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An Open Letter to U.S. Military Troops: “You’re Not Defending Our Freedoms”
Jacob G. Hornberger, President of Future of Freedom Foundation has written a poignant, open letter to the troops of the U.S. military. He makes a strong case (in my opinion) that we, America, are responsible for the TSA fondling at the airports, the 10-year-old Patriot Act, the illegal spying on Americans, the indefinite detention, etc., that we are currently living under. Specifically, that the U.S. government is using our troops and their actions overseas as a foundation for the continual chipping away of our constitutional freedoms. You do remember the constitution, don’t you? Because we have allowed the government to do what it wants ‘for our better good’, we suffer the loss of freedom. It’s an instructive, and necessary message not only to the troops ‘over there’ but to us ‘over here’. I encourage you to read it. – JT
Follow @joeltaylor_Dear Troops:
Yesterday – Memorial Day – some people asserted, once again, that you are “defending our freedoms” overseas.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Those people are just repeating tired old mantras. The reality is that you are not defending our freedoms with your actions overseas. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Your actions overseas are placing our freedoms here at home in ever-greater jeopardy.
Consider your occupation of Iraq, a country that, as you know, never attacked the United States, making it the defender in the war and the United States the aggressor. Think about that: Every single person that the troops have killed, maimed, or tortured in Iraq had absolutely nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks.
Yet, the countless victims of the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq have friends and relatives, many of whom have become filled with anger and rage and who now would stop at nothing to retaliate with terrorist attacks against Americans.
Pray tell: How does that constitute defending our freedoms?
It was no different prior to 9/11. At the end of the Persian Gulf War, the troops intentionally destroyed Iraq’s water and sewage facilities after a Pentagon study showed that this would help spread infectious illnesses among the Iraqi people.
Shameful. Blaming the military for policies driven by politics is beyond despicable. I served my country for more than 20 years in the Navy and this is the most ungrateful thing I’ve ever read. I suppose he’d prefer anarchy. I don’t have any issue with him placing the blame on politicians, but to accuse the military of complicity in a crime is sickening.
Katie: I think his point is that you have done nothing for which we should be grateful.
And don’t place all the blame on the politicians. You chose to stay in the Navy for 20 years.
Wow…your “letter to the troops” reads like a liberal talking points memo. Katie, pay no attention to this uneducated rube. Nobody is wholly innocent in the actions of this country, but to demonize the military like that is pathetic. I’m sure your little letter will make a huge impact. Tell me Mr. Pastor-Teacher…when did you serve in the military? I think you’ve been watching too much MSNBP lately.
Mmmk…and you censor comments on your blog. Your cowardice is astonishing. Now it is obvious you haven’t served in the military, nor have the courage to respond.
First, it is not my letter, which you plainly did not recognize. Secondly, I was in the field planting corn. Your comment was not ‘censored’, but I certainly have the right to do so should I choose. Thirdly, your attitude and language just got you banned. See comment policy and show a little respect. Have a nice day.
Disgusting post, disgusting response from English Bob and most disgusting that a Pastor would post this. Very disappointing.
Why is it ‘disgusting’? Did you drink the kool-aid?
The Letter and writer, English Bob and you as a Pastor and a man of God publicizing this garbage. I think it’s disgraceful.
So not even an attempt to refute Hornberger’s argument then? Typical.
Foundation: I was raised as an Army brat, served in the Army on active duty, as did my wife, my brother, my wife’s brother and her uncle (he was WWII).
I strenuously object to our country’s habit of sending troops to undeclared “wars” and “nation building”. Such activity is contrary to our Constitution and national interests. While Hussein was a monster, removing him was not our role. One country cannot purchase freedom for another whose people do not understand it nor value it.
Why have we not brought home our troops from Bosnia? Korea? Germany? etc. Why do we allow our troops to be sent to kill and be killed without a declaration of war? Such is difficult – as it should be. As it is, our political leaders have far too easy a time sending troops to kill and be killed. We should not stand for this. And we should not pretend that we owe our troops or our country such blind allegiance as our “patriots” demand.
This letter is disgraceful, prideful, and ignorant. Blame US policies and politicians for what you believe to be eroding freedom if you want, but don’t disparage the troops. They only do as they are told, and most do so very honorably.
I believe you made a real error in judgement to post it here and affirm its contents. Fortunately you and the author of the letter still have enough freedom to post such nonsense, even when it’s aimed at the very people who protect those freedoms shortly after a day we reserve to remember those who died in service.
I am quite appalled. Appalled that rather than attempt to engage the arguments made in the open letter (which did not originate from Joel), you rather decide to disparage the man and engage in ad hominem attacks.
Evidently Caesar is your god, as you froth at the mouth with utter vitriol when anyone dares to criticize the military for ANYTHING. You show more restraint when people blasphemy Jesus Christ than when someone makes criticisms of the actions of a secular institution.
Repent.
I’ll make sure that a copy of this “open letter to the troops” gets to SEAL TEAM SIX.
