In an op-ed for the New York Times, LBJ School Professor of National Security and retired four-star Admiral William McRaven argues that the United States may be in peril because of President Trump's actions, from assaults on the intelligence and law enforcement community to the State Department and the media. McRaven recounts two recent events that honored military and intelligence colleagues who sacrificed and put themselves on the line to defend the values of this country — and his concern over how the current commander-in-chief is affecting those values.
"If our promises are meaningless, how will our allies ever trust us? If we can’t have faith in our nation’s principles, why would the men and women of this nation join the military? And if they don’t join, who will protect us? If we are not the champions of the good and the right, then who will follow us? And if no one follows us — where will the world end up?
"President Trump seems to believe that these qualities are unimportant or show weakness. He is wrong. These are the virtues that have sustained this nation for the past 243 years. If we hope to continue to lead the world and inspire a new generation of young men and women to our cause, then we must embrace these values now more than ever.
"And if this president doesn’t understand their importance, if this president doesn’t demonstrate the leadership that America needs, both domestically and abroad, then it is time for a new person in the Oval Office — Republican, Democrat or independent — the sooner, the better. The fate of our Republic depends upon it."