Defense: Personality not key issue with Trump's pick

The personality, character and “gung-ho-ism” of retired Marine Gen. James “Mad Dog” Mattis are not the issue in whether he should be the next secretary of defense.

The principle of civilian control of our military is the critical issue here. It provides a check and balance against use of our military to pursue tyrannical tendencies at home.

Under the uncertainty already posed by a Trump presidency, it seems unwise to jettison any checks and balances designed to help protect freedom.

This story was originally published December 9, 2016 at 6:34 PM with the headline "Defense: Personality not key issue with Trump's pick."