OPINION:
We are supposedly a nation of laws. We elect members of Congress to represent us, pass those laws necessary to keep us safe and run the country on a smooth path. When retired military generals decide those laws do not apply to us because we are too important and know much better than Congress, things have badly gotten out of hand — and someone needs to take action to return the nation to a secure footing.
As far back as George Washington’s days, Congress has had laws requiring that commissioned military officers (including ones retired and on pay) who use “contemptuous words” against the president shall be punished by court martial. The Supreme Court has ruled a number of times that this is not a restriction of the officer’s First Amendment rights, and as recently as last year the court refused to review a case based on this issue, thereby reaffirming its position. In recent months, some 27 retired four-star officers from all the armed services have decided they are too important to comply with this law, and have violated it multiple times. Should Congress sit idly by and not require the Department of Defense to follow the law that has convicted some 156 officers in our nation’s history? If you agree with me, cut out my letter and send it to your senators and congressional representatives and tell them you do not want the military running the nation.
BRIG. GEN. A.E. BREWSTER
U.S. Marine Corps (retired)
Frisco, Texas
Please read our comment policy before commenting.