By Col. Rob Maness, USAF ret
A recent article published by Defense One, titled “How Tucker Carlson Helped Turn Americans Against the Military,” has garnered significant attention. As the title suggests, the piece argues that the renowned former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has played a significant role in undermining public trust in the U.S. military.
While it’s tempting to look for scapegoats in times of declining public support, it’s crucial to examine the broader context and recognize the importance of open discourse on any issue, including the military.
Misplaced Blame
The article in question assigns the majority of the blame for the erosion of public trust in the military to a single individual, Tucker Carlson. However, this assertion is an extreme oversimplification of a complex issue.
It’s important to understand that trust in institutions, including the military, is influenced by numerous factors, including political climate, socio-economic trends, and the actions and policies of the institutions themselves. To suggest that Carlson’s critiques single-handedly caused this decline ignores the nuances at play.
Moreover, the article doesn’t acknowledge the fact that as a political commentator, Carlson’s job is to offer his perspective on a wide range of topics, including those related to national defense. While his criticisms of the military may be pointed and controversial, they’re ultimately part of a broader conversation that should be encouraged in any free society.
The freedom to express dissent and engage in constructive debate is a cornerstone of a healthy republic, and to condemn Carlson for exercising this right is an affront to the very principles that underpin the United States.
The Importance of Critiquing Institutions
The article’s core premise is that any critique of the military is inherently dangerous and harmful to public trust. However, this line of thinking runs counter to the importance of holding our institutions accountable.
Every organization, especially the military, should be subject to intense scrutiny and analysis to ensure that it’s operating in the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
Historically, the military has benefited from being held accountable by the public, the media, and government officials. For instance, the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War and the Abu Ghraib prison scandal during the Iraq War were both exposed through investigative journalism and public outcry, leading to important policy changes and heightened awareness of human rights abuses.
Carlson’s critiques, while perhaps uncomfortable for some, contribute to a necessary conversation about the role of the military in our society.
This dialogue shouldn’t be stifled simply because it challenges the status quo or makes some people uncomfortable. Instead, we should welcome diverse opinions and engage in honest, open debate about the nation’s and the military’s actions and policies.
The True Threat to Public Trust
Ironically, the article’s attempt to suppress dissent and silence critics like Carlson will do more harm to public trust in the military than Carlson’s critiques themselves.
The very suggestion that dissenting voices should be silenced undermines the core values upon which the United States was founded and reinforces the notion that the military is above reproach.
In order to build and maintain public trust, the military must be transparent, accountable, and responsive to the concerns of the citizens it serves.
By attempting to stifle open discussion, the article perpetuates a culture of secrecy and unaccountability that can erode public trust even further.
Public trust in the military is closely tied to the actions and policies of the institution itself.
While it’s tempting to point the finger at a media personality for undermining public faith in the military, it’s essential to recognize that the commander-in-chief’s and the military’s own actions can have the most impact on public opinion more than anything or anyone else.
A history of controversial wars, such as the wars in Iraq and the unwarranted mission creep resulting in decades-long operations in Afghanistan, has resulted in a decline in trust as the American public questions the rationale and effectiveness of these efforts.
The current national policies on military involvement in Ukraine, a country that isn’t a vital interest of the United States, and inserting Marxist woke-ism into every aspect of our military, aren’t only eroding public trust, but also our recruiting and readiness to deter the greatest threat, the Chinese Communist Party.
Finally, public trust is also shaped by a multitude of factors, including personal experiences, political affiliations, and conversations with friends and family.
We, the American people, decide whether we support our military or not based on the facts we know, not the propaganda spewed in the mainstream media.
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