I have uploaded the resignation letter of Navy Secretary Richard Spencer. All one needs to know to understand why Donald Trump should not be president is set forth in two paragraphs of that letter as follows:
The rule of law is what sets us apart from our adversaries. Good order and discipline is what has enabled our victory against foreign tyranny time and again, from Captain Lawrence’s famous order “Don’t Give up the Ship”, to the discipline and determination that propelled our flag to the highest point on Iwo Jima. The Constitution, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, are the shields that set us apart, and the beacons that protect us all. Through my Title Ten Authority, I have strived to ensure our proceedings are fair, transparent and consistent, from the newest recruit to the Flag and General Officer level.
Unfortunately it has become apparent that in this respect. I no longer share the same understanding with the Commander in Chief who appointed me. in regards to the key principle of good order and discipline. I cannot in good conscience obey an order that I believe violates the sacred oath I took in the presence of my family, my flag and my faith to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Emphasis added.
The Guardian reports that Esper fired Spencer by asking for his resignation, on learning that the latter was negotiating with the White House behind the former’s back. (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/24/trump-tweets-seal-edward-gallagher-navy-secretary-fox-friends) The letter is stirring, but like the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, the full story is more complicated.
Has Spencer made any public comment about Esper’s accusation of insubordination? I’m disinclined to extend the benefit of the doubt to people who’ve chosen to serve a known serial liar, but under these circumstances I’d expect Spencer to squarely deny the charge if it’s untrue.
To be clear, by “Esper’s accusation of insubordination” I mean his accusation that Spencer concealed from him a pitch that he was making to Esper’s boss.