Intense Bias at Texas Border
Recent Events at the Texas Border: A Concern for Veterans
Recent events at the Texas border, with the Biden administration threatening to employ federal troops against Texas state officers, are the subject of impassioned conversations in the waiting rooms of our nation’s VA hospitals.
A Lack of Confidence in the Commander-in-Chief
As I sit in the waiting rooms and listen for my name to be called, I often strike up conversations with other veterans who, like myself, follow current events, especially with respect to matters that affect the military. To say that there is a lack of confidence in the current commander-in-chief among the older veterans would be an understatement.
The Dilemma of Boomer Vets
When we consider the idea of federal and state law enforcement in conflict, a common question arises: What would we boomer vets do if our commander-in-chief ordered us to use extreme prejudice to force the Texas law enforcement officers to stand down?
I refer to us as ‘boomer vets,’ of which there are two informal classes: Those who fought in the Vietnam War, and the younger guys who enlisted right after the war ended. I was in the latter category, having served from 1979 to 1985. We were among the first enlistees in a decade to serve without being conscripted. We felt we were needed to pick up the fallen standard, having witnessed the shameful mistreatment of our neglected Vietnam veterans, who were called “baby killers” by many upon their return from a war they never wanted.
A Call to Honor
Veterans from World War II had a saying, “They also serve, those who stand and wait.” Only the volunteer forces of today could understand the length and breadth of that sentiment; it is a call to honor. We felt a patriotic duty to our beloved country, a concept which is rapidly becoming passé in our self-absorbed culture of consumers rather than citizens.
The Oath We Swore
Everyone in the armed forces makes a promise to “…defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” We further pledge to “…obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed…” These are sublime words, spoken from the heart by those who wish to preserve the nation we know and love.
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The Quandary of Following Orders
To obey and follow the orders of its commander-in-chief and his designates without question is the ultimate duty of any and all who wear the uniform; such discipline and adherence to the chain of command is integral to maintaining a focused armed force capable of repelling an invading force. But we vets are torn when we consider what can only be purposeful dereliction of duty when it comes to defending our borders. We ask each other why would our commander-in-chief knowingly allow our frontlines to be infiltrated by unvetted invaders? Who told the Secretary of Homeland Security to open the borders and keep them open? Could our commander-in-chief actually be guilty of treason?
A Historical Parallel
All other considerations aside, the quintessential questions remain: Are we obliged to follow any order from a man many of us believe to be CIC in name only? Are we duty bound to carry out orders issued by a president who is clearly in the throes of mental decay that makes us question his fitness to command? What would we do if Joe Biden ordered us into an armed conflict with Texas law enforcement agents? The quandary that this unprecedented situation with national implications lays at the feet of everyone in uniform is one that no American military servicemen or women have really had to contemplate since 1861.
Lessons from History
Other nations, however, have faced similar situations. Their examples could be a guide to what may go down on the Texas border should the irresistible force of D.C. meet the immovable object of Austin. We have, in fact, seen other militaries defy their presidents when they consider the administration illegitimate or their orders immoral.
A Standoff Looms
I was stationed in the Philippines in the 1980s as the decades-old regime of strongman Ferdinand Marcos was collapsing. Marcos was so desperate to keep power that when the wildly popular, and foreseeable winner of the forthcoming presidential election, Benigno Aquino, returned from exile, Marco’s henchmen brazenly gunned him down on the tarmac of Manila International Airport as he stepped off his plane.
Marcos’ dastardly deed was, in fact, ill-advised as it only inspired the beloved Benigno’s widow, Corey Aquino, to lead the grassroots “People Power Revolution” against the dictator. The People Power Revolution was called the “Bloodless Revolution,” since the downfall of Marcos was achieved without a shot being fired. As the uprising reached its pinnacle, a tense and final standoff ensued when a contingent of Marines with tanks and armored vans was stopped on Ortigas Avenue in Manila by a large group of angry anti-Marcos demonstrators. Nuns held rosaries and knelt in front of the tanks while men and women from all walks of life linked arms together to block the troops. An order to fire did, in fact, come over the secret palace radio frequency from Marcos, but the field officer in charge decided to disobey it. Marcos’ regime was usurped not only by his assassinated rival’s widow but, more importantly, by the Philippine military who refused direct orders to fire on their own citizens.
