Congratulations on your powerful and timely article. Your reminder of the essential principle of keeping the military separate from politics could not be more important. As you so effectively highlight, this foundational value—championed by Washington, preserved by Eisenhower, and honored by so many of our presidents—has been vital in safeguarding our democracy and preserving civilian institutions.
Just finishing a bio on Washington, seems he would use any excuse to avoid a fuss. And who could blame him. Ironic that the parade honors the 250th anniversary of the army that he created and his current reps cannot celebrate.
But this parade wasn’t about the army. That is the problem. It was put on by a person who despises all the military. By a person who wanted to glorify his personal power on his birthday.
This was a parade of the U.S. Army to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army. And is the beginning of what will be a calendar year of "250th" celebrations that will culminate on July 4, 2026 - the 250th Anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence.
Use of Washington and his circumstances in context actually negates the fears. When Washington accepted his election and took the oath of office of the Presidency in 1789, he was keenly aware -- as pointed out in the article -- that his resigning his commission in 1783 after defeating the British and therefore establishing the principle of civilian control over our military was a very "revolutionary" act. Washington could have been King at that time had he desired to do so (as so many throughout world history had done before Washington). And many members of Congress (Jefferson a prime example) and some in the press continued to fear a standing army. So as President, Washington was very sensitive to putting too much emphasis on the military and thus the hesitancy to participate in military parades as he made his first tour - the first tour of a U.S. President -- of the new and fledgling United States.
250 years later - and multiple wars on our nation's soil and in foreign wars (e.g., War of 1812, Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, two World Wars (I and II), Korean War, Vietnam War, Panama, Gulf War, Iraq Wars, and Afghanistan) the civilian control over our military is now a bedrock foundation of our Constitutional Republic, and arguably the most important foundation.
So despite the hysterical (and nonsensical) rhetoric coming from mostly the far left, there is no fear of our army refusing to recognize civilian control over our army and/or instigating a coup, etc. And there is no fear that a sitting U.S. President will have the powers of a "King" or "Dictator."
I watched nearly all of the Parade celebrating the Army's 250th Anniversary and thought it was excellent and conducted in very good taste. At a minimum, it was a wonderful history lesson of the sacrifices made by our Army soldiers by multiple generations of Americans over the past 250 years. it would be a good addition to every high school American History curriculum. And the cost is arguably the best $45 Million the nation has ever spent on military recruiting.
Finally, it is worth noting that soldiers involved in the parade were very happy to participate (I know several and also watched interviews of many). Most of them come from backgrounds of lesser means and so for many this was likely their first trip to our Nation's Capital. And it will likely be the only time in their military careers that they will be within 20 yards of the President and have the opportunity to salute their Commander in Chief in person. For nearly all of those soldiers, It will be a very positive memory they will keep with them for a lifetime.
Nonsense. Trump called for a military parade before discussion of the 250th anniversary ”celebration”. That “celebration” became the cover. Having spent 20 years in uniform, I can tell you “the troops” do NOT enjoy marching in parades. Many in leadership enjoy showing off their power and authority by exhibiting their troops, equipment, and egos. But the vast majority of troops would much rather celebrate with a day off, a picnic, and a beer. More critically, history clearly shows republics fall. As long as there is respect for foundational values and traditions (like innocent until proven guilty, due process, no warrantless arrest or search and seizure, respect for the results of elections, peaceful transfer of power, and no military parades during peacetime) risk of failure is low. Given this president’s actions, this congress’ impotence, and citizens like you failing to see the signs, risk of failure is currently NOT low.
“This was a parade of the U.S. Army to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army. And is the beginning of what will be a calendar year of "250th" celebrations that will culminate on July 4, 2026 - the 250th Anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence. “
No. This was a parade to celebrate a would be dictator who wants to surround himself with pomp and circumstance. It was grossly inappropriate, an embarrassing display that was poorly attended, where the soldiers appeared to not want to be there, which cost millions of dollars at a time when the current president is espousing cutting waste, fraud and abuse out of our government. The ultimate irony is how despicably the current president has talked of and treated our military. This was not decided by the people. This was decided by Trump. The No Kings protests participants outnumbered this horrific display by 100 - 1. That says where the people are. We must listen to the people, those who really are in charge of the army and act as a democratic body accordingly.
I could not disagree with your assessment of Trump's military parade more fervently, but I totally agree with your right to express your opinion here and think you did a good job writing it up.
Quoting an un-named but seemingly prescient screenwriter's speech for a fictional Senator in a made for TV series, please let this sink in, as it certainly applies today in our nation of intentionally divided citizens.
"The distance between what is said and what is known to be true has become an abyss. Of all the things at risk, the loss of an objective reality is perhaps the most dangerous. The death of truth is the ultimate victory of evil. When truth leaves us, we become vulnerable to the appetite of whatever monster screams the loudest."
Was this the tour where Washington snubbed Rhode Island? I appreciate a man that can concurrently be principled and petty.
Yes! Me too.
Right on point as our British counterparts would say. I look forward to your commentary in print and on air with Mr Jenkinson
You have a remarkable knack for explaining critical ideas in ways that are readily comprehensible! Thank you for all that you do!
