[archy]

If, for any reason, the U.S. Constitution is declared or rendered invalid, the federal government ceases to exist as a legal entity. All those people running around trying to tell the people what to do and where to go, will be no more valid than any other self-possessed band of thugs, regardless of their armament.

The people are the sovereigns in this nation, and no legal authority exists without the consent of the people.

You are exactly correct, and I'd observe that the circumstances you describe are viewed identically by more than half of the officers above company grade [above Captains] with whom I serve.

Opinions vary on what to do under such circumstances, how best to do it, and what priorities and assignments would be involved in attempting to do so. But I have no doubt that if no other competent leader began to do so, one of our number would take a big breath and do so. I pray to God that I would not be the one so cursed.

-archy-/-

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Gen. Franks knew what his troops needed to hear. Did he believe it himself?

...."there was never a doubt in mind that at the end of the day it would be exactly as our people said it would be: The regime would be gone, the Iraqi people would be free." "A low point in terms of doubting, no sir, I never had it." He added that on a particularly bad day he told his staff and the commanders: "Don't ever, ever second-guess what you are doing. You are doing a wonderful job. Get your heads up and it will turn out just fine." ~ Gen. Franks, June 19, 2003.

I'm sorry Gen. Franks stepped down before his job was done.
~~~~~~~

Opinions vary on what to do under such circumstances, how best to do it, and what priorities and assignments would be involved in attempting to do so. But I have no doubt that if no other competent leader began to do so, one of our number would take a big breath and do so.

I am very glad you have friends in high places ~ to watch your back, and keep you out of trouble. ( ~;