By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Department of Defense, under Secretary Pete Hegseth, has issued new guidance requiring prior approval for Defense Department personnel before communicating with Congress on a wide range of topics. This list includes sensitive military operations, maritime activities in the Southern Command area of responsibility (including counternarcotics operations), and several other key areas. This policy follows an earlier memo restricting communication with lawmakers and has drawn criticism from some members of Congress who believe it hinders transparency and communication. Furthermore, the new policy comes amid increasing congressional frustration over a lack of information from the Pentagon regarding military operations, particularly in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
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Hegseth bars military officials from discussing drug boat strikes with Congress without prior approval. Well, this certainly raises some eyebrows, doesn’t it? It’s like something out of a spy thriller, but unfortunately, it seems to be happening in real life. The core of the matter is that military officials, the folks on the front lines, are being told they can’t talk to Congress, the very people tasked with overseeing them, without first getting permission. This doesn’t exactly scream transparency, does it?
It suggests something might be amiss, something they’d rather keep under wraps. It’s almost as if they’re afraid of what might come out if the truth is told. Now, think about it: if everything was above board, why the need for such a tight lid? Why wouldn’t they want the people’s representatives to be fully informed? It naturally makes one wonder what exactly they’re trying to hide. This is what you would expect from someone trying to hide something.
The restriction also feels like a direct challenge to the fundamental principles of our government. Congress has a constitutional duty to oversee the military, to make sure everything is running smoothly and legally. To block them from getting information, to tell those working in the military that they can’t speak freely, is to essentially undermine that entire process. It’s like they’re trying to operate in a shadow, outside of the checks and balances that are supposed to keep power in check.
This whole situation also smacks of arrogance. It’s as if they believe they are above scrutiny. They are essentially saying, “We know best, and you don’t need to know what we’re doing.” This is not how a government that respects its citizens operates. The very idea is a slap in the face to the concept of accountability. It also brings the idea that they know they may have made mistakes, or worse, committed wrongdoings.
Then, there’s the question of what’s actually happening on these boats. We’re talking about drug boat strikes, implying actions on the high seas. This raises questions about legality, about due process, about whether the military is operating within the bounds of the law. If there’s nothing to hide, wouldn’t they welcome Congressional oversight to show they’re doing everything right? It seems to be a case of shutting down those who would seek the truth.
The fact that military officials are being told to keep quiet is deeply concerning, and it will be interesting to see how Congress responds. Will they push back? Will they demand answers? They should, because the stakes are high. It’s not just about what happened on those boats; it’s about the very foundation of our democracy.
The silence around this whole matter speaks volumes. The more they try to keep things secret, the more it fuels suspicion and the more it looks like they have something to hide. History has shown us that governments that operate in the shadows often have something to hide, and the people of the country deserve better. This situation is a sign of trouble, a clear indicator that something isn’t right.