If Trump had showed up for my Dad's funeral in a veterans' cemetery wearing a MAGA promotional baseball cap my Mom, solid red Republican that she was, would have kicked him in the shins (only because as bent over as she was she would not have been able to reach any higher).
While some Vets do agree with him, the majority of Vets support him without agreeing with him. He is, like it or not, the Commander in Chief. He was appointed to that position by the American people and part of the oath we take is to obey the orders of those appointed over us. Another part of that oath is to "uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States" So we're basically caught between a rock and a hard place.
I was referring to support of his actions, not the position he holds. I still think about how all those generals were forced to fly to DC to be talked down to by Hegseth. They definitely observed the oath they took, but I suspect that behind those stoic faces were unhappy people.
It sounds like you are in the military. Thank you for your service!
There is no crevasse between the "rock" and the "hard place," Julius, even when corrupt officials attempt to invent one. Military members are bound by law to refuse to enact illegal orders. Period. Their training includes this; they have to abide by the law. The Constitution is the law; not the President's latest whim, scam, racist frenzy, or revenge fest.
I suspect that Julius understands that which is why he separated the two issues of obeying those appointed over them AND upholding and defending the Constitution. The first is the rock and the hard place. I doubt Julius would consider the latter negotiable.
I don't know if there is a legal mechanism in place that would give generals the ability to call into question orders from the President.
That's a good thought. While many people toss out the idea of military personnel not having to obey "illegal orders", very few consider that the average enlisted person doesn't have legal counsel at hand when given an order. Legal training for the majority of military personnel consists of a class or two on the UCMJ. Those generals and admirals however, almost always have a staff of lawyers who can advise them on the legality of an order received from the CiC or SECDEF. And Trump and his sycophant at DoD (not DoW to me) have shown what can happen to anyone questioning an order. A raised eyebrow is considered "questioning" which is why all those flag ranked personnel at Hegseth's tongue lashing sat stony faced. Not a flinch among them.
That is rough. It sounds like China. How infuriating it must be for military personnel at all levels to witness how what they have chosen as their sacred duty get treated like a game.
I dread what evil can still be unleashed on our country while we wait for elections and 2028.
I hope all Americans understand that - you cannot pick and choose who you will obey orders from. The one very difficult exception of course are any illegal commands Sen. Kelly and others have referred to, e.g. “no quarter”, killing defenseless or surrendering enemies, etc.
We do not envy your position. Your job is hard enough without that extra pressure.
Understood, but there's nothing in the oath that requires voting for him, yet granular vote tallies of the precincts in and around military bases are ruby red.
This is really confusing to some of us who watch - and worry - about friends currently serving.
Perhaps, but that tally is of voters around the bases where most civilian employees live. Active duty personnel usually vote absentee because they don't reside where they are stationed.
That’s true. You don’t technically “reside” in the state or country you’re stationed in. For one thing the military base is federal land, and you are subject to being transferred permanently or temporarily at a moment’s notice.
Active personnel provide a “home” address - I’m not sure if they need to provide a mailing address (owned property, spouse, parent, sibling, etc), or what happens for someone who has no relatives and no roots.
Well, there's always "NoK", Next of Kin. Most states accept an absentee ballot based on a residence in their state whether anyone you know still lives there or not. It's usually the last place you voted. Vote.Org has good info on registering to vote absentee. I've lived in Japan for many years and vote absentee in Suffolk County, New York.
From what I have read, the big change came in 2024 when the Pentagon pumped millions of dollars into recruitment, began programs that got recruits into shape before active duty physically and with education, and became more lenient about what would be disqualifying. And there are more financial incentives.
What you say is true though recruiting has turned around as anyone who doesn't look like Hegseth has a higher chance of being rejected. And that includes females. When it comes to recruiting, we're shooting ourselves in the foot (again).
Interesting. From what I read, the number of women serving in the military has increased slightly and these "prep-camps" are to get individuals who don't meet the standards a chance to get in shape, so I doubt at that point any of them look like Hegseth. But then again, I found this article that says The Army made a change last year: recruits can attend the camp for physical training or academic assistance (to be able to pass the Army's test) but not both. https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-soldier-prep-course/
I guess the best recruitment strategy is the draft. As you would expect, the military is good (from their point of view) at classifying personnel. I've met many who joined simply to get help paying off their college loans. They, along with Academy graduates, form the majority of officers, the well educated class.
Next are the educated (high school, some college) personnel. They are probably the main body of the U.S. military and each one has his/her own reason for joining. And then there are the remainder who need help passing the entrance exams. There are many females in each class but from what I've seen, and that's pretty well limited to the Navy, many are not re-enlisting. I think too many men and women are turned off by the current political situation.
