Today, Bob (@bobbuzzanco) and Scott (@sparki1969) talk about the recent public repudiation of Donald Trump’s attempts to use the military against American citizens in pursuit of a racial war by ranking military officials, not just retired but active-duty as well.
In an amazing two weeks, one of the more incredible developments has been the open resistance of military officials to Trump’s attempts to militarize American cities and likely kill protestors. Starting with retired Generals and Admirals and percolating into the dissent of active-duty officers, the military, America’s most respected institution, has stood up to Trump and, even more, made a sharp statement against racism and defended the right to protest.
These people aren’t radical and don’t have the same interests as protestors, but have put the brakes on Trump, for the time being at least. They’ve also give people in the streets more legitimacy and space. They’re not long-term allies necessarily, but they have helped the millions who are rebelling right now.
For more on this topic, see Buzzanco, “Cracks in the Empire: The Military Says ‘Stand Down’ to Trump” and Masters of War: Military Dissent and Politics in the Vietnam Era
