One of the saddest chapters in our history was when MacArthur, as Army CoS, rolled tanks and tear gas over the Victory Villages the WWI veterans had set up on the DC Mall to protest their not receiving the promised bonus for going to fight overseas. He didn't seem to have a problem following that POTUS order - at least from what I read. Would it be any different today?
Yep, you are correct. "We were only following orders". If put in that situation, I only hope I would have had the courage to refuse to obey that order. To put my ethics before my career. To turn on your own like that... I resigned from a good paying defense company job after leaving the military because I felt they were bilking the taxpayer and endangering the service people. When I confronted them, the CEO told me I "didn't understand the business." I am very fortunate and humbled because my wife supported my actions. She said, "That is why I married you - your integrity and honor." Can't beat that.
Integrity and honor are two of the most important qualities a man can possess.
I would like to think that the military (and police) would refuse to take unwarranted action against the citizens that they are sworn to defend. I am not confident that that would be the case. :(
One of the saddest chapters in our history was when MacArthur, as Army CoS, rolled tanks and tear gas over the Victory Villages the WWI veterans had set up on the DC Mall to protest their not receiving the promised bonus for going to fight overseas. He didn't seem to have a problem following that POTUS order - at least from what I read. Would it be any different today?
ReplyDeleteDon't forget MadDog, Ike and Patton were there too.
ReplyDeleteYep, you are correct. "We were only following orders". If put in that situation, I only hope I would have had the courage to refuse to obey that order. To put my ethics before my career. To turn on your own like that... I resigned from a good paying defense company job after leaving the military because I felt they were bilking the taxpayer and endangering the service people. When I confronted them, the CEO told me I "didn't understand the business." I am very fortunate and humbled because my wife supported my actions. She said, "That is why I married you - your integrity and honor." Can't beat that.
ReplyDeleteIntegrity and honor are two of the most important qualities a man can possess.
ReplyDeleteI would like to think that the military (and police) would refuse to take unwarranted action against the citizens that they are sworn to defend. I am not confident that that would be the case. :(
Let them choose wisely.
ReplyDeletehttp://ncrenegade.com/editorial/a-time-to-kill/
And we shall act accordingly.
LT... Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete