Hundreds of West Point alumni call out Esper over military's role in protests

[babylonsister]

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/502387-hundreds-of-west-point-alumni-call-out-esper-over-militarys-role-in-protests


Hundreds of West Point alumni call out Esper over military's role in protests
By Ellen Mitchell - 06/11/20 08:30 PM EDT


Hundreds of West Point graduates are calling out top Pentagon leaders for failing to uphold the Constitution in their response to the nation-wide protests this month, according to a letter penned by a coalition of concerned alumni.

The letter, published by Medium and addressed to the school's class of 2020, comes two days before President Trump’s scheduled speech at the school’s commencement and commissioning ceremony. The 1,000 graduating West Point cadets were called back to campus for the event despite the coronavirus pandemic.

“The oath taken by those who choose to serve in America’s military is aspirational. ... By accepting your commission, you incur a moral purpose and obligation to provide for the common defense. In doing so you enable the nation to fulfill the full range of its aspirations,” the hundreds of alumni wrote.

“Today, our Constitutional aspirations remain unfulfilled,” they added.

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“Your commitment to your oath will be tested throughout your career. ... Unfortunately, some will make a Faustian bargain and endeavor to please their commanders and advance their own careers rather than take care of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines in combat — which is not just a problem, it is a disgrace,” they wrote. “America needs your leadership.”

[empedocles]

1. Encouraging