A few weeks ago, I opined that General Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, should resign for failing to adhere to the chain of command for having two conversations, at the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021, with his Chinese counterpart, hoping to tamp down concern about potentially hostile actions that China feared might happen during Trump’s last few months in office.
Revelation of these conversations appeared in two different books and a magazine article.
Understanding that General Milley served a reckless, irrational and irresponsible president, capable of questioning and trying to overturn the results of a legitimate election—as verified in courtrooms in response to frivolous lawsuits filed by Trump supporters—I still thought that the nation’s top military officer violated the primacy of civilian rule in a democratic country.
He served his country in a way unfamiliar to his commander-in-chief. He upheld his oath.
I have changed my mind. As he testified in two congressional hearings, Milley had received approval from the then Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to call his Chinese counterpart. Both Esper and Milley had received intelligence that China dreaded combat actions by the volatile, unhinged and impulsive Trump.
Writing this column is as difficult as the previous one. During Trump’s presidency, Americans learned to accept, reluctantly and distastefully, his unpredictable decisions and statements. But few of us would have imagined that he would have deliberately incited an insurrection against the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
A president who delighted in breaking norms had no compunction in lighting a fuse under a mob of rioters. Domestic terrorism waged against our citadel of democracy proceeded with Trump’s blessing.
Who among us, except the most devout Trump supporters, could have expected such a horrific spectacle?
Who among us, except Trump devotees, felt anything but disgust and revulsion on Jan. 6?
I thought I was watching a horror film. It ended poorly. Perhaps the Chinese did as well.
As noted, I called for Milley’s resignation. I hesitated doing so. It was a painful assertion. I respected him far more than I did our feckless commander-in-chief. I do not agree, however, with Milley’s statement, made during a congressional hearing, that resignation is a political act.
When retired General Jim Mattis resigned as Secretary of Defense in response to Trump’s decision to withdraw from Syria, I never would characterize his stepping down as anything but honorable and admirable. Because he strongly disagreed with the president’s decision, one he simply could not support for its disregard of the value of alliances, he resigned.
As I previously wrote, those serving a president impervious to sound thinking and advice found themselves constantly having to decide if their integrity and honor outweighed their desire to serve their country under a defective leader and person. This dilemma must have plagued competent and decent people in the Trump White House.
Pangs of conscience were an occupational hazard when serving Trump.
Resignations of Jim Mattis, Gen. John Kelly, Gary Cohn and John Bolton, among others, represented a grasp of reality: their sense of selfless public service conflicted with the self-centered, unmoored perspective of the White House.
Gen. Milley acted responsibly in his patriotic contacts with his Chinese counterpart. His boss, Secretary Esper, blessed his calls. The White House knew about the communication. He did not contravene the sanctity of civilian control over the military.
(As I repeatedly proofread this column—as I do with all the ones prior to it— I am aware Trump backers will resent my extensive use of derogatory adjectives when describing our 45th president. They will characterize me an unapologetic Trump-hater.
What I despised was his lack of respect for the presidency and the legacy of its occupants, who, though flawed, viewed service to the nation as superior to themselves. Not one would have instigated a riot).
General Milley was a hero. He and his boss, Secretary Esper, wanted to avoid hostile action by a rival concerned about an erratic president. Hence, Milley tried to reassure an apprehensive world power.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.
Suzanne Williams says
It is honorable to change one’s opinion based on further information. I commend M r. Freelancder.
Peter B Stifel says
Howard——–Thank you, thank you, thank you——-
You are absolutely correct, in my opinion, in all respects.
Stephen Schaare says
Your contempt, loathing and visceral hatred for the former President has no end. I will never understand how an older, seasoned good liberal can hate a fellow human being with such vigor.
I must, reluctantly, presume you regard Donald Trump no better than you might Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Mao tse tung and Pol Pot? Is that about right?
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Stephen. Do you support Trump’s instigation of the Jan. 6 assault on the capital? Did that strike you as a rational thing for a US president?
Stephen Schaare says
“They muddy the water, to make it seem deep” ( Frederic Nietzsche)
Howard Freedlander says
The Jan. 6 insurrection was bloody and deadly. Was that acceptable, Stephen? Just wondering. The stench from that Trump-inspired riot remains.
Rod Coleman says
They quote Nietzsche to make themselves sound deep (me).
BTW, I’m betting the Orange Menace doesn’t have any idea who Nietzsche is.
Howard Freedlabder says
Thank you, Rod. The Nietzsche quote seemed irrelevant.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi everyone, The muddy water reference was to Howard and his refusal to answer my question. Howard cannot answer my question and changes the subject.
The Editor is no longer including my comments. After the screed on Trump, I thought my mild words would be permitted. Looks like my voice has been “cancelled “.
Stephen Schaare says
I am not a “they”. I am an individual with perhaps somewhat more traditional beliefs than those generally expressed in these pages.
What does the (me) mean? Citing Nietzsche was for Howard. Guess he did not “get it”.
Be well
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Suzanne. Testimony by Gen. Milley belied earlier news reports.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Peter. It was only fair to reassess my earlier judgment.
Totch Hartge says
Dear Col Freedlander
I believe General Milley was right. He made the brave and patriotic move of a true statesman. Very rare today. Thank you so much for your integrity and experienced judgement and reporting of the military viewpoint as we learn more.
Fixing the damage of the last 5 years is going to save our country.
Thank you so much for your honest contributions to the SPY and our community.
Totch Hartge
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Totch. Gen. Milley is “brave and patriotic.” as you said so accurately. He values our nation above himself; his former commander-in-chief had an opposite viewpoint.
Sharon Casey says
Bravo! A well-reasoned retraction.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Sharon. It was only fair that I re-examine my premise. I never doubted Gen. Milley’s integrity and sense of duty. He was one of several saviors during the Trump Administration.
Sheilah Egan says
Mr. Freelander, I respect you greatly for being able to change your position based on additional knowledge and to write about that decision with great aplomb. Thank you for clarifying the thought process that led you to this position.