Tweedledee and Tweedledum Go to Quantico

Image:  Facebook

In a highly unusual move and on short notice, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth summoned hundreds of senior military officers from posts around the world to gather today in Virginia.

The price tag alone makes me blanch.

NBC News reports that what Hegseth told the assembled in Quantico wasn't "a showcase of major changes to the military but a recitation of familiar talking points from him and his boss, President Donald Trump."

These points boiled down to wokeness is weakness, no beards or long hair, and basic-training drill sergeants will again swear the air blue and put their hands on recruits.

Hegseth is the epitome of toxic masculinity, and he's shaping the military in his image. Those famous recruiting posters of old would now feature a pointing Uncle Sam saying, "I Want You To Be a Total Dick."

Following Hegseth's tromp through the culture wars, the admirals and generals had to listen to Trump meander. Talk about tough duty.

Most notably, Trump spoke of "the enemy from within." He said, "Inner cities are a big part of war," and compared Portland to a "war zone."

Trump said he told Hegseth that the U.S. "should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military."

Jesus H. Christ on a raft. The American president said American troops should use other Americans for target practice. 

We're getting ever further away from decency, sense, and precedent. I can only hope those stuck in that room today believe their duty is to defend the Constitution and the American people, not to follow blindly a couple of unstable "leaders" like Trump and Hegseth.

If not, here in Democratic-led Seattle, I could be under siege by Thanksgiving. And that'll do nothing for my digestion.