Did you enlist? One of my brothers did, hoping that he would not get sent to Vietnam, but he was sent there. He wasn't infantry, thankfully. My other brother did not get drafted. Someone in his HS class did get drafted and should not have been accepted due to his being out of shape, flat feet, not great eyesight. He died in boot camp during a march. So I have mixed feelings about a draft. You are most likely younger,
I think it would benefit young people if they were required to take one year after high school to work with a nonprofit or NGO stateside or abroad. At that point, transitioning to the military might make more sense to some of them.
I wonder if there are statistics regarding the numbers of individuals not re-enlisting now compared to other years.
we have a very angry veteran friend who served more than several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan,
came home injured, 2 years in Walter Reed, and we are so thankful to have him back. He pretty much spits nails when talking about current political leaders. Let's hope Nov. brings a BIG change.
They most certainly did not give their lives for a demented corrupt soulless President leading an entire political party of spineless, toothless sycophants into fascism.
On the lawn of the White House tomorrow there will be fight staged for the spectators' enjoyment, not a battle re-enactment, a mixed martial arts fight. Meanwhile the peace
president makes war on Iran, and supplies the weapons for the destruction of Gaza and
Lebanon by the greatest threat to peace in the middle east, The State of Israel. The men
buried at Colville-Sur Mer behind Omaha Beach did not die for this. They died to free the
world of this. Your offering today is eloquent beyond words.
Thank you, you said what I wanted to say about all who are buried in the cemeteries that lie near the Normandy beaches. They fought fascism and now here it is creeping across the country they laid down their lives for. Sad indeed.
WOW. That hits HARD. The starkness of the dark grass, the white of the stones, and then, the tiny bit of color of the flags - upside down flags, no less - on the gravestones just hits you in the gut. What a powerful image for this memorial day. Anne, you really know how to send a message with a picture that's worth a million words. It took my breath away.
Sadly perfect, Ann. Thank you.
Yes, what Jeff said.
Rolling over in their Graves as well.
If Trump had showed up for my Dad's funeral in a veterans' cemetery wearing a MAGA promotional baseball cap my Mom, solid red Republican that she was, would have kicked him in the shins (only because as bent over as she was she would not have been able to reach any higher).
Indeed!
Perfect. And the flags say it all. Thank you, Ann.
How any veteran can support The Felon-in-Chief is beyond my imagination.
How ANYONE can support him is unreal.
I'm a veteran and I don't understand it either.
While some Vets do agree with him, the majority of Vets support him without agreeing with him. He is, like it or not, the Commander in Chief. He was appointed to that position by the American people and part of the oath we take is to obey the orders of those appointed over us. Another part of that oath is to "uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States" So we're basically caught between a rock and a hard place.
I was referring to support of his actions, not the position he holds. I still think about how all those generals were forced to fly to DC to be talked down to by Hegseth. They definitely observed the oath they took, but I suspect that behind those stoic faces were unhappy people.
It sounds like you are in the military. Thank you for your service!
Retired after twenty years in the Navy, and thank you for supporting us.
There is no crevasse between the "rock" and the "hard place," Julius, even when corrupt officials attempt to invent one. Military members are bound by law to refuse to enact illegal orders. Period. Their training includes this; they have to abide by the law. The Constitution is the law; not the President's latest whim, scam, racist frenzy, or revenge fest.
I suspect that Julius understands that which is why he separated the two issues of obeying those appointed over them AND upholding and defending the Constitution. The first is the rock and the hard place. I doubt Julius would consider the latter negotiable.
I don't know if there is a legal mechanism in place that would give generals the ability to call into question orders from the President.
That's a good thought. While many people toss out the idea of military personnel not having to obey "illegal orders", very few consider that the average enlisted person doesn't have legal counsel at hand when given an order. Legal training for the majority of military personnel consists of a class or two on the UCMJ. Those generals and admirals however, almost always have a staff of lawyers who can advise them on the legality of an order received from the CiC or SECDEF. And Trump and his sycophant at DoD (not DoW to me) have shown what can happen to anyone questioning an order. A raised eyebrow is considered "questioning" which is why all those flag ranked personnel at Hegseth's tongue lashing sat stony faced. Not a flinch among them.
That is rough. It sounds like China. How infuriating it must be for military personnel at all levels to witness how what they have chosen as their sacred duty get treated like a game.
I dread what evil can still be unleashed on our country while we wait for elections and 2028.
Between a rock and a hard place always makes it impossible to move......
I hope all Americans understand that - you cannot pick and choose who you will obey orders from. The one very difficult exception of course are any illegal commands Sen. Kelly and others have referred to, e.g. “no quarter”, killing defenseless or surrendering enemies, etc.
We do not envy your position. Your job is hard enough without that extra pressure.
Thank you for your service and God bless you!
Understood, but there's nothing in the oath that requires voting for him, yet granular vote tallies of the precincts in and around military bases are ruby red.
This is really confusing to some of us who watch - and worry - about friends currently serving.
