Going back to the topic at hand -- that being when, how, and if, members of our military can state their opinion -- I have often been asked what I found most rewarding about writing the novel. The answer is easy. Getting hundreds of emails from men and women in uniform -- officers and enlisted -- who not only thanked me for articulating some of their fears for our nation but also admitted that they were apprehensive about stating their opinions in writing.
How ironic and tragic. These heroic young men and women fight every day for our liberties -- with one of the most precious being free speech -- and yet they are fearful of speaking their minds.
Civilian control of our military is paramount. This control rightfully establishes the President as the Commander in Chief. That control and authority, however, do not preclude General McChrystal or any other member of the military, from speaking out or offering their best judgment. Up and until the President and our civilian leadership have firmly fixed and settled on a policy or war decision, our men and women in uniform have the right to speak on the subject, answer questions on the subject or write on the subject.
As President Obama and his team are far from a decision, General McChrystal has done nothing wrong. Once this President -- or any President -- makes a firm decision that affects our military, it’s incumbent upon our military leadership to either follow orders, or, if they find such orders to conflict with their principles, to resign.
General McChrystal is not a politician. He is a war-fighter in service to our nation. Unfortunately for him, because a private discussion of his was leaked and he truthfully answered some questions in public, his name, service, and sacrifice are being tarnished by some on the left who hate all he represents.
How much better if those liberals targeting General McChrystal turned their time, energy, anger, and considerable resources against the terrorists the General and his troops are trying to vanquish. We’d all be better for the effort.