Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R, AL) has made a mockery of the U.S. Senate’s role to advise and consent. He is single-handedly blocking the approval of the promotion of approximately 250 officers, including the appointment of the first woman to be superintendent of the Naval Academy.
A former college football coach, he left his common sense on the gridiron.
Tuberville is seeking deletion in the Defense Department funding bill of language granting commanding officers authority to provide transportation and leave for those seeking an abortion, particularly if they are based in a state that prohibits or restricts abortions.
So much for humanity.
So much for protecting the military from the detrimental impact of the culture wars.
So much for intruding on our nation’s military prerogatives.
Am I angry? Damn right I am.
Is Tuberville abusing his ability to create a logjam? Again the answer is a yes.
I have written before of my respect for our Armed Forces. My concern for the appropriate use of our defense forces is unshakeable. My disdain for political interference is unquestionable.
If Tuberville is making political points at home at the sacrifice of our people in uniform, shame on him. Family plans for new schools and housing are in limbo. Spouses might advocate for retirement or resignation.
Uncertain leadership changes can affect readiness.
Tuberville is exercising power because he can, not because he should. His actions are reckless and “dangerous,” as characterized by President Biden. The former coach seems oblivious.
Many declaim the lack of public respect for once-revered institutions. Ill-advised actions by irresponsible federal legislators add to disenchantment.
Wake up, Coach Tuberville, and sense the need to support, not suppress the promotion of key officers.
Howard Freedlander
Annapolis
George Shivers says
Tuberville should be censured by the Senate for his inhumane votes. It’s unfortunate that senators and congressmen can’t be impeached, since, no doubt they well continue to be elected by the ignorant and inhumane voters in their states and districts.
James Nick says
The Rs used to be the party of law and order, family values, stalwart anti-communism, and the protector of free speech. They have made a complete 180. Now, they are defending Jan6 as a normal tourist visit, calling for the FBI to be defunded, on track to nominate a standard bearer with the morals of an alley cat and ethics of a mob boss, shown themselves to be Putin’s last best hope for prevailing in Ukraine, and are calling for boycotts of any business that dares speak out against their authoritarian theocratic agenda.
The contours of what the 2024 election cycle will be like are starting to come into focus. The GOP has no policies and no substance – nothing to offer the country except tear-it-all-down nihilism and culture war division and fear. Despite poll after poll showing that somewhere north of 60% of people in this country want access to abortion, the Rs have decided to double-down and press for nationwide ban. Tuberville’s gambit is just a small demonstration of the larger nihilism to come should the Rs prevail.
Come November, 2024 we might finally get a chance to lance this boil if people get out and vote and not be distracted by any shiny objects offered by a third party candidate.
Don E. Itall says
Shame on Senator Tuberville for requesting the Department of Defense adhere to current law. 10 U.S.C. 1093 is very specific and is the DOD is attempting to subvert/ignore the law. I stand by Senator Tuberville. Commenters, educate yourselves before replying without brain engaged.