ConservativeTribune: In most countries around the world, when a number of high-ranking military officers take a public stand against the country’s leadership, it’s a sign that a military coup is in the offing. In America, however, it’s a sign that our First Amendment guarantee of free speech is still alive and well–at least for now.And we need more active duty ones even more so!
It’s one thing when retired generals, whose military careers are obviously behind them, speak out against a sitting president. This has often been the case lately. For example, retired U.S. Army Major General Paul E. Vallely has been vocal about his belief that American liberty will only be restored through peaceful marches and protests to force the resignations of key political leaders, including President Obama. General Vallely has been joined by Air Force Brigadier General Charles Jones to create a “citizen’s council” directly challenging the administration’s policy decisions. Obama’s treatment of Islamic terrorists, including his trade of several Guantanamo Bay detainees for accused deserter Bowe Bergdahl has drawn fire from two other retired generals, Air Force Major General Bentley Rayburn and four-star Army General Jack Keane.
However, it must be even more troubling to the Obama administration to be called out by active-duty officers. Lending his voice to that of highly-decorated retired Army Major General Patrick Henry Brady, active-duty 4-star Marine General and US Southern Command Commander John Kelly has argued publicly that the current border crisis threatens America’s very existence.
The leaders of America’s armed forces have a unique perspective on governance, as they are often close to the decision makers and sometimes called upon to enact, or clean up after, policy decisions. Their opinions are not, of course, of inherently more value than anyone else’s–although they are typically better informed.
However, they are long-service officers and have served under multiple administrations, allowing them to draw comparisons and contrasts between leaders and policies.
To put it bluntly: when this many generals with this much combined experience observing, implementing, and evaluating U.S. policy agree that America is headed in the wrong direction, the American people would be fools not to pay attention.
H/t: JA
Related link: GOOD: Military Generals Take Stand Against Barack Obama
