Buried in the pages of the Record-Bee May 23 on page 7 was the following: “John McCain said Thursday that Barack Obama had no right to criticize McCain”s position on (veteran”s benefits) because (Obama) did not serve in uniform.” Excuse me? One who was not a part of a war or the military can”t see when something wrong is being presented and wish to right it?
McCain has tried ? thus far unsuccessfully ? to distance himself from the mantle of representing George W. Bush”s third term, but isn”t that comment a classic Bush-ism? “If you don”t agree with me, your are not a patriot and therefore are giving comfort and support to the enemy.” That seems to be the mantra here.
And that is also despite Obama”s frequent comment that McCain should be recognized and honored for his service to our country. At a time when our military is stretched to its limits, and when recruitment is having some difficulties, why not offer the best incentives to those willing to serve? Apparently willing to serve in combat for three years (one tour of duty) to receive college benefits is not enough for McCain. He wants more. How much more? He doesn”t say.
Perhaps only “lifers” should get any benefits, regardless of the personal sacrifice or valor during that tour. The Pentagon apparently wants more too, according to the Association Press. They seem to want enlistees to stay in longer, because we are fighting two wars on two fronts, and that doesn”t count Iran. Never mind that during the Vietnam conflict, only two years of service was required for benefits.
As for his allusion to Obama never having served in uniform, Obama could not have served in Viet Nam, as McCain did, because at the end of that war he was only 13 years old. He couldn”t have served if he wanted to. In 1973 at the end of that conflict, the draft ended, resulting in the all-volunteer service we have today. So just what is McCain”s point? It sounds like “since you haven”t been a prisoner of war, you can”t represent other prisoners of war. Since you haven”t been in the military, you can”t want the best for the military. Only I can.” Hogwash.
You need not have been in a death camp to know that was wrong, or to understand the incredible suffering of those detained and killed there. You need not have been in an auto accident to know the damage that can result. You need not know any more than right from wrong to understand that wrong is wrong, despite the color of the uniform, or the party affiliation attached to it.
McCain”s temper on this issue flairs again, just as in his harsh criticism of Obama”s agreement to talk with our enemies. Talking does not cost lives. It does not compromise our strength, when that strength lies in reserve. There is no issue so great that talking should not precede other means of resolution. The only ones who seem to think that military aggression and threats are the only appropriate response to international disagreements are George W. Bush and John McCain.
Doug Rhoades
Kelseyville
