Latter Day Sinner

Today I am thinking of the oath I took when I joined the Army. I vowed to defend the Constitution of the United States against its enemies both foreign and domestic. I specifically consented to the power of the Congress to raise and support armies. I was trained to kill in that cause. I am fortunate that I was never actually required to kill anyone based on that oath but I was prepared to do so. I believe I am still prepared to do so. But central to that oath is defending the right to freedom of speech, press, religion, and peaceful assembly. I put my time, talent, and treasure to ensure those things remain alive and well in our republic. Killing someone for the Constitution seems like a distant possibility.