This letter isn’t impressive at all. Blind obedience will be the death of us. For the resistance to have been so little thus far that this letter feels “measured” tells us what a sorry state we find ourselves in.
"That oath doesn’t come with an asterisk that says, “only when I agree with the mission.”"
It actually does come with a massive asterisk that he didn't include. The oath is to follow LAWFUL orders. Here is an example of an unlawful order straight from UCMJ. "A commanding officer orders personnel to suppress lawful protests in violation of First Amendment rights."
He does mention "lawful" in his letter. "We execute lawful orders with professionalism and honor." That should be an out to orders that do not meet that criterion.
This letter isn’t impressive at all. Blind obedience will be the death of us. For the resistance to have been so little thus far that this letter feels “measured” tells us what a sorry state we find ourselves in.
"That oath doesn’t come with an asterisk that says, “only when I agree with the mission.”"
It actually does come with a massive asterisk that he didn't include. The oath is to follow LAWFUL orders. Here is an example of an unlawful order straight from UCMJ. "A commanding officer orders personnel to suppress lawful protests in violation of First Amendment rights."
https://www.ucmjlaw.com/disobey-a-superior-officer/
He does mention "lawful" in his letter. "We execute lawful orders with professionalism and honor." That should be an out to orders that do not meet that criterion.
Thank you for saying what I wanted to say. You did a great job.
While I agree there's intentional fear mongering in the media, I also fear these silly displays are also a tactic to collectively numb us.
It's a distraction, a push on the overton window, and probing to see what they can get away with.
SO American families, what are you going to do when your kids shoot and kill unarmed citizens?
Do you suppose this will not happen to you?
Useful timeline of 2025 Portland ICE protest events
https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2025/09/tracking-the-rise-and-fall-of-portland-ice-protests-key-developments-as-trump-troops-arrive-soon.html
"Clean Wehrmacht", American edition, where all the troops feel so reluctant about inflicting violence on American citizens
It's just awful that they have to be put in this situation in the first place.