Perhaps, but that tally is of voters around the bases where most civilian employees live. Active duty personnel usually vote absentee because they don't reside where they are stationed.
That’s true. You don’t technically “reside” in the state or country you’re stationed in. For one thing the military base is federal land, and you are subject to being transferred permanently or temporarily at a moment’s notice.
Active personnel provide a “home” address - I’m not sure if they need to provide a mailing address (owned property, spouse, parent, sibling, etc), or what happens for someone who has no relatives and no roots.
Well, there's always "NoK", Next of Kin. Most states accept an absentee ballot based on a residence in their state whether anyone you know still lives there or not. It's usually the last place you voted. Vote.Org has good info on registering to vote absentee. I've lived in Japan for many years and vote absentee in Suffolk County, New York.
How any active service member can support him is equally mystifying.
And yet the administration claims recruitment is up. Really? How? Why?
From what I have read, the big change came in 2024 when the Pentagon pumped millions of dollars into recruitment, began programs that got recruits into shape before active duty physically and with education, and became more lenient about what would be disqualifying. And there are more financial incentives.
And look at the current job market.
What you say is true though recruiting has turned around as anyone who doesn't look like Hegseth has a higher chance of being rejected. And that includes females. When it comes to recruiting, we're shooting ourselves in the foot (again).
Interesting. From what I read, the number of women serving in the military has increased slightly and these "prep-camps" are to get individuals who don't meet the standards a chance to get in shape, so I doubt at that point any of them look like Hegseth. But then again, I found this article that says The Army made a change last year: recruits can attend the camp for physical training or academic assistance (to be able to pass the Army's test) but not both. https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-soldier-prep-course/
Has there ever been a good recruitment strategy?
I guess the best recruitment strategy is the draft. As you would expect, the military is good (from their point of view) at classifying personnel. I've met many who joined simply to get help paying off their college loans. They, along with Academy graduates, form the majority of officers, the well educated class.
Next are the educated (high school, some college) personnel. They are probably the main body of the U.S. military and each one has his/her own reason for joining. And then there are the remainder who need help passing the entrance exams. There are many females in each class but from what I've seen, and that's pretty well limited to the Navy, many are not re-enlisting. I think too many men and women are turned off by the current political situation.
Did you enlist? One of my brothers did, hoping that he would not get sent to Vietnam, but he was sent there. He wasn't infantry, thankfully. My other brother did not get drafted. Someone in his HS class did get drafted and should not have been accepted due to his being out of shape, flat feet, not great eyesight. He died in boot camp during a march. So I have mixed feelings about a draft. You are most likely younger,
I think it would benefit young people if they were required to take one year after high school to work with a nonprofit or NGO stateside or abroad. At that point, transitioning to the military might make more sense to some of them.
I wonder if there are statistics regarding the numbers of individuals not re-enlisting now compared to other years.
Thank you again for your service, Julius.
we have a very angry veteran friend who served more than several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan,
came home injured, 2 years in Walter Reed, and we are so thankful to have him back. He pretty much spits nails when talking about current political leaders. Let's hope Nov. brings a BIG change.
They most certainly did not give their lives for a demented corrupt soulless President leading an entire political party of spineless, toothless sycophants into fascism.
I suspect those sycophants they had a touch of fascism already. He just gave them permission to express it.
well said!
Nor did their grieving loved ones surrender their sons and daughters for this end.
So sad that it's so true .
...36 year Naval officer here.
I miss my father so much, but I’m so glad he missed so much of his navy devotion and bravery being trampled on by a coward
Amen🥺
Heartbreakingly and tenderly rendered, Ann.
Democracy in distress.
....on life support.....
On the lawn of the White House tomorrow there will be fight staged for the spectators' enjoyment, not a battle re-enactment, a mixed martial arts fight. Meanwhile the peace
president makes war on Iran, and supplies the weapons for the destruction of Gaza and
Lebanon by the greatest threat to peace in the middle east, The State of Israel. The men
buried at Colville-Sur Mer behind Omaha Beach did not die for this. They died to free the
world of this. Your offering today is eloquent beyond words.
Thank you, you said what I wanted to say about all who are buried in the cemeteries that lie near the Normandy beaches. They fought fascism and now here it is creeping across the country they laid down their lives for. Sad indeed.
The mma travesty tomorrow is an unbelievable stain on the grounds of the Nation's House. Should have been prohibited by the spineless congress.
What a poignant reminder. Thank you. As a Vietnam veteran, tomorrow is an extremely sad day for me.
Poignant. Perfect.
Well said!
thank you
Wow…brilliant..such a statement there…
WOW. That hits HARD. The starkness of the dark grass, the white of the stones, and then, the tiny bit of color of the flags - upside down flags, no less - on the gravestones just hits you in the gut. What a powerful image for this memorial day. Anne, you really know how to send a message with a picture that's worth a million words. It took my breath away.
Thank you.