This week, the resignation of Gen. McChrystal as the Commander, Allied Forces in Afghanistan rocked the nation and the world. Though some believe that his departure was too high a price to pay for being politically incorrect, we must remember that the military operates by law under a very different set of rules than the civilian world. Whether or not the current occupant of the White House is deserving of ridicule or disrespect, the Office of the Presidency is not. The rules governing our military were established to ensure that the civilian branch of government remains in complete control of the military. There are many examples of why our Founding Fathers established this hierarchy, both historically and in our present day world as well.
That said, the question must be asked, “Why did a 4-star General with a distinguished career knowingly allow a left-wing paper to observe and publish an exchange that cost him his career?”
I visited Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day. It is a beautiful place – solemn, silent and inspiring. Every visit brings an incredible sense of humility, respect and awe for the individuals buried here, and renewed inspiration to honor their gift to us. Every grave is a solemn reminder of our eternal debt to those who gave the last full measure of devotion to preserve our opportunity to be free. Every marker is also a reminder of our duty to preserve that opportunity.