2,403 Americans were killed, and another 1,178 were injured at Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941. Each year, around its anniversary and commemoration, we are reminded that preparation and security are vital to avoid future attacks.
Today, our enemy is radical Islamists. We’ve been fighting these maniacs since 1979, when Iran seized an embassy and held Americans hostage. Democratic president, Jimmy Carter, did next to nothing about it. Obama has learned well.
Military Personnel | Photo Credit WikiMedia Commons
Future Attacks
Since Carter left office, we’ve suffered many more attacks. In 1983, Marine barracks were attacked in Beirut, and in 1993, the World Trade Center was targeted for the first time. Since then, September 11th, Ft. Hood, the Boston Marathon, and countless lone wolf strikes by Muslim terrorists have set Americans on edge.
On the heels of a weak presidential administration, Donald Trump promises to be more aggressive in the fight to stop terrorists. So far, he has appointed other men who share this mindset: Mike Pompeo, to the CIA, General Michael Flynn, as National Security Advisor, and General James Mattis, to the Secretary of Defense.
General Mattis’ appointment requires a congressional waiver to rule, as he has not been out of the service for more than seven years. Regardless, some Democrats are opposed to this waiver for Mattis, as they fear military figures in the Trump administration. I wonder if they’re afraid a strong leader would expect them to step up for those they serve.
Rep. Adam Schiff, who is the ranking member of the Select Committee on Intelligence, said that while General Mattis would make a great Secretary of Defense, Democrats may oppose the waiver. They are concerned about the number of military types in the Trump administration thus far.
Military Personnel | Photo Credit WikiMedia Commons
Frustrations From the Democrats
Specifically, Schiff said, “What may tip the balance for me is if the president-elect populates even more positions within the administration, with even more military figures. I’m going to have a lot of heartburn about this.”
“If he starts making these other nominations,” he went on, “It’s going to place the Mattis waiver in real jeopardy — at least as far as Democrats are concerned.”
This aligns with New York Senator Kristen Gillibrand, who announced that she will oppose the waiver because, “Civilian control of our military is a fundamental principle of American democracy, and I will not vote for an exception to this rule.”
Despite General Mattis’ qualifications on the war with terror, there is no rational basis to oppose the nomination. Democrats are worried the military will take over, but Donald Trump will set the policy, and the Secretary of Defense reports to him.
As usual, the worries from Democrats are melodramatic and unjust. With all their paranoia, I wonder if liberals get any sleep at all.
What do you think about Trump’s placement of military figures in his presidential administration?
