As November creeps closer the media frenzy surrounding the November Presidential elections will get ugly. So, like some in the military say when at the local bar I’m “going ugly early”. The Navy SEALs have gained a global popularity that has never been seen before and Admiral (SEAL) McRaven, the Commander of US Special Operations Command has his hands full dealing with the situation.
What personally bothers these days is how certain media outlets, in the U.S. and abroad, are attempting to piggyback on the popularity of Navy SEALs and trying to use SEALs as pawns in an effort to paint a false portrait depicting US Navy SEALs as not supporting Obama. All active duty military swore an oath to support the President of the United States regardless of their personal beliefs. This point alone puts the US Navy SEALs in Obama’s court when it comes to whom they support.
Even more absurd is when parties start accusing each other of making something “too political”. Example: “Obama is making the UBL raid by the Navy SEALs too political”. This is absurd, it’s called politics people and everything is fair game, including your mistress, just ask Edwards.
I’m well aware that SEALs and others in Special Operations have their personal opinions when it comes to Obama. I had my own bad opinion of Clinton and his poor treatment of the military and terrible foreign policy record when I served under him in the early and mid nineties. However, I kept my mouth shut and did my job. I would have followed my Commander-in-Chief’s orders to the death if need be. That’s what good active duty warfigthers do, they follow orders. You don’t have to “like” it, you just have to do it.
I know SEALs that both despise and support Obama, most my of my friends actually think he’s solid, especially when it has come to his utilization of Special Operations in the War of Radical Islamic Ideology that we are up against.
“I’ve been on a dozen video teleconferences with President Obama and he has no problems killing bad guys…” -DEVGRU (AKA SEAL TEAM SIX) Operator
So I choose to be the voice of reason when it comes to wild-eyed media reports about President Obama and Navy SEALs not supporting the President. Certain media have attempted to throw me onto the political chess board a few times but I think most were surprised when I started moving like a Castle and not a Pawn.
As a veteran and citizen of the United States of American it bothers me that we have been forced into a two-party system of government and even worse that we are made to choose sides. And it’s only getting worse.
Let’s start choosing candidates on the merits for their accomplishments and integrity. Integrity & Accomplishment. That’s what I am voting for. Does the candidate do what he says, and does he have the expertise and accomplishments to back it up?
It’s too bad that it seems to be one or the other these days.
GaryElliott
I have just purchased and started reading “The Red Circle” . Thanks for your service. Some will say that, yet no really realize the commitment , hardship , training, and everything else that service to this country really entails. Thank you for your refreshing honesty in your blog.
GaryElliott
I have just purchased and started reading “The Red Circle” . Thanks for your service. Some will say that, yet no really realize the commitment , hardship , training, and everything else that service to this country really entails. Thank you for your refreshing honesty in your blog.
plainolamerican88
From one sailor to another I agree with every thing you said except the coment that all military take an “OATH” to support the president. I respectfully beg to differ Chief.
The United States is unique in it is the only country where we fire pissers in uniform take an oath NOT to a person but to the SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND, our CONSTITUTION. It was setup that way to prevent tyranny. Hence the reason “foreign AND domestic” are included. We to are a part of the system of checks and balances for OUR and our fellow citizens FREEDOM.
Now I am not an Obama fan and openly say so here but having said that if he or any in my chain of command would give me a lawful order I’d snap to and get ugly right F*****g now. However we as military professionals must at least know the order is LAWFUL. I do not question the UBL order and would cover your six any time brother but we gotta be more specific for the youngins so they are not used and abused.
plainolamerican88
From one sailor to another I agree with every thing you said except the coment that all military take an “OATH” to support the president. I respectfully beg to differ Chief.
The United States is unique in it is the only country where we fire pissers in uniform take an oath NOT to a person but to the SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND, our CONSTITUTION. It was setup that way to prevent tyranny. Hence the reason “foreign AND domestic” are included. We to are a part of the system of checks and balances for OUR and our fellow citizens FREEDOM.
Now I am not an Obama fan and openly say so here but having said that if he or any in my chain of command would give me a lawful order I’d snap to and get ugly right F*****g now. However we as military professionals must at least know the order is LAWFUL. I do not question the UBL order and would cover your six any time brother but we gotta be more specific for the youngins so they are not used and abused.
BoydCrowder
Disappointing.
BoydCrowder
Disappointing.
CSears
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
CSears
@plainolamerican88
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
CSears
@plainolamerican88
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
BoydCrowder
There are those of us who think that some of the president’s actions have been extra-constitutional, e.g. his overuse of Executive Orders. Given that as a foundation, what you do to honor your oath if you found the president’s orders to be unconstitutional?
This, I think, was the basis for oathkeeper.com.
BoydCrowder
There are those of us who think that some of the president’s actions have been extra-constitutional, e.g. his overuse of Executive Orders. Given that as a foundation, what you do to honor your oath if you found the president’s orders to be unconstitutional?
This, I think, was the basis for oathkeeper.com.