Last week, amid protests against systemic racism and police violence, Democrats found a new one, and exploited it to a rather remarkable political advantage over Trump. On Monday evening, Politico reported that the Army secretary and defense secretary were both open to a bipartisan discussion about renaming 10 bases named after Confederate officers who betrayed their nation and led an insurrection against the United States in order to defend the institution of slavery. Many, as well, are considered to have been poor military commanders, irrespective of their treason. Perhaps most absurdly, one base, Fort Pickett, is named for the commander of the most disastrous charge of the war at the Battle of Gettysburg. 

The fact that some 10 bases around the country are named for leaders of a failed rebellion has long bubbled as a concern for those aware enough to make the connection between, say, the iconic Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Braxton Bragg, a major slave owner widely considered to be one of the worst Confederate generals in terms of sheer competence. Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., has long advocated for stripping the names of rebels away from military bases. 

Warren s initial measure gave the military one year to make the change; the amended version gives it three years. It would apply to Forts Bragg, Benning, Gordon, Pickett, A.P. Hill, Lee, Polk, Beauregard, Hood, and Rucker, as well as any streets, ships, aircraft, or other assets named after rebel leaders.