By David Sole
Shortly after the second inauguration of Donal Trump as U.S. president, a coalition of activists from the Detroit area began working to expose his dangerous fascist agenda. They founded the Anti-Fascist Organizing Coalition (AFOC.info) which made an important contribution by publishing a pamphlet about the book “The Unhumans.” That book, by major Trump loyalists, calls for the crushing and extermination of people advocating civil, union, human, LGBTQIA+ and women’s rights.
Another pamphlet issued by AFOC warns to “Beware a Reichstag Fire.” Just as Hitler organized a major provocation to cover his seizure of power in 1933, Trump, Hegseth and Co. could easily create chaos to justify a modern day overthrow of basic democratic rights across the U.S.
On June 9 AFOC issued the following appeal to active duty and national guard troops explaining their right and duty to refuse illegal orders. The appeal came out just as Trump sent thousands of soldiers into Los Angeles, against the wishes of the mayor of L.A. and the governor of California. AFOC urges people to forward the appeal widely, especially to family members who are on active military duty or in the national guard.
Attention! An Appeal to Our Active Duty and National Guard Troops
Refuse Trump’s Illegal Orders !
No Troops on Our Streets !
Trump is declaring martial law. He has already federalized the California National Guard, over the objection of that state’s governor, to widen federal military attacks on protesters in Los Angeles. He may also order you, U.S. service members, into cities and towns across the country, to suppress the millions of people who will pour into the streets to protest his illegal power grab. Are you ready to shoot down civilians, your friends and neighbors?
If unions go on strike, are you ready to bayonet workers standing up for our democratic rights?
In 2020, Trump wanted his Defense Secretary, Mark to put thousands of federal troops in U.S. cities to shoot down Black Lives Matter protests of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many others. Esper refused. Are you willing to kill for Trump as he tries to illegally grab power and uses you to exact bloody revenge on any who oppose him?
National Guard and U.S. military helicopters and chemical sprays were used on June 1, 2020 against peaceful protests in Washington D.C. for a photo op showing Trump holding a bible in front of a church. This was clearly a dress rehearsal for Trump using the military to stay in power. Both Esper and Pentagon Chief General Milley, as did all eleven retired Secretaries of Defense, condemned this as interference in U.S. politics. Of course, this enraged Trump.
The new Trump administration is now filled with those who have no loyalty to the Constitution or democratic rights of the people. They have loyalty only to Donald Trump.
But you do have a choice. You have been told over and over again that you must follow orders. Trump may be the Commander-in-Chief, but you swore an oath to defend the Constitution, not Donald Trump. Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice dictates that you must follow only lawful orders. And the federal Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 specifically prohibits the use of troops inside the U.S. except when authorized by an act of Congress.
Soldiers before you, in Vietnam, in the U.S. after the assassination of Dr. King and throughout our history have refused illegal orders. The Nuremberg Trials after World War II established the international principle that “just following orders” is no excuse for murder or other unconstitutional uses of force. You have a duty to uphold the Constitution.
And don’t forget – Trump called you “suckers and losers.” That is why he is gutting veterans benefits, even to those wounded in combat.
If the day comes that Trump orders you to attack the people, stand down! You not only have the right, but the duty to tell your commanders that you will not enable Trump to overturn the Constitution. Join with the people in the streets and help protect our democratic rights! Talk to your fellow service members and be prepared to stand up for justice. See https://linktr.ee/donotturnonus for more resources to assist you.
Resources:
- The Military Law Task Force established by the National Lawyers Guild has set up a system for free, confidential telephone consultations with attorneys to discuss possible illegal orders and related issues. Servicemembers can call the MLTF, at 619-463-2369, for referral to a volunteer attorney.
- In addition, the Task Force has now posted legal resource material for servicemembers, attorneys, legal workers and law students at https://nlgmltf.org/. An audio Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar presented by MLTF attorney James Branum is available on the website.
- A comprehensive legal memo is included as part of the CLE which discusses the law regarding illegal orders and alternative methods of avoiding compliance with such orders.
Stand with the people!
Stand for the Constitution!
Stand against a Trump dictatorship!
Issued by the Anti-Fascist Organizing Coalition (AFOC.info)
Messages: (313) 368-2148 afocmail @ proton.me
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