I agree with what you say here, Dave, but my biggest concern, which has, among other things, led to this misuse of the military, is even more fundamental. Specifically, the misuse of the military is just one of a number of very concerning developments that has grown out of the habit of this administration to hire and fire federal employees (both political appointees and nonpolitical hires) for reasons other than their ability and willingness to fulfill their roles and responsibilities as defined by either the Constitution or the legislation that created their position. This administration hires and fires everyone from cabinet secretaries to military leaders to prosecutors and judges based on their willingness to use whatever power they have to fulfill the whims of the president.

Accordingly, while I, too, hope we will rise up in massive peaceful protest, I respectfully urge everyone to use whatever power they have to act in concert with the laws of this great nation—even if they fear the administration will make them pay for working against the president’s wishes. Please be courageous whenever the opportunity presents itself.