Donald Trump is a Threat to National Security
Notwithstanding his sheer ignorance of global affairs, his closed door meeting with Vladimir Putin, his interference with the issuance of security clearances, or his disclosure of classified information to Russian officials (and perhaps even others) - Trump’s utilization of military personnel and equipment as a “show of force” is by far the most egregious threat to national security most Americans have witnessed in their lifetime. I regard today’s resignation of James N. Miller, Jr. from the Defense Science Board as an important example as well as an omen that points to troubling days ahead.
Though it is a civilian advisory board, one of the responsibilities of the Defense Science Board is to “provide the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense independent advice and recommendations on matters concerning science, technology, manufacturing, acquisition process, and other topics of special interest to the DoD.” Technology - particularly new technologies - is one of the most important elements of our nation defense. Russia’s deployment of hypersonic weapons well ahead of the United States capability is but one example. Miller’s former experience as under secretary of defense is an expertise this administration can ill-afford to lose. Yet, in his letter of resignation, Miller made it quite clear that his commitment to the Constitution and to the lives of American citizens would not let him in good conscience continue to work with this dastardly administration. Miller inserted within his letter of resignation, several dire warnings for Mark Esper, Secretary of Defense. He articulated his concerns that Esper is very close to violating his oath of office leaving this strong exhortation, “soon you may be asked to make life-and-death decisions about using the military on American streets and against Americans. Where will you draw the line, and when will you draw it?”
Miller’s letter made me think about the other men and women who serve our country with distinction as active duty and reservists personnel. I especially began to wonder about the task of recruiting young men and women who are now trying to stay healthy amidst the coronavirus while at the same time witnessing and some being harmed by Trump’s deplorable actions. More specifically, I have this question and concern: How is recruitment of Black people doing now? Each time I am asked, I have done my very best to caution people against joining any branch of the military during this current administration. Though young African Americans are generally more likely to serve, right now I feel really good about the number of Black persons - who after speaking with me and others - have decided that now is not the time for military service. There are some reliable reports that over the past 5-years recruitment numbers have been dwindling.
In addition to our future military technology and recruitment, as a veteran I worry about the emotional wellbeing of those military forces now being used as mere pawns for Trump’s marketing plan. I imagine the tension within their spirits about the orders they are being asked to carry out against their fellow citizens. And, quite frankly, I am sure many right now, or will in the future, experience moral injury which is defined in this way:
I simply cannot believe every military person whom we saw taking action against civilians did som without sincere trepidation and discontent. Going forward, the continuous threats to utilize the military to take, even to conquer, an American state is dangerous talk. He has lost his damn mind! (Frankly his psychological wellbeing has been questioned since his first year in office) We are at a defining moment in our country’s history. The quote, “a Republic if you can keep it,” which is in response to Elizabeth Willing Powel’s question about “the goodness, and probable permanence of the constitution [sic] of these United States” is nowadays not mere rhetoric. We are dangerously close to losing our democracy to fascism. It is not external enemies alone for which we must be on alert; it is the domestic threat known as Donald Trump.