Commentary, Military

VoteVets Statement on Mike Flynn Being Named National Security Advisor


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WASHINGTON DC – (ENEWSPF)—November 18, 2016.  The largest group of progressive veterans in America expressed dismay at the naming of Mike Flynn to be National Security Advisor in a Trump administration.

Jon Soltz, Iraq War veteran and Chairman of VoteVets.org, released the following statement:

“The appointment of Mike Flynn to National Security Advisor is yet another clear indication of the outsized influence of Steve Bannon on the direction of this administration, and Donald Trump’s intention to continue to empower dangerous conspiracy theorists and racists, to reshape America as they see fit.

Mike Flynn said that it is “rational” to fear all Muslims, and called the religion a “cancer.”  He retweeted an anti-Semitic tweet from a white supremacist, without explaining why he was following the notable racist account in the first place.  He has eagerly promoted and endorsed the work of white supremacist Mike Cernovich, who has openly advocated for an IQ test for all immigrants, and stated that it is legitimate debate as to whether certain races have lower IQs.  Mike Flynn’s son and Chief of Staff openly and frequently retweets racist messages and bizarre conspiracy theories.

If that was not enough, Mike Flynn has a deep affinity for Russia and has been paid by the Russian government, and now we have discovered that he was receiving security briefings, with Donald Trump, while actively representing foreign interests, including an ally of Turkey’s authoritarian president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Mike Flynn’s time leading the Defense Intelligence Agency was a disaster, leading to his dismissal.  Complaints about toxic command structure, and his erractic, unhinged leadership poisoned the agency and put lives at risk.

Combined, this appointment should send shivers down the spines of all Americans.  Mike Flynn’s bigotry towards those we need to be building alliances with, his desire to build alliances with those opposed to our national security interests, and his disastrously dangerous lack of leadership capabilities puts American lives at severe risk.  On January 20, all American lives will be at greater risk, because Mike Flynn will be National Security Advisor.

Though he does not need to face Senate confirmation, we call on all Members of Congress to demand that this appointment be rescinded.”

BACKGROUND 

Mike Flynn said it is “rational” to fear Muslims:  http://www.businessinsider.com/mike-flynn-says-fear-of-muslims-is-rational-2016-11

Mike Flynn said Islam is a “cancer”: https://twitter.com/larryelder/status/764677818521227266

Mike Flynn retweeted a white supremacist’s anti-Semitic tweet and never explained why he followed the account:  http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/michael-flynn-twitter-226091

Mike Flynn promotes the work of Mike Cernovich: https://twitter.com/genflynn/status/784960592507305984

Mike Flynn’s son, and Chief of Staff, often shares racist messages and conspiracy theories:  http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/17/politics/kfile-michael-flynn-social-media/index.html

Mike Cernovich has called for an IQ test for all immigrants and said it is legitimate debate as to whether certain races do not have high IQ’s:  http://www.dangerandplay.com/2016/08/31/is-mike-cernovich-part-of-the-alt-right/

Mike Flynn’s Russian ties, and paid speech in celebration of Russia Today:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/nearly-the-entire-national-security-establishment-has-rejected-trumpexcept-for-this-man/2016/08/15/d5072d96-5e4b-11e6-8e45-477372e89d78_story.html

Mike Flynn received intel briefings while repping foreign clients, including an ally of Erdogan:  https://www.yahoo.com/news/michael-flynn-key-trump-aide-sat-in-on-intel-briefings-while-advising-foreign-clients-004512931.html

Mike Flynn was dismissed as head of DIA for toxic leadership style:  http://www.businessinsider.com/michael-t-flynn-fired-from-dia-2014-4

Founded in 2006, and backed by over 450,000 supporters, the mission of VoteVets.org is to use public issue campaigns and direct outreach to lawmakers to ensure that troops abroad have what they need to complete their missions, and receive the care they deserve when they get home.  VoteVets.org also recognizes veterans as a vital part of the fabric of our country and will work to protect veterans’ interests in their day-to-day lives.   VoteVets.org is committed to the destruction of terror networks around the world – with force when necessary – to protect America. While non-partisan, the group is the largest progressive organization of veterans in America.

Source: www.votevets.org

 

 


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