Once again our democracy has been watched over and protected by a dedicated patriot in a high place. Even though it is frightening to know that this type of action is sometimes necessary, it is an example of “realpolitik” that helps save our fragile democracy.
In the waning days of Donald Trump’s presidency Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called a meeting of the nation’s top military commanders and told them that he should be notified if the White House attempted to start a war or initiate the use of nuclear weapons, with the clear implication that he would personally abort such actions. Milley also assured one of our nuclear adversaries, China, that the U.S. would not initiate a war. Our “system” — informal as it is — worked. It is a great relief, even though it is regrettable that it was necessary as a result of the former president’s behavior.
But it was not the first time such an action has been taken. In the final days of the Nixon presidency, Defense Secretary James Schlesinger issued an order to military commanders to question any nuclear launch order from the president.
And in the early 1950s, as a beginning implementation of the policy and practice of “mutually assured destruction” that helped America and the USSR from falling accidentally into nuclear war, the Joint Chiefs of Staff kept their counterparts in the USSR informed of developments in our nuclear buildup so that they would not “accidentally” decide it necessary to send nuclear weapons toward us. For example, a colleague who had worked in military intelligence at that time told me later that we “alerted” the Soviets in advance before we began to build ICBM and ABM missile systems in rural parts of the U.S. Americans were never officially informed of this extraordinary practice, but it arguably kept us out of accidental nuclear war for more than 40 years.
So, my deepest thanks and kudos to the wise and brave actions of Gen. Milley.
PHILIP ELLER
Norwich
I wonder how many Valley News readers and others know that Sept. 17 was Constitution Day. On that day in 1789 our Constitution was ratified and became the foundation of our nation. I tried to remember the number of times over my 30 years in the Navy that I took the oath to support and defend the Constitution. After about 15, I lost count. What amazes me is the number of elected politicians who have taken the oath and forgotten, or don’t actually know, what is in the Constitution.
Some folks will claim that the Constitution needs to be changed to meet changing times, and the document allows for that. But they would rather see the judiciary, politicians or presidential executive orders make those changes, rather than “We The People.” The Constitution is what it is until it is changed by “We The People.”
BRUCE ST. PETER
Grantham
The Vermont Climate Council, through the Agency of Natural Resources, is responsible for setting policy across a wide range of issues from agriculture, emissions reduction and adaptation to creating a fair and just transition in policy and action on climate issues. Upcoming legislation and funding for Vermont’s climate initiatives will reflect your input.
Please attend one of the many meetings taking place across Vermont, online and in person, to add your voice to all of us working to develop the state’s climate change plan. Visit https://climatechange.vermont.gov/ for meetings taking place right now and other actions you can take. The Climate Council has five subcommittees that are working to develop the recommendations that will be included in the Climate Action Plan. Building on what is required in the Global Warming Solutions Act, the council adopted charges for each subcommittee last March. Right now public input is being gathered to instruct and guide the committees to meet your concerns and those of the state in an equitable and accurate way.
SUSAN KOWALSKY
Bradford, Vt.
New Hampshire is a beautiful state rich in history and natural charms alike. Not surprisingly, such riches have long attracted those seeking such an outstanding quality of life as can be had here. The list of these individuals is a long one, and includes former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, who happily returned to retire to his native state more than a decade ago.
His former colleague, Justice Stephen Breyer, has expressed a similar love of our state, having been a seasonal resident for a number of years. Current reports indicate that he has been actively anticipating his future retirement from the bench. I know that many of us in New Hampshire would strongly encourage him to make such a move by the end of the court’s current session.
Not only would Justice Breyer be able to enjoy the all-too-fleeting beauty of a New Hampshire summer, but he would be able to continue enjoying the magnificent fall foliage leading to a host of winter activities (let’s skip over mud season and black fly season).
Not only would Justice Breyer and his loved ones benefit from the healthful environment of our state, but this would also permit President Joe Biden to be able to ensure the continuation of Justice Breyer’s extraordinary contributions to American jurisprudence by appointing an individual of similar stature as his replacement on the U.S. Supreme Court.
JOHN WALSH
New London
I have noticed that anti-vaxxers conveniently omit the options to getting the vaccine, while crying the blues about being “forced” to get the shot.
No, you do not have to get the shot. You can keep any job by simply being tested regularly. You can also get a job at a smaller company. Please stop the whining. It’s wearing thin.
ED EASTRIDGE
Thetford Center