So, this is a bit odd...or it is not — you be the judge.
I was clicking around on a gossip site that was implying that Hope Hicks is sleeping with the ogre (I know, ewwwww) when I hit on a link to Aaron Mehta’s twitter feed. Metha is a Senior Correspondent for Defense News. He’d received an email containing the above memo, issued by General Mattis, and found it’s wording, and the method of delivery, a bit odd. So he posted it on Twitter, where he got scores of replies.
Some questioned it’s authenticity, but, no, it’s real...it is on the United States Naval Institute website, an organization chaired by Admiral Stavridis, who you will remember was briefly considered as HRC’s running mate.
But other than that I could only find two mentions of it in the press, one by a Los Angeles LGBT News outlet TheLABlade, that considered it a response to the Donald’s Transgender ban, and on a site called Roughly Explained that praised Mattis’ ethical rectitude, but offered little other commentary.
The memo is dated Aug, 4. and frankly, I don’t know what to make of it. Maybe you all can enlighten me.
Some of the verbiage is a bit akilter; the bit about “Those entrusted by our nation with carrying out violence”, for example, which reads to me that Mattis was going out of his way to include civilian LEO agencies in his guidelines.
Here is the original tweet, with a few of the responses to show the range of interpretation.
Anyway, I don’t know what to make of this, do you?
Here is the memo text in a format you can c/p from, if you wish to do so in your replies…
I want our focus to be on the essence of ethical conduct: doing what is right at all times, regardless of the circumstances or whether anyone is watching.
To ensure each of us is ready to do what is right, without hesitation, when ethical dilemmas arise, we must train and prepare ourselves and our subordinates. Our prior reflection and our choice to live by an ethical code will reinforce what we stand for, so we remain morally strong especially in the face of adversity.
Through our example and through coaching of all hands, we will ensure ethical standards are maintained. Never forget our willingness to take the oath of office and to accept The associated responsibilities means that even citizens who have never met us trust us to do the right thing, never abusing our position nor looking the other way when we see something wrong.
I am proud to serve alongside you.
James Mattis