Liberty Minute August 6 2014

We?re often told that if not for the military exploits of the ?Greatest Generation? during World War II, we would be taking orders from German military officers. Yet this is precisely what will happen to U.S. military personnel assigned to duty in Europe.

The Army Times reports that Brig. General Markus Laubenthal, who had commanded Germany?s 12^th Panzer Brigade, has been promoted to serve as chief of staff for the U.S. Army Europe, the first time that position has been held by a non-American officer. Lt. Gen. Donald Campbell describes this appointment as ?a bold and major step forward in [US Army Europe?s] commitment to operating in a multinational environment with our German allies.?

Actually, this appointment ? which was approved by President Obama ? is probably intended to palliate German outrage over revelations that the National Security Agency has conducted electronic surveillance of German citizens and officials, including Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Twenty years ago, US Army Specialist Michael New refused to wear a United Nations insignia on his uniform and serve under the command of a foreign general during a UN mission in Macedonia.  He underwent a court martial in order to warn his colleagues about the internationalization of the US military. The appointment of General Laubenthal validates Specialist New?s warning.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.