Veterans and Officials Must Courageously Oppose Unlawful Wars for Israel
Source: Joseph Addington. "Time for Courage - The American Conservative." March 25, 2026. www.theamericanconservative.com
The Gist
The author argues that America is fighting illegal wars to benefit Israel rather than America, and that military veterans and government officials should have the courage to publicly oppose these wars just like they showed courage in combat. He says this resistance is actually the most patriotic thing they can do.
Conclusion
American veterans, military personnel, and government officials have a moral and constitutional duty to publicly oppose and resist what the author characterizes as unlawful American-Israeli military actions in the Middle East
Premises
- The current American-Israeli military actions against Iran are unprovoked attacks that violate international law and lack proper congressional authorization
- These military interventions serve Israeli interests rather than American national security, making them contrary to true patriotism
- Historical pattern shows that similar interventions (Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen) have resulted in chaos, increased terrorism, and American casualties without achieving stated objectives
- The U.S. Constitution requires congressional approval for war declarations, but this safeguard has been systematically bypassed
- George Washington's Farewell Address warned against becoming enslaved to foreign interests, which America has now done with Israel
- Joe Kent's resignation from a high-level position rather than participate in these actions demonstrates the type of moral courage others should emulate
- Military personnel and officials took oaths to the U.S. Constitution, not to foreign interests, creating a duty to resist unconstitutional orders
Assumptions
- The military actions described are actually unprovoked and illegal under international law
- Israeli influence over U.S. foreign policy is the primary driver of these conflicts
- Congressional war powers have been unconstitutionally bypassed
- Military personnel and officials have both the legal right and moral duty to resist orders they deem unlawful
- Public resistance by officials would be effective in stopping these policies
- The author's interpretation of patriotism and constitutional requirements is correct