The reactions sparked by writings on the JAL reveal less a simple disagreement than a deeper difficulty in accepting the plurality of perspectives. Faced with positions often asserted as self-evident truths, it became necessary to open a space for free reflection, liberated from dogma and postures of moral authority.

Here, we do not seek to decide, much less to oppose, but to reiterate a fundamental requirement: no experience, however respectable, can be transformed into an immutable truth. Refusing debate, or forcing it, amounts to freezing an institution that cannot survive without lucidity and self-questioning.
This text by Christian is part of this desire to question, sometimes to raise awareness, and to defend the idea that honoring heritage does not preclude doubt or evolution. Quite the contrary.
Louis Perez y Cid

By Christian Morisot.

It is important to give one's opinion, to react freely and personally to the numerous written comments on the "JAL" (Journal d'Appel à Ligne - Legal Advice Journal) which have sparked a real controversy among the self-proclaimed "guardians of the temple." I cannot remain indifferent, but I question the criteria that should be applied, the true value on which our responses should be based, considering that, by the principle of precaution, there is never absolute truth in what we assert. In short, each participant offers their very personal opinion, drawing on their own experiences, in a variety of conclusions and assertions imposed by biased opinions that demonstrate a lack of fairness.

The resignation of our "Communications Officer" shows that the hoped-for unity is far from being achieved, and it must be admitted that the clumsy orders that followed a very good article intended for the author's "Offspring" (Don't be afraid too soon...) have spiraled out of control, to the point of taking on a form of uncompromising contempt that suggests every written piece must necessarily go through a reading committee that ensures the neutrality of the FSALE, which must maintain its status as an "incorrigible silent force." Finally, enough is enough. Following up on the first meeting of the JAL commission in Aubagne, our "Communications Officer" had painstakingly drafted an excellent proposal with a "Medot" approach, which went unanswered and perhaps didn't warrant being circulated to the main stakeholders: the Presidents of the Veterans' Associations. On the "Legion-arts" website, the editor-in-chief also shares his opinion on our young people leaving the Legion in an article (AALE and JAL, developments?) that notes some current thinking and takes the opportunity to conclude on how to attract these young people who, neither in number nor in their way of life, will be able to replace their predecessors.

Recently, the man who had taken the helm of a commission only to quickly resign offered a sort of "working document" where retrograde references must adhere to the teachings of General Rollet and the code of honor of the former legionnaire, with penalties for any transgression that would consist of not observing these instructions from another era, in a continuity that cannot evolve, thus hindering any reform of a FSALE (Federation of Former Legionnaires) on its last legs. And I'm not even mentioning the contradictions embedded in the document. For example, the author states: "This is an opportunity to sing together the Legionnaire repertoire that revives memories..." and again: "The family of former legionnaires can reduce its numbers, but not dilute itself with a sympathetic influx that diminishes the primary purpose of welcoming them." And again: "The reality of ranks is a fact... which is not negative... We all have to stay in our place, our full place, but nothing but our place.

" Ite Messa Est! Perhaps NOT? “Sapere Aude!”

“Sapere Aude*.” Dare to think for yourself. This motto is over 2,000 years old and has been adopted by many philosophers and educators. It is undoubtedly the first law of any education. Dare to reflect, to confront your ideas, to tackle complex subjects. Dare, so as not to let others think for you.
A state of tutelage is the inability to use one's own understanding without the guidance of another. We are responsible for this state of tutelage when the cause lies not in a lack of understanding but in a lack of resolve and courage to use it without the guidance of another. “Sapere Aude!” "Have the courage to use your own understanding without laziness or cowardice, which are the causes practiced by so many men who willingly remain all their lives in a state of tutelage; and which make it so easy for others to pose as their guardians.