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We need a president who honors our military heroes
(OpEd) Major General Donna Barbisch, USA, (Ret) | Trib Live
We must choose leaders who embody the values that make our nation a beacon of hope and freedom. We must educate ourselves and our fellow voters that the strength of our nation comes not from tearing others down, but from lifting them up and respecting those who fight for the greater good.
What Would My Father Do
(Opinion) Rear Admiral Edward L. Baker MD, MPH, MSc | Letter to Editor
Retired Rear Admiral Baker reflects on how his conservative republican father would view the 2024 GOP candidate for President of the United States.
Medal of Honor Remarks Dishonor Military’s Sacrifice
(OpEd) Lieutenant General Charles D. Luckey, USA, (Ret) | The Pilot (Southern Pines, NC)
Put simply, why would any soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, Guardian or Coast Guardsman, or any of their loved ones, place power and authority into the hands of a leader who not only fails to honor their willingness to die for their country but, in fact, denigrates them for it? Why, in fact, would any of us?
Tim Walz is a leader shaped by integrity and service. I would know. I was his roommate
(OpEd) The Honorable Patrick Murphy | USA Today
Tim’s approach to life and service was immediately clear — he believes in putting others before himself. Whether working on legislation or helping around our tiny apartment, Tim’s focus was always on how he could best serve his constituents, his country and those around him. This selflessness is the foundation of his character and the guiding principle of his leadership.
Trump Insults Medal of Honor Recipients
(OpEd) Rear Admiral Tom Jurkowsky | RealClear Defense
Trump has now hit a new low with comments that compare the Medal of Honor with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As a former Commander-in-Chief, his remarks reflect a complete ignorance about the military and what the Medal of Honor. represents.
The leader America needs
(OpEd) Brigadier General Mark Montjar | Arizona Daily Star,
Harris offers a path forward that not only addresses our legitimate concerns but also upholds the ideals that have made America a beacon of hope for generations. Under her leadership, we can continue the long struggle to make the American dream a reality for all. We can build a future where everyone has a place, where our differences are respected, and where our shared values guide us through even the most challenging times.
'Outright disgrace': JD Vance disrespects veterans' code in attack against Tim Walz
(Interview) Major General Randy Manner | Fayetteville Observer
In a move that crosses the line from political rivalry to outright disgrace, JD Vance, Donald Trump’s potential vice president, has accused Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’s choice for Vice President, of “stolen valor.” This baseless and inflammatory charge not only disrespects the shared code of honor among veterans but also dangerously trivializes the very concept of stolen valor. What Vance has done is more than just ugly — it’s a deliberate attempt to undermine the dignity of military service and exploit it for political gain.
Trump's empathy deficit is disqualifying
(OpEd) Russell Shilling | Arizona Daily Star
I first learned in the Navy, you cannot lead those whom you do not understand. You cannot help nor care for people if you do not care about them. For that reason alone, no one in search of effective leadership should vote for Donald Trump.
‘DEI hire’ is an attack on Black identity and achievement
(OpEd) Fleet Master Chief Raymond Kemp | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Everyone everywhere must reject Trump’s racist rhetoric and baseless attacks on Kamala Harris. This election is about more than just political preference; it is about affirming our commitment to equality, justice and the integrity of our democratic institutions. We must decide if we want a future where all Americans, regardless of race, can thrive and contribute to a society that values diversity and upholds the principles of fairness and equity.
This Election Calls To Direct Our Nation’s Future
(OpEd) Lieutenant General Charles D. Luckey, USA, (Ret) | The Pilot
This is the time and we are the ones who have been called to chart America’s course for a long, long time. Just as previous generations sacrificed much for our collective liberty, let us lay in a course that will lead future generations of Americans to remember ours with gratitude.
Tim Walz personifies the best of the working class
(OpEds)Rear Admiral Joe Sestak, USN, (Ret) | The Philadelphia Inquirer
Walz wore the cloth of our nation for 24 years, and was selected by merit to rise to one of the top ranks available to our military’s treasure: its enlisted men and women. Who better to have the back of working men and women in the White House?
PACT Act shows Biden’s leadership on veterans’ issues
(OpEd) Vice Admiral Herm Shelanski | The Virginian Pilot
When it comes to veterans, former President Donald Trump is all talk and no action. He tried to mislead the public with sweeping claims that his administration dramatically improved veterans’ health care, but it did not. On camera, he claims to support our military. Off camera, he sells them out, disrespecting our military leaders while praising despots such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump’s record and embrace of Project 2025 undermine American democracy
(OpEd) Brian P. McKeon | PennLive
The outcome of this November’s presidential election could fundamentally alter the trajectory of our republic. Donald Trump poses an existential threat to American democracy. The combination of his past record and the extremist agenda of Project 2025 reveals his intent to dismantle the foundations of our democratic system.
Trump will make inflation far worse
(OpEd) Stephen Craven | The Tribune-Democrat
He didn’t mean to, but Donald Trump has made clear he is delighted for you to pay higher prices. That and he doesn’t understand how tariffs work.
That’s the only conclusion you can draw from his many threats to raise tariffs. The self-proclaimed “tariff man” has threatened and used tariffs to “punish” countries he doesn’t like. He is expanding his threats without thinking about their impact on Americans.
Kamala Harris, Not Donald Trump, Is Strong on the Border
(OpEd) Robert Kelly | The National Interest
With Kamala Harris, we have a chance to address the root causes driving migration and, perhaps, for the first time, focus on a permanent solution. For me, that’s an easy call.
Donald Trump's foreign policy would be good for Russia, bad for the world
(OpEd) Ambassador Steven Pifer | Pittsburgh Post Gazette
The fate of millions of innocent lives in Ukraine, the fate of a free and stable Europe and the world are at stake. Mr. Trump’s return to the White House would mean bad news for Ukraine and NATO and good news for Russia, making Europe a more dangerous place.
That would be bad news for American security.
Project 2025’s education plans: A threat to our future
(OpEd) Russell Shilling | Las Vegas Sun
The Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” report, touted as the blueprint for a future Trump presidency, proposes a radical overhaul of American education that threatens our national security, economic stability and the very foundations of our democracy.
Donald Trump Will Hollow Out the U.S. Military
(OpEd) Rear Admiral Michael Smith | National Security Journal
Like he did in 2016, Trump is making grandiose claims about how only he can rebuild our military and keep America safe. Based on his own underwhelming record, his word isn’t worth much. His talk of bolstering our armed forces may fire up his base, but given his previous performance, lets acknowledge it’s nothing more than talk – the bluster of a career conman and salesman who says whatever will help him seal the deal. He didn’t rebuild our military when he had the chance. In a second administration, he would hollow out our military when we can least afford it.
Strength in Europe protects America
(Opinion) Tom Malinowski | Leader Telegram (Eau Claire, WI)
Years ago, my family, like so many others fleeing communism, embraced America because we saw it as a beacon of freedom and security in the world. We will vote for a president who keeps it that way.
Donald Trump Could Destroy the FBI and DOJ
(OpEd) Nate Huber | The National Interest
Donald Trump has made a habit of trying to bend the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI to his will, ignoring norms and protocols. If he gets another shot at the presidency, he might go even further, forcing these agencies to launch baseless investigations against his political enemies and anyone he deems disloyal. This could inflict lasting damage on both organizations and the rule of law.