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Posted: 09/20/2021 22:00:05 PM
Modified: 09/20/2021 22:00:05
Once again our democracy has been watched and protected by a devoted patriot in high places. As frightening as it is to know that this type of action is sometimes necessary, it is an example of “realpolitik” that saves our fragile democracy.
In the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency, General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called a meeting of the country’s top military commanders and told them he should be notified if the White House was attempting 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 United States would not start a war. Our “system” – informal as it is – worked. It is a great relief, although it is unfortunate that it was necessary because of the behavior of the former president.
But this was not the first time that such action had been taken. In the final days of Nixon’s presidency, Defense Secretary James Schlesinger ordered military commanders to question any nuclear launch orders from the president.
And in the early 1950s, as the start of the implementation of the policy and practice of “mutually assured destruction” that helped America and the USSR not accidentally fall into nuclear war, the Joint Chiefs of Staff kept their counterparts in the USSR informed of developments in our situation. nuclear accumulation so that they don’t “accidentally” decide that it is necessary to send nuclear weapons at us. For example, a colleague who worked in military intelligence at the time told me later that we had “alerted” the Soviets in advance before starting to build ICBM and ABM missile systems in rural areas of the United States. United States. The Americans were never officially informed of this extraordinary practice, but it arguably saved us from accidental nuclear war for over 40 years.
So my most sincere thanks and congratulations to the wise and courageous actions of General Milley.
PHILIPPE OR
Norwich
I wonder how much Valley News readers and others know that September 17 was Constitution Day. On that day, in 1789, our Constitution was ratified and became the foundation of our nation. I have tried to remember the number of times in my 30 years in the Navy that I have taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution. After about 15, I lost count. What amazes me is the number of elected politicians who have been sworn in and forgotten, or don’t really know, what’s in the Constitution.
Some people will argue that the Constitution needs to be changed to keep up with the changing times, and the document allows that. But they would rather see the judiciary, politicians or presidential decrees make these changes, rather than “We the people”. The Constitution is what it is until it is amended by “We the people”.
BRUCE ST. ROCK
Grantham
The Vermont Climate Council, through the Natural Resources Agency, is responsible for developing policy on a wide range of issues ranging from agriculture, reducing emissions and adaptation to creating a just and equitable transition in policy and action on climate issues. Upcoming legislation and funding for Vermont climate initiatives will reflect your contribution.
Please attend one of the many meetings taking place across Vermont, online and in person, to add your voice to all of us working on the state’s climate change plan. Visit https://climatechange.vermont.gov/ for meetings currently taking place and other actions you can take. The Climate Council has five sub-committees that work on developing recommendations that will be included in the Climate Action Plan. Building on what is required in the Global Warming Solutions Act, the board adopted charges for each subcommittee last March. Currently, public comments are being collected to instruct and guide committees to address your concerns and those of the state in a fair and accurate manner.
SUSAN KOWALSKY
Bradford, Vermont.
New Hampshire is a beautiful state rich in history and natural charms. Unsurprisingly, such riches have long attracted those who seek a quality of life as exceptional as that which can be had here. The list of such people is long and includes former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, who happily returned to retire in his home state more than a decade ago.
His former colleague, Justice Stephen Breyer, expressed a similar love for our state, having been a seasonal resident for several years. Current reports indicate that he was actively anticipating his future retirement from the bench. I know many of us in New Hampshire would strongly encourage him to take such a step by the end of the current court session.
Not only could Judge Breyer enjoy the all too fleeting beauty of a New Hampshire summer, but he could continue to enjoy the magnificent fall foliage leading to a plethora of winter activities (let’s skip the mud and fly season). black season).
Not only would Judge Breyer and his loved ones benefit from our state’s healthy environment, it would also allow President Joe Biden to be able to ensure the continuation of Judge Breyer’s extraordinary contributions to American jurisprudence by appointing someone. of the same stature as his replacement on the United States Supreme Court.
JEAN WALSH
New London
I have noticed that anti-vaccines conveniently omit the options for getting the shot, all the while calling out the blues of being “forced” to get the shot.
No, you don’t have to be vaccinated. You can keep any job just by getting tested regularly. You can also get a job in a small business. Please stop whining. It wears thin.
ED ESTRIDGE
Thetford Center
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