As Donald Trump continues to sow division and incite violence against peaceful protesters, including by threatening to use military force, the Secretary of the Army is pushing back with a message to the troops.
The right to protest is protected by the Constitution as part of the First Amendment. And while Trump has been obsessed with putting the protests down, Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy is urging the troops to uphold their oath to the Constitution and protect the peaceful protesters.
“Every Soldier and Department of the Army Civilian swears an oath to support and defend the Constitution,” McCarthy said in a statement along with Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston and General James C. McConville. “That includes the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
We will continue to support and defend those rights, and we will continue to protect Americans, whether from enemies of the United States overseas, from COVID-19 at home, or from violence in our communities that threatens to drown out the voices begging us to listen. To Army leaders of all ranks, listen to your people, but don’t wait for them to come to you. Go to them. Ask the uncomfortable questions. Lead with compassion and humility, and create an environment in which people feel comfortable expressing grievances. Let us be the first to set the example. We are listening. And we will continue to put people first as long as we are leading the Army. Because people are our greatest strength.”
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
McCarthy even posted a video on Twitter reminding the troops that their first duty is to defend our freedoms and protect Americans.
Every Soldier and Department of the Army Civilian swears an oath to support and defend the Constitution. That includes the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. @USArmy @USNationalGuard pic.twitter.com/HEurpvNALW
— SecArmy (@SecArmy) June 4, 2020
Again, this is in stark contrast to Trump, who has spent his time threatening violence against protesters. He even had peaceful protesters teargassed and shot with rubber bullets so that he could stage a photo-op at a church. And Trump has also asked about using tanks against the protesters as well.
Violently putting down peaceful protests is not how the military should be used and any such order from Trump should be ignored. Because he is the domestic enemy our military should be fighting against, not Americans crying out for justice.
Featured image via screen capture
Like what you see here? Join the discussion on Facebook over at Americans For Sanity!
