..these two arenas of influence should never be cozy with one another. Mattis should have retired after military service..Trump thought he was gonna be a great political ally in his administration but not so. Oil and water. Not saying Mattis does not have the right to express his opinion but he had no business in the WH hierarchy. Trump too ignorant to choose wisely about cabinet positions. All he ever wanted was sycophants.
ReplyDeleteAnon 12:12 “sour grapes” Not worthy of a general. - I disagree, General Mattis and “ leadership” are synonymous. Obama fired him as CentCom and his replacement had to tell him . If this man asked for 50 volunteers, Marines would fight each other to get in line . FYI, 1967 Newark,N.J. riots ,Federal troops , Number 41 deployed them in California and after Dr.King was killed , President Johnson blocked off around White House and crew served machine guns deployed in defensive positions around WH grounds. Johnson would have mowed down the looting rioters in a heartbeat. Mattis is right , Federal troops should not be politically deployed domestically, it causes grave implications after the smoke clears. The President says things to get reactions,or he would say nothing, then carrie out his plan with no advance notice. The President enjoys the same popularity during this domestic issue thru the virus and will gain after it’s over,evan after the Russian interference scandal by Democrats now being played out . .Stay tuned for Tuesday’s Vote count.
ReplyDeleteSo far, there is absolutely nothing we’ve seen from President Trump that is outside the laws of this nation, and I don’t expect that, even if regular military is brought into play in-putting down these attacks on our neighborhoods and citizens.
ReplyDeleteCertain Governors and Mayors are turning their backs on flagrant, dangerous criminals. Innocent citizens are being killed, police are being killed, and thousands seriously wounded. Now, we see those arrested being immediately released back out on the streets. This is mayhem against humanity and some politicians are doing nothing to stop it.
You stop being a protestor when you physically harm others, damage property, and steal. In case you haven’t noticed, these organized terrorists are now driving outside the cities to break laws. No one is safe in their homes unless government entities, including regular military if needed, do the jobs they swore to perform on our behalf.
America is under terrorist attack from within. It must be stopped by any means necessary. Your family’s future depends on that.
Military warfare on our streets against those who harm us . . . Yes, if necessary. It’s legal under these conditions. Hundreds of arrests and lock-up are long overdue.
Mattis’ comments about Trump are not surprising and expected.
ReplyDeleteThe Mayor of DC by all appearances was ready to permit the White House to be overrun by demonstrators in the Lafayette Park demonstration. Of course, you call up federal troops to protect the White House. Lyndon Johnson did that in 1968 when threatened with fires and looting following MLK assassination. He brought in the 82nd Airborne. These idiots forget that The White House is an institutional symbol of our government and exists regardless of the occupant. But, that is the real problem, too many people willing to sacrifice it all because of the current President. Get over it. We have elections and term limits.
6:59 so former military and politics shouldn't mix huh? Washington, Jackson, Harrison,Taylor, Grant, Eisenhower.
ReplyDelete7:20 "nothing that Trump has done that is outside the law" aha, aha, aha oh my, that was the best laugh of the day!
All the well-meaning, peaceful, sign carrying walkers must understand they will not be protected from becoming collateral damage if the terrorists are met with serious military resistance. Better not to stick around watching from the sidewalk. The burning, looting, and beatings WILL be stopped, one way or another.
ReplyDeleteThis morning I read a new message to Marines from the current Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. It had to do with race relations and reminded Marines of previous guidance that racism will not be tolerated in the Corps. The message was valuable for what it said but it also reminded me that today's military forces are representative of the current demographics of the nation. Many Marines and other service members have personally felt the same type of ugly discriminatory behavior that black civilians have experienced, particularly when the military people are out of uniform. General Mattis understands this and likely also understands that many people in uniform while often supporting traditional American values will not necessarily support authoritarian action against US civilians when that action affects a wide segment of the population beyond the anarchists and self proclaimed revolutionaries. Current and recently serving military leadership, both officers and NCOs totally get this. I do not believe that the President and many of his base necessarily do.
ReplyDelete@7:20 "So far, there is absolutely nothing we’ve seen from President Trump that is outside the laws of this nation"
ReplyDeleteFor the last 3 years the guy has gone out of his way to piss all over the CIA, FBI and the justice department, let alone any other # of federal oversight/regulators. There is of course very little they can or will do now with a sitting President who has surrounded himself with enablers.
These people aren't stupid, they take notes, keep tabs, they know that in either 5 months or 5 years they'll get him when he's outside the bubble.
7.20 the FBI, CIA and state department have engaged in traitors acts. hopefully they will be brought to justice.
ReplyDelete"Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people—does not even pretend to try."
ReplyDeleteThis pretty much hits the nail on the head. Not that either Obama or Bush were exactly "Uniters in Chief", but for a guy who lost the popular vote, a more moderate/centrist approach would have been a much better path to reelection.
Obviously from reading all the excuse makers above this post, his current "leadership style" has a certain appeal to a limited base that enjoys the attacks and childish ridicule of the press and his opponents, but they aren't near enough to get him elected again.
No criminal lawbreaker, regardless of skin color, gets a ‘pass’ in a civilized society. Never in my book, anyway. This whole thing is rather easy to understand. Destroy property, burn down buildings, do physical harm to another person, murder, steal, etc., and your uncivilized behavior might result in your detainment, imprisonment, and bodily injury to yourself. That’s just the way it is, and you already know that going in.
