Is it just me or does it feel like we no longer have civilian control over our military anymore?

[TeamPooka]

Trump didn't know they were using the biggest bomb ever to hit Afghanistan?
The generals are in control.
Trump is a puppet.

[tirebiter]

1. Trump doesn't get to be a puppet.

The commander in chief doesn't get to change the chain of command for his convenience.

[Warpy]

2. I said that the day of Operation Pothole

The Joint Chiefs have been hot to go after Assad for years but Obama wouldn't do it without Congressional approval, something Asshole could likely have gotten had he tried.

But yes, between a pouting Ivanka and the Joint Chiefs, his arms were being twisted on that one.

[MyOwnPeace]

3. For me,

I'm thinking I'm more comfortable with the "military pros" than the "family administration" that's calling the plays now (not that either leaves me remotely comfortable!).

[TeamPooka]

4. Historically the trick is always taking control back from the military at some point down the road.

[MyOwnPeace]

6. I agree........

and I remember Ike's warning about the MIC.
And that's what is crazy about now - who do you trust? Look at your choices!!!

[Kentonio]

8. I was thinking the other day how ironic it is that we're basically relying on the IC bailing us out

Either they provide the info to take down a president, or it won't happen. And now that's kind of a positive. Crazy world its become.

[Baconator]

16. Given the choice between McMaster and Trump...

I know who I'd choose

[Kablooie]

5. Maybe Trump will give them enough power for a military coup. Ha ha ha...

Uh ... maybe it's not so funny.

[MyOwnPeace]

7. And isn't that scarry?

Really, have we ever been in this type of situation before?
My GAWD, I just argued for giving consideration to the "military" over a "civilian administration" (OMG - I'm about to throw up in my own throat - that's what this whole fraud administration has done to me!).

Really, we've gotta' do our work for 2018 - and make sure that GOOD people are in there!!!!!

[Hamlette]

9. As a person from a military family, I think they will moderate

Husband, father and mother all served, all VERY liberal. While we should be keeping an eye on them, they will moderate when they realize a mad man is in the WH.

Most military types are used to presidents saying "no". If this guy never does, I honestly think cooler minds will prevail. My dad, a Col. in the airforce, would have freaked out at talk of using a nuclear weapon.

[TeamPooka]

11. I don't think moderation means let's start using the biggest bomb we have that we have never used b4

[Hamlette]

12. I agree, but I have to at least hope they'll pull back.

[Baconator]

17. As someone who has been there and done that...

I'm good with the the use and location...

[TeamPooka]

18. Trump thanks you for your support.

[VOX]

10. The whole fucking program is out of control.

Russian influenced election; right-wing ideologues in complete control of all branches of government; ignorance over knowledge and science; and a know-nothing, jerkoff cable huckster holds the highest office in the land.

[marlakay]

13. He said he gave them permission

I think since he doesn't know anything he decided to trust them. Most presidents prefer to have the power and final say.

I heard him on the news talking about it.

[TeamPooka]

15. I think the USAF could bomb a city full of civilians and Trump would just be like: "The mission was

a success. We have the best military, better than anyone, except for where we don't and we'll spend lots more money there."

[PoliticalPie]

14. What if the answer is civilian control in the form of all those for profit contractors for all

materials, equipment and intelligence operations?

[MineralMan]

19. That bomb was used in accordance with a standing order.

However, the "Civilian control of the military" means that the President and Congress are supposed to be in control of our military. Sadly, with the White House and Congress in Republican hands, that control is out of control at the moment. As far as Trump is concerned, we can only hope that the military will be able to control the Commander-in-Chief. That may be tested soon. If Trump orders the use of a nuclear weapon against North Korea, there will have to be some decisions made about what to do.

I will not say what I hope happens in that instance.

[TeamPooka]

21. We would either nuke them or have a full military coup on our hands. lose-lose

[MineralMan]

22. Not a win-win situation in any way, is it?

Stay tuned. History may be about to be made. I hope I'm wrong.

[Vinca]

20. I think Dear Leader has pretty much said "Knock yourselves out, guys."

He hasn't got a clue what the military has done, is doing or is planning to do.

[UTUSN]

23. That's what I said!1

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10028930585
Dereliction impeachment!1 He forfeited Cmdr-in-Chief duty, created a rogue military. Impeach!1

There's an article out there explaining that to MADISON and his cohorts "high" crimes and misdemeanors as grounds for impeachment refers to "maladministration" specifically in performance of official duties, not to "high" as in severity.

Not to say that this jerk with so many other serious infractions of ignorance, ethics, and fitness misses the mark of *severity* since here he is violating one of the bedrock principles, that the CIVILIANS are in control of the MILITARY.

Even a dweeb like Shrub showed some awareness of this by trying to legitimize himself by getting himself called Commander in Chief as often as possible.

As for this JERK's loosing the military to do as it will, first he called it "my" military, as Rachel?/Tweety? commented on at length, how he seems to believe it is his personal own thing, the way he tried to "give" exclusive rights to the inauguration to the Faux Propaganda Network, being ignorant that the military belongs to the country. And within the military at its best is the insidious kernel of Dr Strangelove, Catch 22, and the military's own self-awareness of FUBAR. It's only a step away from the Romans' praetorian guard running things, choosing emperors.

There is just plain LOTS of stuff to get this JERK out of here. If this institutional ROT were not so ingrained, some "high" (to use another meaning) minded members of the other branches would do their jobs.