We owe him a debt of gratitude. He prevented Trump from sending armed troops against Black Lives Matter protesters, and he probably saved us from a war with China.
Thank you General Milley. Attending meetings in the Oval Office must have been very much like sticking your head in a bucket of sh**t. Thanks for keeping us informed sir.
Communication value of the written word is greatly enhanced by voice, more so by in-person visual clues such as body language, eye contact, set of the jaw, etc. Thank you for your descriptions of much more than than transcripts. Yes, we are fortunate to have patriots among the general staff, as we are fortunate to have such an astute commentator.
When I first heard of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley early on I looked him up. I was very impressed with what I read. Testifying and seeing that really serious look on his face I was intimidated in my own living room. When he spoke of who was in the room when he called China’s leader, I think the Republicans needn’t to be wearing adult diapers! Seriously!! He had that look of ‘I’m kicking ass and taking names later’! But he did it with decorum. I could see the smoke rising from him particularly with that woman ( congresswoman I think) who said these are yes or no questions. Those questions did require more than yes or no as they were each very long questions. And the clipped yes or no that Milley spoke had a subtext I can’t print here. That congressional person earned my 5 star smack you up the side of your head award! I believe it was McKenzie who gave multiworded answers and I loved that.
Your Substack writings are the only semblance of "social media" that I have participated in for months and it has been a great improvement on my mental health. (Admitedly, I kind of miss seeing what you guys are making for dinner, but hey! Enough, with the Facebook, already!) Mr. Truscott, your experience and history gives you a perspective and an advantage that enriches my view and gives me hope for the future, because- to paraphrase Bruce Springsteen- there IS "somebody ALIVE out there"...
I greatly appreciate how you summed up our recent past and current situation visa vi trump and Milley. The mention of General William "body count" Westmoreland brings to mind something I mention when speaking to those who were too young to have experienced the war on Vietnam years, the only decreeable objective seemed to be the daily or weekly "Body Count." I have a suspicion that many of those I mention this to don't believe that was an 'official' term used by the US government!
The fact Mr. Truscott grasps and understands the truth should be a comfort. Millions of Americans understand perhaps not in such detail, but the general theme of Trumps insanity. What must be hoped for is that media and the internet keep everyone aware and do everything possible to keep Mr. Trump away from the White House in 2024. General Milley should keep shouting and never surrender to the tinpot politicians.
So many excellent comments here on an outstanding essay. I have nothing to add but this: I now understand why General Milley has such deep circles under his eyes!
Thank you General Milley. Attending meetings in the Oval Office must have been very much like sticking your head in a bucket of sh**t. Thanks for keeping us informed sir.
Bravo to Lucien for this impassioned article, and to General Milley for swatting away the petulant slings and arrows of puny Republicans.
Communication value of the written word is greatly enhanced by voice, more so by in-person visual clues such as body language, eye contact, set of the jaw, etc. Thank you for your descriptions of much more than than transcripts. Yes, we are fortunate to have patriots among the general staff, as we are fortunate to have such an astute commentator.
I rely on you so much for your clearsighted and inspiring writing on this topic.
When I first heard of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley early on I looked him up. I was very impressed with what I read. Testifying and seeing that really serious look on his face I was intimidated in my own living room. When he spoke of who was in the room when he called China’s leader, I think the Republicans needn’t to be wearing adult diapers! Seriously!! He had that look of ‘I’m kicking ass and taking names later’! But he did it with decorum. I could see the smoke rising from him particularly with that woman ( congresswoman I think) who said these are yes or no questions. Those questions did require more than yes or no as they were each very long questions. And the clipped yes or no that Milley spoke had a subtext I can’t print here. That congressional person earned my 5 star smack you up the side of your head award! I believe it was McKenzie who gave multiworded answers and I loved that.
Hell, yeah! No chickenshit hawk he, a real deal citizen soldier.
Made me proud of my family and country.
Your Substack writings are the only semblance of "social media" that I have participated in for months and it has been a great improvement on my mental health. (Admitedly, I kind of miss seeing what you guys are making for dinner, but hey! Enough, with the Facebook, already!) Mr. Truscott, your experience and history gives you a perspective and an advantage that enriches my view and gives me hope for the future, because- to paraphrase Bruce Springsteen- there IS "somebody ALIVE out there"...
Once again, powerful, insightful words on an important subject. Thank you, Lucian.
Thanks, Lucian--I, too, admire General Milley.
I greatly appreciate how you summed up our recent past and current situation visa vi trump and Milley. The mention of General William "body count" Westmoreland brings to mind something I mention when speaking to those who were too young to have experienced the war on Vietnam years, the only decreeable objective seemed to be the daily or weekly "Body Count." I have a suspicion that many of those I mention this to don't believe that was an 'official' term used by the US government!
And as you do, I very much admire General Mark A. Milley! He in my mind will never be forgotten!
I know nothing about generals. Thank you Lucian for sharing your insight and knowledge.
Thanks for the context and inside perspective.
The fact Mr. Truscott grasps and understands the truth should be a comfort. Millions of Americans understand perhaps not in such detail, but the general theme of Trumps insanity. What must be hoped for is that media and the internet keep everyone aware and do everything possible to keep Mr. Trump away from the White House in 2024. General Milley should keep shouting and never surrender to the tinpot politicians.
You nailed this one. Absolutely!! Thanks!
So many excellent comments here on an outstanding essay. I have nothing to add but this: I now understand why General Milley has such deep circles under his eyes!