Victor Davis Hanson // National Review
I recently wrote about a number of retired high-ranking generals and admirals, none running for office or currently serving in the Trump administration, whose strident criticisms of the present elected president were setting an unfortunate precedent.
Many disagreed. There are certainly arguments to consider on both sides. But rarely have I read an attack that is wholly disingenuous, so poorly written as to be incoherent, and mostly adolescently ad hominem, of the sort leveled by one Jim Swift of the Bulwark.
Swift says I am a hypocrite (“hypocritical criticism wrapped in a history lesson”) for criticizing current strident political attacks on an elected president, given that I had not previously objected to Generals Mattis, Kelly, and Flynn serving in the Trump administration. (“So much for keeping the military out of politics.”)
But surely even Swift can see the difference between a retired general serving in a government and a general blasting a president while in retirement and not in government. Mattis, Kelly, and Flynn probably all have differing political views. They did not necessarily serve the Trump administration to advance their own or Trump’s political agendas; perhaps they aimed to serve the country if so asked.
Discussion (6)
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Thank you Doctor Hansen for being a sane clear headed thinker during a time in history when those less grounded in a truly liberal education are willing to dive into a current of anti -Trump bias that guides there every impulse to build an argument. This man is more excited about his waterchestnut analogy than he is in making sense to begin with. We will look back and wonder how Orange hair became the color of rage.
Prof. Hanson, You really shouldn't be so hard on Jimmy. He's doing his best and you are a Big Old Meanie for calling him out! Many thanks for the work you do for our country! Mark Bridgeman Columbus, IN
These retired military men are calling out to the men now in service to either not vote for Trump or disobey orders.
These career generals have their ways, and Trump has his. So far, Trump’s ways have proven better for this country. I’m just saying.
The title says it all - the word "Swift" today is far less associated with Tom than with "not so." As for Swift's journalistic platform, even farmers are aware of the second most important bull-work (both tasks involve fertilization).
Dr. Hanson, Thank you and sorry you had to, once again, offer a rejoinder to ill researched, spurious attacks by author(s) incapable reading carefully measured prose. My wife and I read, listen and watch you often on all your platforms. We especially appreciate your work teaching us again (it’s been 35 years since we read / studied Greek history) on your YouTube channel. All the best to you and your family.