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john c harvey, jr's avatar

"There is a Providence that protects idiots, drunkards, children and the United States of America." - Otto von Bismarck

We've been relying on the Almighty for far too long, but it looks like that's the course we've chosen.

Thanks Bryan. I know you'll continue to do the best you can, with what you've got, where you are.

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Kevin Krayola's avatar

I share your frustration Bryan.

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Alexander Scipio's avatar

If you think Trump led an insurrection, you should be nowhere near policy decisions affecting our future.

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Judy Ward's avatar

Thank you for your willingness to serve, despite the many obstacles that prevented it from coming to fruition. For what it's worth, I believe you have done more than most and you, your family and your community are deserving of your attention going forward.

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Bryan McGrath's avatar

Thank you, friend.

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Randall Briggs's avatar

Thank you for your service in the U.S. Navy and thank you for your efforts to serve more, even in retirement. Beating your head against a wall of apathy and incompetence in the U.S. government is a recipe for self-destruction. Love your family and friends, and know that you gave your best--and more--to your country.

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Ben Connelly's avatar

You’re a good man and you’ve done good service for this nation. Sadly, this is what we have come to - we are unserious about taking responsibility for the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Krauthammer said that decline is a choice. Sadly, too many Americans have chosen it.

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Rebekah Lee's avatar

Thank you for your stands on principle and speaking the truth. Your kind is on the endangered list in the current political climate. I am grateful you will continue writing. Thank you for your service.

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Taylor Bermann-Rempe's avatar

I join you in the hope that prudent judgment for a better future prevails over a rapid reaction to American blood lost in any fashion. Your decision is personally understandable and a complete shame.

My wife's Judaism informs and fulfills me in times like this. I hope it does the same for you and all you have contributed (and continue to contribute) to this great Nation. "Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercifully, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.".

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Bryan McGrath's avatar

Wonderful, thank you.

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Michael's avatar

Sorry to see you go, I have enjoyed your writings, I have found them thought provoking. As an old retired chief, my humble opinion is we have few serious people in government. Hopefully, someday we can get a Congress that can pass a budget on time.

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Stephen Wiman's avatar

You are an honorable mensch. Similar to you, I seek solace in my garden.

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Les Taylor's avatar

The tell comes when the 'diminished sense of duty and sacrifice' coincides with the election of a particular president, regardless how he is described. Combined with the withdrawal of your apparently natural and laudable desire and ability to serve just when our country has "so clearly cut loose from its moorings" simply confuses me. Thank you and fair seas

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Bryan McGrath's avatar

The "tell"? There's nothing subtle about it. My desire to work for the national security of a country that would elect him twice is diminished.

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Les Taylor's avatar

Sorry. It was intended as a tip of the hat to your effort to appear subtle

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Bryan McGrath's avatar

Thank you for clarifying.

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Paul K Miller's avatar

My words won't sing to you, yet I need to speak to the truth of the issue. Yes, the report you would have contributed to might have been a blueprint for turning the Navy around and building a better future, but it would have become toilet paper for the connected. The problem is that the "Elected" have, will, and continue to enjoy the spoils of power with their greedy hands taking enrichment to their wallet in every piece of any contract ever written. President Trump is like Humpty Dumpy, with broken eggs and all the mess; yet this country is being put back again whole, with purpose, and yes with the "Love" of country. Sir, every institution, every branch of service, and every step taken has been for greed. We can choose to hide in our sorrow. We can choose to not participate in the game and go home like a two-year-old; or you can lift yourself and give it your all. I served under President Jimmy Carter. I served after Vietnam when equipment was so shoddy; but I served. I did not respect President Carter, but I loved my country and gave it my all even with the idiot in the commander's seat.

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CDR Salamander's avatar

A sad and unfortunate turn of events for something that had such a great opportunity to do great things. Understandable call on your part, Bryan.

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Bryan McGrath's avatar

Thank you, Sal.

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Mercury Descent's avatar

Learning the hard way seems to be the only way humans really learn. And even then, it doesn't seem to stick for long. Thanks for giving it the ol' college try, and may the shame of it hang forever on the necks of those who only want to play at being a real nation.

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Derek Simmons's avatar

This is one of those “every so often a backstory tells the full tale”. We really are and have been an unserious nation focused on the misdirection foisted on us by a media/political complex that knows how poorly prepared We The People are to understand our Founder’s Design.

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Mark Stoffel's avatar

Bryan, BZ for having done your duty, and then some. I experienced the same frustrations as you in another area of life, and I appreciate the professional candor of your resignation. Perhaps this is a function of our age, I know it is not uncommon for dedicated servants to confront disloyalty from their causes and benefactors. This does not detract from the worthiness of our efforts! BZ

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