[yllus]

Let's not make Mr. Esper out to be doing this for any other reason than because of the strong and immediate backlash from the violent street-clearing that occurred in DC. This is the same guy who said to state governors, "I think the sooner that you mass and dominate the battlespace, the quicker this dissipates and we can get back to the right normal." He is no champion of individual rights.

[smithza]

It is reasonable to give him some benefit of the doubt and take him at his word that he made a mistake and, after reflection, considers the rhetoric too intense. A member of his Defense Science Board resigned [0] in the wake of the decision and one of the former Joint Chiefs [1] spoke out against his actions. I hope he is responding to these voices.

Edit: Link update

0. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/06/02/secretary...

1. https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/02/politics/mike-mullen-trump-ch...

[A4ET8a8uTh0]

I think I was in agreement until the word rhetoric. Friday photo-op may have started with words, but actions that followed removed that label in my mind.

I would love to give Esper some credit. He has a ridiculously tough job on a normal day. And I am not sure I can. It took severe backlash for him to reverse course.

Granted, in this administration, it is probably a good way to be fired.

edit. changed last sentence