The One With Aldacron

All United States military personnel swear an oath when they join the service. As part of that oath, they swear to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” They also swear to “obey the orders of the President of the United States.” I can only imagine the dilemma good soldiers must surely find themselves in right now.

When George Bush signed the Military Commissions Act into law, he became a domestic enemy. Think about it — the military is sworn to support and defend the United States Constitution. By signing the bill into law, Bush effectively launched an attack against the Constitution. He stripped us of some of our fundamental rights and protections. He broke his own oath of office. Every member of Congress who voted for the bill did the same and are also domestic enemies. What do you do when the man whose orders you are sworn to obey attacks the very principles you are sworn to defend? It’s a simple answer really — the Constitution outranks the president, by any measure.

I have been amazed over the past three years by the number of soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen who go out and risk their lives, fighting for a man who has proven to be a liar. Would I continue to fight, knowing that the reason I was given to be there was a lie? As a former soldier, I can attest that loyalty comes first to those in your platoon. They are the men and women with whom you eat, sleep, and live. No matter how much I disagreed with the orders or the reason behind them, I would be hardpressed to abandon those so close to me. But it would be a very difficult decision. Believing, as I do, that the invasion of Iraq was unlawful, knowing that it has nothing to do with the war on terror (which many soldiers signed up to fight), could I bring myself to carry out my duty? I don’t know. I’m very glad my military obligation ended years ago and that I never had to find out. But after the signing of this new law, I know I would absolutely refuse to obey any order issued by Bush.

We know there are former and current military personnel speaking out against the war. Several Democratic candidates for the coming election are veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan. But for those still serving, for those still fighting, this latest act of tyranny by Bush adds a new dimension to their mission. While they are off fighting his war, whether they agree with it or not, he is home taking away the very rights they signed up to defend.

If Congress does not step up and do the right thing in the near future by removing this tyrannical regime from power, the responsibility falls into the hands of the military. It is their sworn duty to defend the Constitution of the United States. If the military cannot protect our freedom, who can? Our people surely don’t seem motivated to. America is a country in a hypnotic trance, content to watch events transpire on Fox News while their rights are stripped away and the death toll in Iraq climbs. Who is going to save America, if not the military?

Our Constitution is under attack by a tyrant. Our military needs to recognize that fact and do something about it. As the motto on Thomas Jefferson’s seal proclaims,

Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.

I’m not a religious man, but the meaning behind that phrase still holds true.

I call on all Americans to stand up and be heard. Rebel against the tyrant that is determined to make you live under his rules. The Bush brand of freedom is no freedom at all. Elect those to Congress that will remove him from power. And if you fail to do so, or the Congress fails to act, I call on the United States Armed Forces to uphold their Oaths of Enlistment and Oaths of Office. Our Constitution is in need of defense against a domestic enemy. Our country needs you. If Americans can’t stand up for themselves, you will be our only hope.

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