Thank you Lindsay, helpful perspective and informative, well done.
Congratulations on your powerful and timely article. Your reminder of the essential principle of keeping the military separate from politics could not be more important. As you so effectively highlight, this foundational value—championed by Washington, preserved by Eisenhower, and honored by so many of our presidents—has been vital in safeguarding our democracy and preserving civilian institutions.
Thank you Dr. C for this timely insight. Cheers Bill Emmerich
Just finishing a bio on Washington, seems he would use any excuse to avoid a fuss. And who could blame him. Ironic that the parade honors the 250th anniversary of the army that he created and his current reps cannot celebrate.
But this parade wasn’t about the army. That is the problem. It was put on by a person who despises all the military. By a person who wanted to glorify his personal power on his birthday.
Excellent, as always, and very timely. Will anyone pay any attention?
This was a parade of the U.S. Army to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army. And is the beginning of what will be a calendar year of "250th" celebrations that will culminate on July 4, 2026 - the 250th Anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence.
Use of Washington and his circumstances in context actually negates the fears. When Washington accepted his election and took the oath of office of the Presidency in 1789, he was keenly aware -- as pointed out in the article -- that his resigning his commission in 1783 after defeating the British and therefore establishing the principle of civilian control over our military was a very "revolutionary" act. Washington could have been King at that time had he desired to do so (as so many throughout world history had done before Washington). And many members of Congress (Jefferson a prime example) and some in the press continued to fear a standing army. So as President, Washington was very sensitive to putting too much emphasis on the military and thus the hesitancy to participate in military parades as he made his first tour - the first tour of a U.S. President -- of the new and fledgling United States.
250 years later - and multiple wars on our nation's soil and in foreign wars (e.g., War of 1812, Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, two World Wars (I and II), Korean War, Vietnam War, Panama, Gulf War, Iraq Wars, and Afghanistan) the civilian control over our military is now a bedrock foundation of our Constitutional Republic, and arguably the most important foundation.
So despite the hysterical (and nonsensical) rhetoric coming from mostly the far left, there is no fear of our army refusing to recognize civilian control over our army and/or instigating a coup, etc. And there is no fear that a sitting U.S. President will have the powers of a "King" or "Dictator."
I watched nearly all of the Parade celebrating the Army's 250th Anniversary and thought it was excellent and conducted in very good taste. At a minimum, it was a wonderful history lesson of the sacrifices made by our Army soldiers by multiple generations of Americans over the past 250 years. it would be a good addition to every high school American History curriculum. And the cost is arguably the best $45 Million the nation has ever spent on military recruiting.
Finally, it is worth noting that soldiers involved in the parade were very happy to participate (I know several and also watched interviews of many). Most of them come from backgrounds of lesser means and so for many this was likely their first trip to our Nation's Capital. And it will likely be the only time in their military careers that they will be within 20 yards of the President and have the opportunity to salute their Commander in Chief in person. For nearly all of those soldiers, It will be a very positive memory they will keep with them for a lifetime.
Nonsense. Trump called for a military parade before discussion of the 250th anniversary ”celebration”. That “celebration” became the cover. Having spent 20 years in uniform, I can tell you “the troops” do NOT enjoy marching in parades. Many in leadership enjoy showing off their power and authority by exhibiting their troops, equipment, and egos. But the vast majority of troops would much rather celebrate with a day off, a picnic, and a beer. More critically, history clearly shows republics fall. As long as there is respect for foundational values and traditions (like innocent until proven guilty, due process, no warrantless arrest or search and seizure, respect for the results of elections, peaceful transfer of power, and no military parades during peacetime) risk of failure is low. Given this president’s actions, this congress’ impotence, and citizens like you failing to see the signs, risk of failure is currently NOT low.
“This was a parade of the U.S. Army to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army. And is the beginning of what will be a calendar year of "250th" celebrations that will culminate on July 4, 2026 - the 250th Anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence. “
No. This was a parade to celebrate a would be dictator who wants to surround himself with pomp and circumstance. It was grossly inappropriate, an embarrassing display that was poorly attended, where the soldiers appeared to not want to be there, which cost millions of dollars at a time when the current president is espousing cutting waste, fraud and abuse out of our government. The ultimate irony is how despicably the current president has talked of and treated our military. This was not decided by the people. This was decided by Trump. The No Kings protests participants outnumbered this horrific display by 100 - 1. That says where the people are. We must listen to the people, those who really are in charge of the army and act as a democratic body accordingly.
I could not disagree with your assessment of Trump's military parade more fervently, but I totally agree with your right to express your opinion here and think you did a good job writing it up.
Quoting an un-named but seemingly prescient screenwriter's speech for a fictional Senator in a made for TV series, please let this sink in, as it certainly applies today in our nation of intentionally divided citizens.
"The distance between what is said and what is known to be true has become an abyss. Of all the things at risk, the loss of an objective reality is perhaps the most dangerous. The death of truth is the ultimate victory of evil. When truth leaves us, we become vulnerable to the appetite of whatever monster screams the loudest."
Is the picture of the post Civil War grand review New York or is it Washington, DC?
New York.