On this Memorial Day, we should take stock that the U.S. military remains one of the most respected public institutions in America. And for good reason. Our military has strived mightily since its Vietnam War nadir to foster professionalism grounded on honor and implemented programs to help ensure that the American way of fighting comports with the law of war and American values to the greatest extent possible.
The Pentagon should honor service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day by recommitting to the American way of fighting. It should pay tribute to the fallen by reinforcing moral integrity for those currently serving.
One tangible way our military and civilian leaders can do this is by firmly and quickly owning the mistakes that have killed or injured civilians in our war in Iran. Prompt and transparent investigations should lead to lessons in how to avoid future tragedies and assure those in uniform, the American public and our country’s allies that our military operations comport with U.S. values and the law. This is not a hypothetical plea.
“At least the ballroom, they tried to put some lipstick on it by saying, ‘We need it for security,’” Sykes said. “What the hell do you do with an arch?” Read more.
The Trump administration proposes cutting $6 billion from the National Institutes of Health. Philanthropy cannot replicate the scale of government-backed research. Read more.
Sunday, June 14, join Jen Psaki live from the Sixth & I in Washington, D.C. to speak with actor and author Billy Eichner for a live taping of her podcast, “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki.” They’ll discuss his new audio book, “Billy on Billy: An Audio Memoir,” and how humor can sustain us during difficult times. Buy tickets now.
This week on “The Best People,” Nicolle Wallace is joined by speechwriter and former Obama Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes to discuss his new book, “All We Say,” where he traces the uniquely American spirit that lives through the words that have changed the course of history. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
