[Kolokotronis]

“We homeschooled him, so I am sure he understands that the first part of this oath is unconditional. The second half is not.”

What part of the second half do you think is conditional?

“It is my considered opinion that the survival of our Republic may come down to a clear understanding of the differences in the two parts of the oath.”

I’m sure your son understands the penalty for mutiny in time of war. Mutineers deserve what they get, their co-conspirators and accessories the 20 years the USC provides for their crime. Arguing that the mutiny is justified by an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution is no defense either for the mutineers or their fellow travelers...and no court will believe that that argument is anything other than a pretense, a cover for political nihilism.

I don’t think your comment means you’re a kook. It does mean to me that you’ve lost whatever confidence you might have once had in the institutions of this country, that your confidence in this country depends on who the current occupant of the White House is. That’s a shame.

[cynwoody]

I’m sure your son understands the penalty for mutiny in time of war. Mutineers deserve what they get, their co-conspirators and accessories the 20 years the USC provides for their crime. Arguing that the mutiny is justified by an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution is no defense either for the mutineers or their fellow travelers...and no court will believe that that argument is anything other than a pretense, a cover for political nihilism.

The oath takes precedence over the chain of command.