Rachel Maddow

Rank 31 of 47
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Score -5

The statement made by the outgoing CJS Chair Milley during his retirement ceremony is a clear example of public discourse. It addresses the principles of military service, the constitutional oath, and indirectly comments on political leadership. The statement emphasizes the commitment of the military to the Constitution rather than to any individual leader, which is a foundational principle of U.S. military service.

  1. Principle 1:
    I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
    The statement promotes a non-partisan commitment to the Constitution, reinforcing the importance of this principle in military service. [+2]
  2. Principle 2:
    I will respect the privacy and dignity of others and will not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or hate speech.
    Respect for the Constitution and the clarification of military loyalty directly uphold the dignity of democratic institutions. [+2]
  3. Principle 3:
    I will use my words and actions to promote understanding, empathy, and compassion.
    The statement encourages a reflection on the values of democracy and the role of the military, fostering a deeper public understanding. [+1]
  4. Principle 4:
    I will engage in constructive criticism and dialogue with those in disagreement and will not engage in personal attacks or ad hominem arguments.
    By emphasizing allegiance to the Constitution, the statement promotes a dialogue about the role of the military in protecting these values rather than engaging in political partisanship. [+1]
  5. Principle 6:
    I will use my influence for the betterment of society.
    The statement uses the influence of a high-ranking military official to affirm constitutional loyalty over personal loyalty, which benefits societal understanding of military ethics. [+2]
  6. Principle 7:
    I will uphold the principles of free speech and use my platform responsibly and with integrity.
    The statement responsibly uses the platform of a retirement speech to affirm core values of military service, aligning well with the principle of using one's platform with integrity. [+2]