Trump's attempt to overturn the election and remain in power has failed. It failed for many reasons, including simple ineptitude, but we should not overlook that it failed primarily because America has a professional, apolitical military that told him to fuck off. (1/7)

The way this tends to go in politically unstable countries is the side with the military wins. Trump never had the military. And as much as people make fun of being "saved by the generals," we kept the Republic because our generals were adamant about playing no role. (2/7)

At the height of the chaos in June, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley sent a memo to the military emphasizing it. He included this handwritten note:

"We all committed our lives to the idea that is America — We will stay true to that oath and the American people." (3/7)

The handwritten note was a signal and it was a turning point for Trump. It was only *after* that that he shifted away from trying to co-opt the military and began using unmarked and very willing DHS agents to carry out his dirty work. (4/7)

Using DHS agents worked fine for isolated protests, but it was never going to be enough to maintain an anti-democratic grip on power. Not without the military. (5/7)

Our military has many shortcomings, but the way it has behaved this year, under these circumstances, in the context of world history, is notable.

It stood in stark contrast to DHS and even local police departments that chose follow Trump every step of the way. (6/7)

I hope Americans appreciate that and don't take it for granted. (7/7)