ReplyDeleteTo stop this anarchy , more law enforcement officers on the street, civilian and/or military, who intervene. Anyone seen rioting/looting, etc. gets taken down, rounded-up, and confined until trial. Try to record everyone in the act.
Again, if you are a peaceful protestor, adhere to curfews and street closings. Most Importantly, stay the Hell out of the way! This is not a game. Be smart, be safe.
Any body but Bernie, those with TDS, and the police, need to understand...
ReplyDeleteYou can only beat, batter, and abuse, a bad guy so long before you're the bad guy.
#walkaway
Sen. Chuck Schumer spoke of in glee, in response to then-president-elect Trump’s criticism of U.S. intelligence agencies. “Let me tell you: You take on the intelligence community — they have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you.”
ReplyDeleteThat's why I love this country so...we don't even try to hide it, if you want to know and understand the inner workings of governance they will tell you, you silly voter.
Right now, in certain states and cities, we have a lawless society. People, businesses, and entire neighborhoods are being destroyed while police are being told to stand down, city officials are releasing rioters directly back into the street. Police personnel killed trying to protect their neighbors.
ReplyDeleteThe New York City Mayor is suggesting the police budget must be cut, so the police force can be scaled down for the future. In Minneapolis, people are demanding the police department be eliminated altogether. With this mindset, can anyone be sure police will respond to their own cry for help in neighborhoods across the nation?
There is no justification for allowing a breakdown in American society. Eventually, citizen vigilante groups will become active. Already happening in Yucaipa, CA and the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. There is no good ending here.
Americans have been buying guns and stockpiling ammo since the LA riots in 1992. Many believe that this will all end with wholesale lawlessness, followed by bloodshed.
ReplyDeleteSounds to me like that 's what you're hoping for. Fortunately, most of us understand that the wholesale lawlessness you look forward to is highly unlikely.
ReplyDeleteWe have the most heavily armed, skilled citizens of any nation on Earth. Right now, no one is putting up a fight. Not even the police in many failed cities. The looters have no idea what awaits them as they branch out into less populated areas. After a few nights of armed citizen defense of homes and families, the brazen lawlessness will end.
ReplyDeleteRight now, in many areas, the anarchists are going unchallenged by their supporters and stupid politicians who believe they will gain politically in upcoming elections. The reception of these thugs will change dramatically as the evil doers make the mistake of attacking residences rather than businesses, stores, and structures that are not occupied.
Innocent citizens must stay out of these urban areas until the danger is gone.
Bernie , most of the population with firearms arenot “skilled” . Maybe 20% that’s it. Most police officers would be hard fit to hit the inside of your hat at 25 yards. Maybe 10% that it. People don’t stockpile ammo usually unless there are restrictions in purchasing. Home defense is an subjective issue. Most responsible people that have had to pull a trigger in their own defense end up as basket cases . Legal costs and loss of work and questions by press and neighbors drive them nuts. Nobody responsible wants to go throw that.
ReplyDeletePeter,cops are not as proficient as you with firearms, but most of them train hard and practice.
ReplyDeleteBernie , The cops were not reared in a home with a 50 foot pistol range., I had a pet groundhog and a Raccoon at same time in high school on Chipman Road. In my retirement I help lots of
ReplyDeletecops all the time at Easton Fish and Game range. I want them to have an edge. Lots from N.J. Police and IRS special agents . They don’t know stuff that 50 years can get them. Free.
And yes I’ve had the privilege to have dinner with General Mattis at Union League in Philadelphia fury a Naval War College event.
ReplyDeleteSenile Uncle Joe Biden thinks that cops should try to shoot a charging lunatic, black or white, in the leg rather than the chest. Can anyone be so clueless while sucking up to his black supporters?
ReplyDeleteI have not heard Biden say that as I have been busy writing up Council meetings. I will check. If true, and that's a mighty big if, it's incredibly dumb. Even I know that you never use deadly force unless you intend to kill someone.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, he said it. The best tactic Joe could take between now and November is to wear his mask and keep his mouth shut. He should skip all debates, too. Let Trump destroy himself.
ReplyDelete"The best tactic Joe could take between now and November is to wear his mask and keep his mouth shut."
ReplyDeleteThe sad part about your strategy is how right you are.
Trump can boast fully "unmasked" how he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and wouldn’t lose any voters.
Biden, on the other hand, could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot himself and wouldn’t lose any voters, as long as he wears a mask an keeps his mouth shut.
Take your pick.
I post this suggestion here even though it is far down the topic list and will not be seen by very many. Please seek out the wonderful 3:44 minute video of this sad moment in our nation’s history. Narrated in his own words, President Trump calls for the unification of our nation.
ReplyDeleteBetter to believe what you see with your OWN eyes, hear with your OWN ears. Listen directly to the actual words expressed, not just accept the interpretation of someone else.
Bernie, you can help the healing by keeping this entry in place.
The trump toadies find nothing wrong or lawless about his criminal and impeachable conduct on full display over the past three years. Oh yes governors and mayors take great delight in doing their duties within the bounds of the law. Trump that draft dodging wimp who scurried to the bunker for a coincidentally timed inspection just loves to trample over the rights of peaceful protesters so he can hold up a bible without even bothering to pray. F TRUMP and the morons who continue to support him like good German soldiers.
ReplyDelete