I am deeply troubled by the Trump administration’s sudden and misguided decision to engage in war with Iran. The president’s casual attitude toward leading the United States into conflict — first with Venezuela, then Iran, and even making threats to “take” Cuba and Greenland — is alarming. These actions seem to be the products of a leader driven by personal fantasies, rather than sound judgment. Such reckless decisions have rapidly eroded decades of goodwill built with the world’s democracies and our long-standing allies, and have unsettled the stable world order established since World War II.
Due to Delaware’s significant connection to military activities through the Dover Air Force Base, residents of the state have a particularly complex relationship with military matters. While we support our troops in their service during any military endeavor, we also recognize the importance of curbing reckless “foreign adventures.” These ill-conceived military actions, often initiated by President Donald Trump, appear to serve as distractions from his administration’s economic failures and scandals, such as the Epstein disclosures, which are deeply embarrassing to him. Public opposition to unnecessary war is the highest duty we owe to our fellow Delaware military members, who may be called upon to fight in an undeclared war of the president’s choosing.
This complex dynamic places Delaware’s senators in an especially difficult position. They are forced to choose between their obligation to support the military and their responsibility to uphold the Constitution. These conflicting duties create tensions that have no easy solution.
In addressing this dilemma, my advice is straightforward: By opposing the war, we fulfill our highest patriotic obligation. In doing so, we protect the members of our state’s military from being needlessly placed in harm’s way, while also taking a stand against the administration’s reckless military adventurism. This is the only responsible path forward for our nation.
Bruce Dalleo
Indivisible Highlands and Beyond
Wilmington
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
