Posted by Marc on June 26, 2001 at 05:52:55:
In Reply to: Re: My Own posted by Rich on June 26, 2001 at 02:58:47:
: : Maybe so, but if he truly held those opinions and wasnt just saying it for the press, he sold that viewpoint cheaply in return for the chance of glory,
: Again, he was doing the duty of his country, like it or ot.
Being a retired U.S. Marine, Rich's comment has prompted me make a brief comment. We, as a society, are sometimes quick to pass judgement on the beliefs and actions of individuals of days gone past. The following is the Oath of a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army (this is the current oath, but has changed very little since the days of Custer):
Army Officer Appointment Acceptance and Oath of Office
I (insert name), having been appointed a (insert rank) in the U.S. Army under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.
I think it would be unfair of us to suppose what was going through Custer's mind during the Battle of Little Bighorn and similar campaigns. Certainly, based on our beliefs today and hind-sight, the policies of the U.S. Government of that time were considerably flawed. However, in Custer's position, he was not provided the option to question them. He gave his word and then swore to God to support the Constitution.
I just want to remind people (in general) how easy it is to apply our modern day thinking to occurances in the past. It's easy to do, but unrealistic. We simply need to look at the past like a teacher and hope we've learned.
With that out of the way... I really, really miss the Gathering!
Take care everyone,
Marc