Letter to the editor: Republicans AWOL when troops need them most

First published in the Brunswick Beacon, 10.01.26

Americans were shocked when a sailor jumped off the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln to escape unbearable conditions. Lack of food, broken toilets, and a record 286 days at sea led eight sailors to attempt suicide, said Acting Navy Secretary Cao. Family members said the Navy was “starving” their “emaciated” loved ones and “gaslighting families.” “No, they’re not,” said Trump.

Photos showed the carrier covered in rust and scum. “Running rust” has become commonplace on American ships. Mark Lattner, the Navy’s Ship Integrity and Performance Engineering director, called them “rusting garbage scows.” 

Shown photos of a rusted destroyer during his confirmation hearing as Navy Secretary, John Phelan told Congress: “It’s terrible. I think they should be ashamed. Would you want to go on that ship?”

Pete Hegseth, Trump’s self-styled “Secretary of War,” has fired or blocked promotions of more than 80 generals and admirals, dismantling some 10% of the military’s top brass. Without explanation, Hegseth fired respected Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, leaving the army leaderless during wartime. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll resigned in protest.

On Sept. 2, NC Sen. Tillis urged Trump to fire Hegseth and hire someone “who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it.” Tillis added, “I have never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country.  He is intimidated by competence and retreats to ginning up culture wars instead of soberly attending to the vital work of our national defense and the health and well-being of our fighting force.”

Tillis said “soberly” on purpose. Instead of blocking Hegseth’s appointment, Tillis cast the deciding vote for confirmation after Hegseth promised to stop drinking.

Tillis’ remorse comes too late. Republicans failed our troops by rubber-stamping Trump’s Iran War, which has used up "virtually all" of America’s long-range precision missiles, according to two sources with direct knowledge.

Instead of defending our troops from Trump and Hegseth’s incompetence, Republicans are AWOL. Fire them!

Robert Bannerman 

Supply