Haven't finished yet (Oct 31, 2019), but as we have a vote on impeachment procedures in the House, I mourn for an America that seems to in some ways have lost its way. When I'm more optimistic, I believe we'll come through this, but even then, I wonder how much work and time it will take to recover from the damage being done.
A quote from the Gates text, which is itself a quote from a speech Secretary Gates gave- commencement address at the Naval Academy, May 25, 2007:
"Today I want to encourage you always to remember the importance of two pillars of our freedom under the Constitution- the Congress and the press. Both surely try our patience from time to time, but they are the surest guarantees of the liberty of the American people. The Congress is a coequal branch of government that under the Constitution raises armies and provides for navies. Members of both parties now serving in Congress have long been supporters of the Department of Defense, and of our men and women in uniform. As officers, you will have a responsibility to communicate to those below you that the American military must be nonpolitical and recognize the obligation we owe the Congress to be honest and true in our reporting to them. Especially if it involves admitting mistakes or problems.
The same is true with the press, in my view a critically important guarantor of our freedom. When it identifies a problem... the response of senior leaders should be to find out if the allegations are true... and if so, say so, and then act to remedy the problem. If untrue, then be able to document that fact. The press is not the enemy, and to treat is as such is self-defeating." (pp. 90-91)
Well said, Secretary Gates!
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