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Showing posts from December, 2025

Military Oath of Enlistment: Lawful vs. Illegal Orders

 What the Oath Actually Says The U.S. military oath of enlistment includes the promise to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” and to “obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).” The key phrase is “according to regulations and the UCMJ.” This means obedience is conditional: orders must be lawful. ________________________________________ Why This Matters • Discipline vs. Conscience : Military effectiveness depends on obedience, but blind obedience can lead to atrocities. • Legal Safeguards : U.S. law makes clear that “ just following orders ” is not a defense for unlawful actions. • Historical Lessons: From Nuremberg trials to Vietnam’s My Lai massacre, history shows the devastating consequences of obeying illegal orders . • Modern Relevance: Recent political debates highlig...

Surprising Truths About the Homelessness Crisis

Beyond the Stereotypes When many people picture homelessness , a specific and often simplified image comes to mind. But the reality of the crisis is far more complex, structural, and surprising than these stereotypes suggest. As the United States confronts an unprecedented homelessness crisis, understanding the facts behind the headlines is more critical than ever. On a single night in January 2024, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that a record-high 771,480 people were experiencing homelessness, demanding an urgent and clear-eyed look at the truths that are often overlooked. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. The Crisis Is at a Record High, and Its Fastest-Growing Victims Are Not Who You Think Homelessness has not just increased; it has reached the highest level ever recorded in the United States. The 2024 count of 771,480 people represents a staggering 18% increase in a single year. But perhaps the most sh...

Disturbing Truths About America's Unraveling

A shocking plurality of Americans—as high as 57% in one recent poll—now believe the country is on the path to a second civil war. Another survey found that 40% believe one is likely within the next decade—a fear that, while varying across party lines, reflects a profound national anxiety. While a traditional conflict with uniforms and battle lines is unlikely, the data reveals a different, more insidious kind of unraveling is already underway. The real story isn't found in military preparations, but in a series of deep psychological and social shifts that are quietly tearing the country apart from the inside. This article explores five of the most surprising and impactful truths about America's fractures, drawn from recent social and political analysis. 1. We Don't Just Disagree Anymore—We Despise Each Other The first disturbing truth is the rise of "affective polarization." This isn't just about disagreeing on policy; it's a shift toward harboring genuine...