I was just reading an article on the renaming of US Army bases and saw a quote from General Miley, in which he stated that these CSA officers who had bses named after them had "violated their oaths" by taking up arms against the US. I've always argued otherwise, based on the fact that the oath military officers took before the Civil War stated "I do solemnly swear that I will bear true allegiant to the United States of America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies and oppressors...." (emphasis added).
Based on the use of "them" to describe the US, it seems obvious to me that Lee, and other officers, took an oath to defend all of the States comprising the US, and when some off those States made war against some other States, that the oath became non-operable. Clearly the oath viewed the US as a collection of States, each of which has a claim of protection under the oath. But when those States warred on each other, then the oath became non-applicable.
This does not address whether secession was legal under the Constitution nor about the whole argument of treason vs. expatriation, but is solely limited to the oft stated argument that Lee and others broke their military oaths.
I think a more compelling argument for re-naming the bases is based on so many of the honored officers were incompetent. Fort Bragg? Really??? What message does that send to our young warriors?
Based on the use of "them" to describe the US, it seems obvious to me that Lee, and other officers, took an oath to defend all of the States comprising the US, and when some off those States made war against some other States, that the oath became non-operable. Clearly the oath viewed the US as a collection of States, each of which has a claim of protection under the oath. But when those States warred on each other, then the oath became non-applicable.
This does not address whether secession was legal under the Constitution nor about the whole argument of treason vs. expatriation, but is solely limited to the oft stated argument that Lee and others broke their military oaths.
I think a more compelling argument for re-naming the bases is based on so many of the honored officers were incompetent. Fort Bragg? Really??? What message does that send to our young warriors?