An honorable citizen-soldier is no longer secretary of defense, potentially leaving President Donald Trump without a wise national security hand in his inner circle.
Be afraid.
Gen. Jim Mattis resigned last week. The timing of his announcement — right after Trump’s impulsive announcement that he will yank all troops from Syria — sends an unmistakable message: Mattis lost the battle to keep forces there, and would have executed a policy with which he intensely disagrees.
The president is entitled to make policy. But the general’s resignation letter, embedded with razor-sharp critiques of Trump’s indisputable recklessness on the world stage, is necessary and devastating reading.
Mattis writes: “One core belief I have always held is that our strength as a nation is inextricably linked to the strength of our unique and comprehensive system of alliance and partnerships. While the U.S. remains the indispensable nation in the free world, we cannot protect our interests or serve that role effectively without maintaining strong alliances and showing respect to our allies.”
Translation: Trump is fraying core partnerships.
He writes: “I believe we must be resolute and unambiguous in our approach to those countries whose strategic interests are increasingly in tension with ours,” citing China and Russia, who “want to shape a world consistent with the authoritarian model.”
Translation: Trump coddles dictators and cheapens America’s moral posture in the world.
Because he cares about the nation he served, Mattis did not go gentle into that good night. He told the truth about a man he saw up close throughout years. May his courage inspire others to rage, rage against the dying of the light.
— New York Daily News