Every person that enters the military takes the same oath. “I _____, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, etc.”
I served in the military for 34 years and was honored with two combat commands. Liberals and Conservatives have asked my thoughts about General Mattis and others. I asked one of the liberals if Mattis was believable because Mattis was critical of President Trump. The response was that Mattis demonstrated compelling credibility based on logic and evidence.
Before I get into Mattis, let me address National Security Advisor John Bolton. As I write this Bolton is on his book selling TV tour. Bolton worked for President Bush who in 2008 said, “I don’t consider Bolton credible”. John Bolton could have testified before the 2019 impeachment committee but did not. Bolton refused to testify willingly or even with a subpoena. Question: What was Bolton afraid of? Was Bolton afraid to be questioned under oath?
June 3, 2020: Mattis stated that Trump was violating the Constitution by calling up the military. According to the National Guard Historian, since the enactment of the 1952 Armed Forces Reserve Act, the Guard has been called up 12 times under the control of the President. The first time was in Little Rock, Arkansas, to support the Little Rock 9. Arkansas’s governor had called up the National Guard, but it just blocked entry to the nine black students. Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10730 and federalized the Guard but later sent in the 101st Airborne.
What got everyone upset was that Trump referenced the Insurrection Act of 1807, which gives the President the power to mobilize the state militia or active military to enforce laws. That act expanded the 1792 Militia Act which gave the president power to command state militias in cases of insurrection. This may be invoked in cases of insurrection against state law, state government, actions against federal law, or if the state fails to protect the US Constitution.
James Mattis denounces President Trump. He describes Trump as a threat to the Constitution and that Trump is ordering the military to violate the constitution. Tell me how Trump has violated or would have violated the Constitution. Mattis went on to say that at home, we should use our military only when requested to do so. I have lots of respect for Mattis, but this statement is wrong. The governor of Arkansas did not request that Eisenhower bring in the 101st Airborne or federalize the Guard.
General Mattis also backs the protesters and claims that there are only a small number of lawbreakers. Trump did not threaten to bring in the military to stop peaceful protesters. What does Mattis’ statement have to do with looting and destruction of property?
Because of all the rioters, looters and arsonists, by June 2 numerous Secret Service agents were injured, Chicago – 130 police officers injured, Davenport, IA – officer shot, Boston – police patrol vehicle set on fire and at least seven officers injured, Jacksonville, FL – officer’s neck slashed, Salt Lake City, UT – 21 police officers injured, and in New York City – at least 33 police officers injured. The total number of officers nationwide injured in the week long rioting, looting and arson remains unclear. The destruction of property is estimated to be multiple hundreds of millions of dollars. Mattis said a small number of protesters, WOW!
Mattis said, “Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people.” President Obama said that police acted stupidly in the Professor Gates’ arrest followed by the beer summit photo op. Trevon Martin was killed by a Hispanic security guard, and Obama said that if he had a son he would look like Trevon. President Obama could have used the AG Holder federal grand jury investigation into the Michael Brown shooting as a teachable moment to unite America, but did not. The media did not help either, and America continues to see the hands up–don’t shoot lie to this day.
After General Mattis resigned he argued that it would threaten the apolitical nature of the military to comment. Look back in history and you will see the criticism of President Truman when he fired General Douglas MacArthur. Truman was correct; the military is controlled by the elected civilians. We allow our military tremendous autonomy and respect. As a civilian Mattis has the right to his opinions but is not automatically correct.
Bolton, Mattis and many of the generals are not happy with Trump’s desire to remove the United States from the wars that we have been engaged in since 2002. What would these guys say if ANTIFA came to their neighborhood?
June 1, Trump and the nation had watched three consecutive days of burning, looting and property destruction around the United States and all around the White House. It appeared to Trump that local governors and law enforcement were being overwhelmed. Under these conditions President Trump threatened to bring in the military using the 1807 Insurrection Act. Trump, unlike Mattis, understood his oath to defend the US Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.
ANTIFA is dangerous, and Trump wants law and order. Do we?
“A GOVERNMENT OF LAWS, AND NOT OF MEN” John Adams