The Unthinkable Choice

This weekend I watched The Howard Zinn Movie. As Dr. Zinn stated his desire for peace without military action, President Bush prepares to address the nation in which it is expected he will ask for around 20,000 additional troops for Iraq. Two widely differing views on how America should use its military power.

Personally, I believe there must be a middle ground. A spot where our nation can defend itself from military/terrorist attacks while respect the rights of those in other countries and restrain from brining terminal punishment upon the innocent. This middle ground is not hard to find or filled with contradicting nuances. It is as simple as any statement by Bush or Zinn. The late President Ford said best in an interview with Bob Woodward in 2004, "I just don't think we should go hellfire damnation around the globe freeing people, unless it is directly related to our own national security."

It is the first duty of all elected officials to provide security and safety for the people they serve whether a school board member, Congressman or President. As a public servant, you are a public defender. Sometimes force will be needed to achieve security. It is with this knowledge that the United States has a standing army: an army of volunteers who will put their life on the line to defend others.

War is a terrible thing. It mangles life and leaves scars on both the victor and defeated that take generations to heal. To enter war lightly is to give little value to human life. For an elected official to refuse military action in defense of the nation is degradation of duty.