Trump's former Coast Guard chief endorses Biden, cites 'insurgency' on the Constitution
Source: Politico
President Donald Trump's former four-star head of the Coast Guard is speaking out on his decision to endorse Joe Biden, saying it's due to an "insurgency" on Americans' constitutional rights that has occurred on the commander in chief's watch.
Retired Adm. Paul Zukunft, who stepped down as commandant of the Coast Guard in June 2018, is one of almost 500 former national security leaders who signed an open letter released Thursday questioning Trump's fitness for command.
"I've seen an insurgency, if you will, on our constitutional rights and more power being centralized at the executive level that has really divided our nation," Zukunft told POLITICO. "I am concerned that our constitutional rights are being infringed upon from within."
Zukunft's comments come a day after Trump sidestepped a question about whether he would commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the November election. His press secretary later said the president would "accept the results of a free and fair election." The president has also repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of mail-in voting, and even urged Americans to vote twice, which is illegal.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/24/trump-coast-guard-endorses-biden-420953
The Constitution means everything to Patriots.
Blue Owl
(49,737 posts)Rural_Progressive
(1,105 posts)in that branch of the service. Well spoken Admiral.
Semper paratus!!!
Drum
(8,888 posts)From a late-bloomer amateur sailor, whos wished to wind back time and to be with the CG too
-Drum
Rural_Progressive
(1,105 posts)I served when the CG was under the Dept of Transportation. We actually did work that was productive and satisfying. I served on a buoy tender, an ocean going tug, and a high endurance cutter so I was involved in maintaining aids to navigation, fishery patrols, SAR, all kinds of great stuff.
Today's CG under DHS doesn't have the same focus and I would not want to be engaged in some of their current missions.
rwsanders
(2,582 posts)You don't want to spend time chasing imaginary terrorists or acting as a mini-Guantanamo? I agree.
BTW, the black hull crews are the best. I was D11 DRAT equipment specialist for 4 years. When I retired they asked me what ensign I wanted and I got one flown over the USCGC Aspen.
I wish I had joined when I was younger. I never got on the water, but did duck and weave to finish my 20 in the reserves.
bluestateboomer
(503 posts)The Admirals last name means FUTURE in german!
ffr
(22,636 posts)Hey tRumpsters in Cult45,
Rural_Progressive
(1,105 posts)moving in the same direction and watch what happens.
FreddyWhite
(69 posts)I must edit this like the CDC edited the report from corona the meat packing plant in South Dakota (as Rachael Maddow reported on)
"I've seen an insurgency, if you will, on our constitutional rights and more power being centralized at the executive level that has really divided our nation," Zukunft told POLITICO. "I am concerned that our constitutional rights are being infringed upon from within."
changing it to:
I've seen an insurgency, on our constitutional rights and more power being centralized at the executive level that has really divided our nation, (as not seen before since the civil war)" ..." our constitutional rights are being infringed upon from within."
There, that sounds better. I am so tired of the delicate that people put things. Right now, direct, emphatic language is needed. If only they would give me the job .
Evolve Dammit
(16,564 posts)rwsanders
(2,582 posts)budget. That would have killed the service.
His first strike back was saying the USCG would not abandon protections for LGBT members and I'm glad to see he is still speaking out.