“Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who’s gonna do it? You? You want me on that wall; you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post.”

The entire purpose of the quote was to show the general, though a lifelong Marine, had absolutely no respect for the rule of law. He wasnt providing a “blanket of freedom” but rather an anvil of submission because he was not providing the freedom.

It was a very Trumponian moment because the general’s response to the court is exactly how Trump is responding to his critics. The general says anyone that does not obey is not a “true” American. Trump says any negative polls are fake news. The general took no responsibility for the life of Santiago. Trump has refused to accept responsibility, on everything.

Bottom line, that quote fully explains why Santiago died.