The day Pete Hegseth had all the military brass show up in Virginia that day was a stain on our country. He made a fool of himself when he has far less military experience than any of them. His rant made him look like a total jackass. I can’t even imagine what those guys in uniforms were thinking. It was so embarrassing. Such petty bullshit from a nobody secretary of “war”.
As a Contrarian, I've salvaged a significantly different perspective. Although I fully agree with your assertion, the silver lining in my mind is that they were all there together. They all heard that cockamamie idiot with no relevant experience lecturing each and every one of them. They didn't have to take anyone else's word about Hegseth or perhaps offer some 'benefit of the doubt'. He made his blindly loyal idiocracy crystal-clear. I hope the vast majority of those assembled heard him for exactly who he is and whose ass he kisses. The difference between him and them couldn't be further apart.
And just think, all of these highly-trained members of our military were kicked out by a cowardly draft dodger with no morals, no brains and no sense. What a country!
Consider also that the personel being removed have knowledge and experience. There is no assurance that those replacing them are equally competent. There is also the question of to where they put their allegiance - to the country, people, and constitution, or Donald Trump. This is troubling. From the top down, what does a Faux Noise presenter (Hegseth) who had but a minor role in the military long ago know about leading the Department of Defense? There is no confidence in his competence.
Well put, Mr. O'Neill. I can't imagine what it must be like for a veteran to watch what Trump and his kakistocracy are doing to our country.
However I did watch with Schadenfreude the reception he and Kegseth received at the Washington Commanders game last Sunday. The only thing that exceeded the decibel rating of the sustained booing rained down upon them was the unequivocal sign language employed by the fans at the game.
This is horror show starring Trump and Hegseth pretending they care about those who sacrifced life and limb defending democracy. I addressed what I think may be the last and only hope for the county in The Paucity of Hope here: https://halbrown.substack.com/p/the-paucity-of-hope-by-hal-m-brown
This was exactly the right message for Veteran’s Day this year. And please don’t forget the many women being demoted or pushed out by this misogynist SecDef.
This is distressing. Of all trump and his ilk have done, this ranks among the very worst. I keep wanting someone or something to put an end to this destruction. I keep waiting. This is not the country we thought we lived in when our military is gutted out of spite? It is beyond any sort of logic that I can think of.
I also advise students of international relations to go ahead and serve in the government, even if they have to use Trumpist 'strings' to get the job. But I add a caveat: Don't get near anything illegal and immoral, particularly at DHS. It will be easy for a young person to ruin his reputation and to be forever unemployable after this nightmare is over. It is becoming hard to steer clear, however. Intel people are lined up on policies that won't look good on anybody's resume. I also tell students today to scrub their resume of anything that sounds like they were doing good. Instead, create the appearance that you are strictly a functionary who follows orders.
Looking back at Vietnam today and 50 years ago, as well as Germany today and 80 years ago, the lesson is that in the long run, the buck is mightier than the bullet.
The day Pete Hegseth had all the military brass show up in Virginia that day was a stain on our country. He made a fool of himself when he has far less military experience than any of them. His rant made him look like a total jackass. I can’t even imagine what those guys in uniforms were thinking. It was so embarrassing. Such petty bullshit from a nobody secretary of “war”.
As a Contrarian, I've salvaged a significantly different perspective. Although I fully agree with your assertion, the silver lining in my mind is that they were all there together. They all heard that cockamamie idiot with no relevant experience lecturing each and every one of them. They didn't have to take anyone else's word about Hegseth or perhaps offer some 'benefit of the doubt'. He made his blindly loyal idiocracy crystal-clear. I hope the vast majority of those assembled heard him for exactly who he is and whose ass he kisses. The difference between him and them couldn't be further apart.
And just think, all of these highly-trained members of our military were kicked out by a cowardly draft dodger with no morals, no brains and no sense. What a country!
Consider also that the personel being removed have knowledge and experience. There is no assurance that those replacing them are equally competent. There is also the question of to where they put their allegiance - to the country, people, and constitution, or Donald Trump. This is troubling. From the top down, what does a Faux Noise presenter (Hegseth) who had but a minor role in the military long ago know about leading the Department of Defense? There is no confidence in his competence.
I salute your long view and steadfast patriotism, which are essential for “when this phase is over.”
Thanks for these latest realistic reminders of what’s at risk and what will sustain our republic as we knew it.
Will take us years and five or six Demoncrxatic administrations to repair all of the damage.
hopefully not so long ! Also, I think the new rules will be harder to break.
Well put, Mr. O'Neill. I can't imagine what it must be like for a veteran to watch what Trump and his kakistocracy are doing to our country.
However I did watch with Schadenfreude the reception he and Kegseth received at the Washington Commanders game last Sunday. The only thing that exceeded the decibel rating of the sustained booing rained down upon them was the unequivocal sign language employed by the fans at the game.
This is horror show starring Trump and Hegseth pretending they care about those who sacrifced life and limb defending democracy. I addressed what I think may be the last and only hope for the county in The Paucity of Hope here: https://halbrown.substack.com/p/the-paucity-of-hope-by-hal-m-brown
Thank you, again, Dr O’Neill for your beautiful expressions honoring our military, past and present.
ICE is trump's personal army and he is getting rid of all regular army "real" officers
This was exactly the right message for Veteran’s Day this year. And please don’t forget the many women being demoted or pushed out by this misogynist SecDef.
This is distressing. Of all trump and his ilk have done, this ranks among the very worst. I keep wanting someone or something to put an end to this destruction. I keep waiting. This is not the country we thought we lived in when our military is gutted out of spite? It is beyond any sort of logic that I can think of.
I also advise students of international relations to go ahead and serve in the government, even if they have to use Trumpist 'strings' to get the job. But I add a caveat: Don't get near anything illegal and immoral, particularly at DHS. It will be easy for a young person to ruin his reputation and to be forever unemployable after this nightmare is over. It is becoming hard to steer clear, however. Intel people are lined up on policies that won't look good on anybody's resume. I also tell students today to scrub their resume of anything that sounds like they were doing good. Instead, create the appearance that you are strictly a functionary who follows orders.
Looking back at Vietnam today and 50 years ago, as well as Germany today and 80 years ago, the lesson is that in the long run, the buck is mightier than the bullet.
and that's a good thing.