By Andy Weddington
Thursday, 29 August 2019
There is no higher value in our society than integrity. - Arlen Specter
Yesterday a brother retired Marine shared on Facebook a wsj.com piece titled 'Duty, Democracy and the Threat of Tribalism' authored by Jim Mattis.
That Jim Mattis is General James N. Mattis, U. S. Marine Corps (Retired) who served as President Trump's first Secretary of Defense.
Thoughtful and logical his theme. Clean and clear his writing.
For context, he revealed initiative and aggressiveness as the qualities he most valued growing up in the Marine Corps.
Okay. Roger. Yes, Marines, enlisted and officer, embrace initiative and are aggressive; necessary to win any sort of fight.
As to fighting, he feels more concern for our internal enemy of divisiveness than external enemies.
He's correct.
But what is at the core of (our or any) divisiveness?
Lack of a (unifying) common experience.
Divisiveness can be killed ...
Through two qualities (most valued and respected by Marines, et al.) in, of and from leadership - military and civilian - not mentioned in the article: integrity and courage (moral and physical); to do right by and for country.
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2 comments:
You seldom leave me uncertain of your view. But you did this time. I know how much you support Trump so I assumed you'd be critical of Mattis even though he is a Marine's Marine. Are you saying he doesn't have courage? Or integrity?
The other day General Mattis gave his first televised interview since resigning his position as Secretary of Defense. I was wondering if you had seen it, and what your take was. I've copied the link below.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/general-jim-mattis-on-war-and-trump/
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