I’m sure they’ll know what to do with it.
I see. So you think people who don’t approve of what the military does should be murdered? You are making Hornberger’s point for him rather well.
I’m not sure how she intended for this comment to be interpreted, but in any case it’s mere rhetoric and doesn’t even attempt to engage any of the arguments Hornberger makes.
@ Nathan – “but don’t disparage the troops. They only do as they are told” my question sir is do soldiers check there brain, common sense and morality at the door when they take the oath? So what they are told to do they do? Weather it is in accord with the constitution or not? It is my observation that when there is an inability to refute the argument the result is abusive language and personal attacks. But this type of behavior does nothing to weaken the argument and only elicits a emotional response.
@katie Gods law comes before all things! Including politics and the constitution therefore we ought to obey GOD rather than men! So please save your threats. As a Christian threatening those whom who disagree with but yet you cannot dialog with in a meaningful manner is repugnant.
Also I am a army infantry vet, and the plain truth is that the US has used the military for un-authorized and immoral activities for years and most of those who serve have just gone along with it like sheep thus rendering the military as Godless as the government.
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@Nathan – PS if a soldier does whatever he is told regardless of what it is and the “it” is immoral and unconstituional it is impossible for the soldier to do this “very Honorably” other wise all soldiers thoughout history who did what they were told out of sincerity to their military would be honorable. which of course is absurd.
Trevor, how many troops do you think are actually torturing and killing innocent people in those countries? If you are saying that those people are not protecting our freedoms, I would agree with you. However, the vast majority of troops are not doing those things.
Following orders to be stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan is not immoral. Even if it was unconstitutional for the President to station them there (debatable at best), what would you have the troops do? Act autonomously and ignore orders from the commander in chief? Maybe the military should govern themselves and decide when, where and how to accomplish their objectives, right? Then we will have real freedom, I’m sure…
In sum, if this article is aimed at politicians and Presidents, fine. Aiming it at the troops is like blaming the hourly employees at Enron for the financial mess the executives caused, except the accusations are much worse and directed at people who risk and sacrifice much more.
Nathan,
I never mentioned that they have to torture or kill innocent people only to be acting immorally. Any killing must be examined biblically to see if it is justified. My point is that unlawful orders are given all the time starting with invading countries without a just cause and then not declaring war and forcing a pseudo democracy on them (note we are not a democracy but a constitutional representative republic) so if the President send the military to wherever and gives them orders to invade and kill the Christian soldier is required to examine this biblically and not just do what he is told. No one will be held guiltless by pleading ignorance. Obviously there are many non-Christians in the military and they will act as non believers act, but the professing Christian is held to obey a biblical standard.
Trevor, I agree that believers must obey God rather than man if orders do not line up – that’s not in dispute. However, it sounds like you are saying that the wars we’re fighting are unjust in your opinion, and Christian troops should therefore refuse to participate. You can believe that, but I’d be curious as to how the Bible informs your determination of whether a war is or isn’t just. I’m wagering that it’s your interpretation of the constitution that leads you to that conclusion, but that’s really nothing more than one man’s opinion. I would caution you not to bind others by your own conclusions on matters that are not specifically addressed in the Bible (Romans 14). If you would choose to break your oath as a soldier because of your beliefs, that’s fine. However, to disparage those who don’t share your convictions on the matter (as the writer of this letter does) for decisions the troops didn’t make while they risk and often sacrifice their own lives is, at best, extremely ungracious.
Nathan,
let’s be clear that the Bible in its original languages the final authority on all things weather specifically worded as you would like them or not. To say otherwise would suggest that God has no opinion or authority on some things which is of course not true. The burden of proof though is laid to you show me where it is glorifying to God for a Christian to invade countries and rid the world of every evil ruler? This is not a question of a standing army to defend the country in the last 15 years we have played self imposed mediator and aggressor in most every conflict most of which have nothing to do with us directly defending the country. Now to the breaking an oath as a soldier, if you are given an unlawful order you are not obligated to obey it, but it happens all the time. A good example is an interview with Bush when he was asked why he water boarded prisoners he said the lawyers told him it was legal? What! How does it glorify God to torture anyone? No matter what you gain should we repay evil with evil? This is all very man centered earthly thinking.
Trevor, Why not ask Hornberger these questions? He didn’t have any problem being in the military during the Viet Nam war. Nor did he have any difficulty accepting a pay check from the Army Reserve. I mean, if he seriously think being in the military is immoral, then I’d suggest the VietNam was every bit as bad as anything done in Iraq. And what’s with him getting a degree at a Military College? Just a coincidence?
He talks alot about upholding the Constitution. On this I give him high marks, but he surely knows that every person on active duty and the reserves takes an oath to defend and support the Constitution from both foreign and domestic enemies.
