GIANTS LIVES MATTER
By Andy Weddington
Wednesday, 07 July 2021
Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves. - Henry David Thoreau
Yesterday morning I was surrounded by giants - sea of white headstones - at rest in Beaufort National Cemetery (South Carolina); the best of America.
Surnames A to Z.
Dates of birth and death; some young, some not, some battle casualties, some not.
Branch of service and notes of war and award.
From engraving race mystery.
Patriots.
A brother fell in on their ranks yesterday.
And humble men and women, some one day to join (the giants), journeyed from near and far to pay respects, to say farewell until.
Post service walking to car a stone caught my attention. So sent photo to a longtime pal - Marine (who became a SEAL) brother far away; thinking he may know him. In reply, "Would you look at that! Did not know him, but thanks for sending."
Rolling home a handful of hours to reflect.
Not just about honoring a fallen brother but in context to what I've been reading - goings on in the Department of Defense with a bit more interest in Marine Corps developments.
The acronym DEI seems misspelled.
DIE.
Diversity: A state, a condition neither strength nor weakness.
Inclusion: A state, a condition neither strength nor weakness.
Equality: A nonexistent state, condition. For if true equality there'd never be winners and losers. Denial does not change reality.
Another acronym, CRT.
Seems to be more destructive virus than virtue.
Certainly not force multiplier, combat readiness enhancer.
And the Marine Corps commandant's idea of ridding basic combat power to make the force more lethal.
Recent critical analysis by battle-hardened Marines has come my way.
Brutal.
While a small cohort of subordinate yes men cheer, the (objective) critics dismantle logic, concept, gear, etc., and now question service relevancy.
To preserve the outfit's distinguished history, perhaps now time to disband, to case the color?
Who's right?
Questions that came to mind during the drive and nagged until sleep finally came late ...
Principles of War - are they still relevant?
What exactly is the Defense Secretary and the Joint Chiefs of Staff reading?
What does each member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff believe?
Listening to and reading sworn testimony by the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Naval Operations, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps triggered the thought, "Would their spoken positions match brain and heart and professional positions if subjected to polygraph?"
Does the Constitution matter?
Does the Oath of Office matter?
Do those swearing oath truly understand their duty is to Constitution not any President and administration?
Accordingly, do those oath takers understand obedience is not a leadership trait?
And that if not for disobedience (think Founding Fathers) there'd not be America?
When knowing something is wrong and obeying anyway is that not cowardice? What about dereliction of duty? Treason?
This morning I read an article by James Durso (U. S. Navy, Ret) titled, 'Mark Milley's Last Battle?'.
Mr. Durso closed the article noting a sentiment of Senator Tom Cotton. The senator wants Congress to assess the views of all senior officers to ensure "our flag officers subscribe to those very basic principles that are outlined in our Declaration [of Independence] or in King's Dream speech ... "
That's but a start; measly really.
Were it my call, the entire collective of GOFOs (General Officer Flag Officer) would not be happy.
Giants deserve more.
More so those today who selflessly decide giants are good company.
Meanwhile, giants in waiting - white, black, brown, red, et al. - rage.
The next war sorts it all out.
Prediction not necessary, read the horrific non-fiction and listen to those who know that horror.
Trash the foolish fiction and thick-headed theories.
Which makes me wonder if other worlds have concluded there's life on earth but it's not intelligent?
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