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A Destructive Commander-in-Chief
We older vets feel a great empathy for our brave men and women who serve under such a destructive commander-in-chief — one who appears so derelict in his duty that he would even consider putting our country in needless jeopardy by potentially triggering a violent face-off between state and federal forces not seen since Fort Sumter.
The Unwavering Loyalty to Country
Most telling, my fellow veterans and I — those with whom I am in contact — agree we would be bound to act like the Philippine field officers, who showed patriotism in the face of despotism, which is what every honorable servicemember would do. The President is our commander-in-chief … until he gives orders that do the very opposite of one of his chief responsibilities which is to protect the U.S. from enemies, foreign and domestic. As such, we would never fire on our own people, despite facing certain court martial. So, in the vaunted halls of the VA hospitals, the almost unanimous vote is: “No, Mr. Biden, I wouldn’t ‘obey the orders of the President,’ even though I swore an oath to do so.”
The True Meaning of Duty, Honor, Country
Sometimes, when our contemporary leaders employ dangerously misguided policies that force us in the military to make a choice between them and the nation conceived by our Founding Fathers, they, in fact, leave those of us who proudly wear the uniform no choice. If we ever do reach that juncture, it should become intuitively evident to all Americans the true meaning of the West Point mantra: Duty, Honor, Country.
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Brian Schaeffer served as a Naval aviator until his honorable discharge in 1985 with the rank of Lieutenant. Lt. Schaeffer has been in both the shipping business and involved in real estate ever since re-entering civilian life. Prior to heading off to Aviation Reserve Officers Corps, he graduated with honors from Indiana University, Bloomington.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
How can military personnel balance their loyalty to the commander-in-chief with their duty to protect the country’s borders?
Ng the lives of our military personnel at risk by involving them in conflicts with Texas law enforcement. It is a troubling thought that we may be faced with a situation where our loyalty to our commander-in-chief clashes with our duty to protect our country’s borders.
The Importance of Unity and Integrity
In such times of uncertainty and discord, it is crucial for the military to remain united. Our strength lies in our discipline, our adherence to the chain of command, and our commitment to upholding the Constitution. As veterans, we must stay true to the oaths we took and the core values that guided us throughout our service. Unity and integrity among our ranks are essential in navigating the challenges we face as a nation.
Protecting our Nation and its Values
While we may find ourselves in unfamiliar territory, facing a commander-in-chief we question, we must not lose sight of our purpose. Regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, we serve a higher cause—preserving the ideals and values that make the United States of America the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Seeking Peaceful Solutions
It is our hope that the current situation at the Texas border can be resolved through peaceful means. As veterans, we bear witness to the devastating realities of armed conflict, and we understand the importance of exhausting all diplomatic and legal avenues before resorting to violence. We encourage open dialogue, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the well-being and security of our nation.
The Responsibility of the American People
Ultimately, the power to shape our country’s future lies not only in the hands of our elected officials but also in the hands of the American people. We urge our fellow citizens to stay informed, engage in peaceful and constructive conversations, and actively participate in the democratic processes that have been the bedrock of our nation for centuries.
A Call to Action
For veterans, this is not just a time for reflection and concern; it is also a call to action. We must use our experiences, our knowledge, and our voices to advocate for the well-being of our fellow servicemen and women, to protect the integrity of our military institutions, and to ensure that the sacrifices we made were not in vain. Together, we can make a difference.
In Conclusion
The recent events at the Texas border have sparked conversations and raised questions among veterans across the nation. The lack of confidence in the current commander-in-chief, the dilemma faced by boomer vets, and the quandary of following orders when they seem to contradict our duty to protect our borders—all of these topics weigh heavily on our minds.
However, as veterans, we must remember our oath to defend the Constitution and our commitment to upholding the values that define us as a nation. We must strive for unity, integrity, and peaceful solutions. We must be engaged citizens, ready to use our voices and experiences to shape a better future for our country.
Today, as we sit in the waiting rooms of VA hospitals, we carry the weight of our past service, the pride of our accomplishments, and the hope for a brighter tomorrow. Let us come together, stand strong, and continue to serve our nation in whatever capacity we can.
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