Politicians, including the president also take an oath to defend and support the Constitution from both foreign and domestic enemies….BUT…
I too wonder what “Seal Team Six” is going to do about this thread. ST6 just haven’t been the same since McGuyver took the helm in place of the late George Peppard. Good thing for Mac and the boys that OBL died of marfan syndrome in 2002; otherwise, assassinating him would have been quite a chore.
No doubt the Kenyan-in-Chief has already drawn up a brilliant battle strategy and scrambled McGuyver, Face, B. A. and Murdock to turn Joel Taylor black and blue (“courtesy o’ tha Red, White n’ Blue). My concern is, of course: how in the heck are Mac and ST6 gonna get from the Middle East to Joel’s residence before Air Wolf swoops in and steals their thunder?!? These cliffhangers never fail to keep me on pins and needles!
LOL!
I’m not American, so maybe I don’t have the right to directly comment on this particular letter, but I am British, and therefore find our own troops being guilty of the same charges too if that makes sense.
I’ve read the open letter that Joel linked to, and to be honest I think the accusations stand up. Admittedly the source of the guilt lies with those who have authority over the armed forces, but that does not separate individual military men and women from the consequences of the actions of the military as a whole.
Don’t get me wrong, it must be immensely difficult as a military person in that situtation, especially for instance if someone comes to faith in Christ whilst in service. But regardless of the difficulty, everyone will one day be held accountable for their actions before Christ as Judge, so isn’t it correct that we should blow away some of the smokescreen that is built up by manipulative politicians?
The letter is openly addressed to the US troops, and in my honest opinion, challenges every military person who reads it to consider the actions they are supporting with their service. If it was a letter addressed to the powers that be, it could be ignored by all troops, because the buck could be passed while their conscience remains clean. However this way, quite rightly each one should evaluate what they are doing earnestly, and decide from there how they should continue.
With regards to those troops who are Christian, they must realise that the buck does not stop with the powers that be, but with themselves. And whilst that does not mean they should desert the forces at the earliest opportunity, or fail to serve the forces and their fellow servicemen with honour. I think it does mean that as a continuing career, it must be a question of seriously considering if it is realistic to be able to serve both the forces and Christ faithfully.
Well said, John. Spot-on.
I agree with Katie, you should be ashamed, this is so unbiblical.
Do you recall when the soldiers came to John the Baptist for a baptism of repentance and they asked what should they do to bear fruits of repentance he told them in Luke 3:14 “do not itimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages”. He did not tell them to revolt against their commanders because they were responsible for terrorism in Israel.
I agree with what some of the article says, but you are are blaming the wrong people. Blame the president and Congress, because the president is Commanmder-in-chief and also Congress is the branch of that approves of wars.
The solution is for the electorate to hold the president and congress responsible for their actions or inactions not to blame soldiers.
You say you agree with some of the man’s letter. So do I. Now, since I didn’t write it, but both of us agree with some of it, shouldn’t you be ashamed as well?
By the way, can you name the last war that Congress actually gave permission/approved? You may have to research this one.
The part I agreed with was it was not right for our military to intentionally destroy water and sewer facilities in Iraq, since these are basic needs.
I believe the last war that was approved by Congress was WWII, this means many presidents should have been impeached for getting us into wars, and many members of congress were derilict in their duties and never should of been re-elected.
It seems like the part you agree with is placing the blame on the military, yet you forget under the U.S. Constitution, the military is ultimatelly controlled by civilians (and these cilivian are elected by their fellow citizens). So why not blame Americans as a whole for electing and not holding their elected officials accountable? And if you do blame Americans as a whole, please realize that many American Christians do believe in doing the right thing, but they are a small minority and will never get elected to office and cannot actually make much of a difference by way of elections. Do you really think that Jesus would ever get elected as president of the USA, or any country for that matter? If you do you are living in a fantasy.
I want you to do some research, where in the New Testsament do you have Christ or the apostles laying a blame game on either Christian soldiers or non-Christian soldiers for all the terrorism and lack of freedoms that a country has?
Linda, Thanks for your comments, however, I never said nor indicated which part I agreed with, and it’s irrelevant anyhow. Thanks for stopping by.
Looks like the link I’ve tried to post was either incorrectly tagged (there’s no preview option here – grrr) or is being eaten the spam filter. Anyway, there’s a decent related article called “Why Oath Keepers Is Dangerous” at The Excavator blog, disquietreservations.blogspot.com. A few solid points are made…even if the guy quotes Ezra Pound and Tolkien, among others.
Troops need to stop blaming politicians. No one forced these men and women to enlist. These men and women did so knowing that the politicians would tell them where to go.
Why are Republicans hypocrites when it comes to personal responsibility and not blaming others? Stop blaming the leaders. Blame yourself for joining.
We are broke. We don’t need more workfare leeches. Stop enlisting and get a job in the private sector. Trades are hiring across the board. Don’t believe me? Call a trucking company. They are desperate for drivers. They pay more than the average troop earns. Plus, you will not be a drain on the taxpayers.
Standing armies are not what the founders intended. in fact, we were warned about this in the past.