If we assume that General Mattis is sincere, and it's a reasonable assumption, this is a solid reason why military men should not be in civil government.
And how reporters can eventually be captured by their sources.
But let's talk about Mattis. 1/
And how reporters can eventually be captured by their sources.
But let's talk about Mattis. 1/
America has a strong tradition of the military staying out of politics. It's an important separation that we must maintain. Mattis believes in that tradition. 2/
He has also been a general long enough that he's lost some of his ability to read the people he's leading. "Knock it off" is a reasonable response to minor sniggering in the ranks. It's not for serious questioning of how things are being done. 3/
Leadership demands that the leaders listen when the people say "Wait a minute, I think I see an alligator in that swamp we're supposed to march through." 4/
Being in the chain of command means fealty to those above you. Would Mattis point out that alligator to the people giving him orders? Hard to tell. 5/
Civilian leadership, and I suspect good military leadership, requires a dialog. That dialog depends on good information.
Mattis knows things about Donald Trump, but would they make a difference? 6/
Mattis knows things about Donald Trump, but would they make a difference? 6/
We already know that Trump is committing crimes in plain sight. We know that his rants are unhinged.
Perhaps if Mattis gave a more personal view, it would make a difference in public opinion.
But I have my doubts. 7/
Perhaps if Mattis gave a more personal view, it would make a difference in public opinion.
But I have my doubts. 7/
If Mattis is going to speak, however, he should speak fully. If columnists are going to dialog with him, they should not agree to his boundaries. What @IgnatiusPost and Mattis are doing here is gaslighting. The problem is more serious than "Knock it off." 8/8
