United States Secretary of Defense on Presidents Day:
“…we also remember our Service Members fiercely defending the freedoms we value every day.”
Africa – National Guard
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
December 21st 2019 KOMO News
Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide
Africa – National Guard
The people of Indiana need services in Africa
The Republic Nov 14, 2023
Holcomb, Lyles in Kenya today to visit Indiana National Guard soldiers, many from Seymour
Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb tells us the Indiana National Guard is “…defending our values and way of life” in Africa.
“I’m proudly reminded, our freedom is not free, and it’s their dedication that pays the cost in full. Indeed, we have much to be thankful for.”
“Operation Enduring Freedom has been ongoing in the Horn of Africa since 2002. Hoosier Guardsmen continuing the mission are scheduled to return home to Indiana next year.”
21 years of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa
Any newspeople available to ask Governor Holcomb how American freedoms have changed because of this 21 year old operation?
Are small town newspaper comment sections dying out?
Africa – National Guard
The people of Utah need services in Africa
Comment on video linked above:
“I wish the news would have actually given news.. why are we sending them to Africa?”
Will there ever come a time when newspeople ask if there is any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to the movement of National Guard troops to an overseas location?
Respect for The National Guard
CNN Nov 11, 2023
Biden honors Americans who ‘stood on the front lines of freedom’ in Veterans Day remarks
Sorry, no newspeople available to ask:
Mr President,
Going back to the 1990 Operation Desert Shield,
How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?
Uncle Sam is having a hell of a time finding people to sign up for the US Armed Forces. Pretending that decades of undeclared/unwon wars are linked in any way with American freedoms is the kind of dishonesty that will snuff out the energy American families once had for encouraging young people to enlist.
Good luck with your US Armed Forces recruiting crisis.
Acting Secretary of Defense:
“The Department of Defense continues to be one of our nation’s bedrock institutions,” Shanahan said, and “our foundational strength lies in the remarkable men and women who volunteer to serve our country and protect our freedoms, while making immense personal sacrifice.”
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
In the news:
May 14, 2024 The Washington Post
U.S. threats led to rupture of vital military ties, Nigerien leader says
“Since 2012, the United States has maintained a military presence in Niger, with most U.S. personnel stationed at the Agadez drone base, which cost about $110 million to build.”
May 10, 2024 CNN
US hopes to maintain some forces in Niger as talks on withdrawal continue, officials say
April 22, 2024 CBS News
April 26, 2024 AR Democrat-Gazette
US troops to leave Chad, Niger
Related:
Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Various states sent National Guard troops to distant lands. Each of those below claims that military operations overseas are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms:
How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?
Maryland Freedoms Found In The Middle East?
West Virginia Freedom Found In The Middle East?
How did our freedom and liberties get over to Kosovo?
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
U.S. Department of Defense – A Free & Honest Society?
The people of Alaska need services in the Middle East
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
The country struggles with:
Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.
Possibly of interest:
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.
Look for newspeople and school teachers to ask zero questions in these areas.