Bob Jones of the Northeast Network POW/MIA forwards the following, noting that "This was sent to me by a gent who retired from the Marine Corps as a Colonel and now a defense lawyer in NC. When I knew him he was a Marine Lt. in command of a Company of Marines in Vietnam."
Political Wisdom….
1. Never, ever, refer to this or any war as “unpopular”. I defy anyone to give one example of a “popular” war, especially among those who have to fight. It is empty and vicious rhetoric used by foolish politicians. War is a cruel, ruthless, ugly endeavor that once committed to, is a life and death struggle for those fighting. War has only three possible outcomes: Victory, Defeat or, Postponement..2. Hold politicians accountable for their decisions. There is no “Do Over” for their decision to commit the lives and futures of our youth to a deadly conflict. Lives sacrificed can never be regained. There is no excuse for them being “misled, uninformed or pressured” to vote “for” war and have regret later. They can “abstain” if unsure in any way. They have a duty to investigate, debate and decide before they vote. Those who play political games with the lives of our citizens are the most despicable among us. There is absolutely no room for error for them on the issue of war. Any politician who regrets their vote to commit to a war should be asked to resign. They obviously have little awareness of the gravity of their decisions or the meaning of the concept of commitment.
3. Reverently mourn the sacrifice of our warriors. Shun all who use their sacrifice and that of their families, friends and loved ones for political gain or attention. Visit a national cemetery regularly and, remind yourself of the extraordinary life you live that is paid for by the life they gave. Allow no Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman or Coast Guardsman to be interred with only his or her Honor Guard in attendance..4. Demand that your Congressman and Senator attend an interment at a national cemetery weekly. They have time for lobbyists, political party meetings, election campaigning and media interviews so there is no excuse for them to travel 20 minutes to Arlington or the other cemeteries in Washington while in session or, at home. They need constant reminders of the gravity of their decisions, votes and words..5. Reservists and National Guardsmen and their families require our support in a more personal manner. Their lives are firmly rooted in the communities where they live. Their children and wives or husbands have had their lives disrupted without the support of a close-knit active duty community. Maintain contact and friendships with these families. Call them regularly and include as you would before. Put your personal political views aside. Exercise restraint while these minutemen are in harms way jeopardizing their future to serve your country, protect your way of life and ensure the safety of your children. You can do more harm to them than the enemy, with a careless disregard of your responsibilities that accompany your freedom of speech. If you want to spout off, call a talk show where there are people who will support or challenge your opinions..6. Employers should keep in contact with the spouse or parents of their employees who have been called to active duty. Regardless of the laws guaranteeing a reservist’s or National Guardsman’s re-employment right’s; they carry the burden that their return to work may be only long enough to satisfy the law and that their livelihood and career will be temporary. Your contact their family and reassurance is vital to them. But, beware that when they return they will be changed. They will have a more heightened sense of loyalty, teamwork, discipline and efficiency than when they left. They will possess a maturity and common sense that can only be acquired hardship and duress. They will have learned to function under complicated and vague sets of guidelines that require decision making in life or death situations..7. Teachers must keep their politics in the “teachers lounge” and out of the classroom at all grade levels. They have little knowledge of which student’s father, mother uncle, aunt, sister, brother or cousin is risking their life. A political anti-war statement or disparaging remark may be hurtful to a child relative of a servicemen and will, certainly, undermine respect students may have for you..8. Parents should be a positive example to your children. Teach them American values of duty, honor, integrity, self-reliance, compassion and honesty. Make your children a generation that deserve and respects, the sacrifices made daily by our troops in their defense.