I could use a respite from political opinions some time but I go wherever Poul Anderson's texts take us.
Lieutenant General Cesare, Imperial Marine Corps, ruling the Patrician System in Magnusson's absence, believes that Sir Olaf will provide good government but adds that:
"'It is not my business to express political opinions.'" (p. 274)
I trust that every blog reader recognizes the contradiction there?
What would be the correct approach for a member of the armed forces in the Patrician System who wanted to remain loyal to his oath to Emperor Gerhart? Refuse to obey orders from Olafists and expect to be placed under house arrest? (A revolution that began by shooting people would put itself out of order from the word go.)
4 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Once you pointed it out, I did see the contradiction in what Gen. Gatto SAID and how he BEHAVED. Merely by agreeing to be military governor of the Patrician system in Magnusson's name meant he agreed to support the usurper.
In such a situation I would prefer to accept house arrest rather than to support Magnusson. Or, more actively, I think some Navy ships were able to escape and join the loyalists.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Gatto also contradicts himself verbally by first saying that Magnusson would provide a good government and then saying that it is not his business to express political opinions.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I agree. And, ideally, military people SHOULD be neutral in politics. Their job is to advise the lawfully constituted authorities, in whatever form the state happens to have, and then obey those authorities.
Ad astra! Sean
The problem with the Terran Empire is that the Imperium itself was established by naked force in a non-monarchic culture, and one which is historically aware so it can't really forget or mythologize the process. Subsequent usurpers can always appeal to the example of the first Emperor.
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