Over the past few months, we citizens of the United States along with citizens of other Nations around the world, have had a lot to process. We have had to process senseless murders, a global pandemic which has claimed the lives of many, and behaviors from leadership figures that have left us in several instances...speechless! The culmination of these events occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 6th, when American citizens - with some probing - invaded the United States Capitol. Feelings toward these actions have ranged from shock, outrage, speechlessness, to indifference.
But for me and several others, we continue to simply process, and some even believe they should not have an opinion.
My greatest hesitation for forming an opinion revolves around my many intersectionalities. As a Veteran and retiree, I want to still honor the oath taken as a Soldier and officer, and decided that I can do so while having an opinion.
I was recently informed in many words, that I am privileged and therefore should not have an opinion on many issues; I should just go with the flow. Being black, but not African American, it is hinted in many instances that I should not speak on issues that may surround African Americans. It is impossible for me to understand the issues faced by this cultural group. My favorite of all stems from my faith. As a Christian, many of my views are considered out of touch with the present realities because they are shaped by my belief in Christ.
For these reasons, I pen this brief thought with some hesitancy but in a spirit of liberation.
It has become more evident in the past few months that we are living in very perplexing times with citizens taking different sides on the issues. Our previous knowledge on how the government functions and expectations on the character qualifications of our leaders have been challenged. Overall, we are still debating as a nation on the correct actions, if any, that should be considered for the men and women who participated in the assault of the nation’s Capital.
For over ten years I served my country in the United States Army prior to receiving a medical retirement and transitioning to “civilian life.” During those years, loyalty to the “Commander In Chief,” better known as President of the United States to over 99% of the population, was expected. Throughout my service I have not always agreed with the beliefs of the individual chosen to serve in this position, however, I remained committed to the mission of protecting and defending Americans and the nation.
From this perspective, I became detached from the situation reserving my comments or opinions for private spaces. The more I thought the more I realized several things: 1) Loyalty to a position, not a person, can be expected, and 2) I am no longer an officer in the military, but even so it was instilled in me since childhood that not all of your thoughts should become words.
That stated, concerning the events of the afternoon of Wednesday, January 6, 2021, I make this conclusion: the action taken by those Americans that invaded the U.S. Capitol is none other than TREASON.
As the news coverage continues, I become more embarrassed to learn that fellow veterans, despite having retired, assumed leadership roles in assaulting our Capitol. Many believe that former President Donald J. Trump is responsible for the events and should be held accountable and I couldn't agree more! President Trump has and should continue to reap (where appropriate) the consequences of his actions. Every adult - most of all current or former military service members - is responsible for his or her part in the events of that afternoon and should also be held accountable for their actions.
t is my opinion that former military service members should be ordered back to active or reserve duty and stand trial for their involvement. The decision should be a court martial with appropriate punishment rendered.
On January 24, 2020, the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals in the case of retired Chief Petty Officer Stephen Begani ruled that prior service members can be court martialed. Chief Begani had pleaded guilty of attempted sexual assault and attempted sexual abuse of a child in 2017 and was court martialed for these actions. Likewise, non-military persons who participated in the assault on the Capitol must also be tried, convicted, and punished when appropriate in a civilian court of law.
Although a retiree and veteran, I continue to hold military personnel to the highest standards, will speak up and out as needed, and despite other’s thoughts and opinions on my intersectionality, I have decided as a future social worker, it is my duty and obligation to stand against any injustice and advocate on behalf myself and of those in need.
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