The Meaning of Service Posted by Michael Cohen

Last week when the Senate was deliberating and extension of the GI Bill for Iraq War veterans, Senator Obama delivered a strong rebuke to Senator McCain's opposition to the bill. McCain responded by saying "I will not accept from Senator Obama, who did not feel it was his responsibility to serve our country in uniform, any lectures on my regard for those who did." It's hard to do proper justice to the outrageousness and unseemliness of this attack.

Today, on Memorial Day, we rightly honor those who given their lives for our country. However, honoring their service should in no way diminish the millions of Americans who choose to serve in a myriad of other ways, whether as soldiers, teachers or diplomats.

John McCain is correct in one regard; Barack Obama did not serve in the military; but does this mean that he has no right to speak about issues affecting America's veterans? Most of his adult life, Barack Obama has "served" his country; as a community organizer, as a State Senator, as a US Senator and of course today as a candidate for President. The notion that because he chose not to enter the armed forces this would disqualify him from commenting on issues affecting the military is outrageous slander - but not just against Obama, but in fact every American who loves their country and cares deeply for its future.
What's more McCain's argument practically invalidates the very idea of civilian control of the military; one of the most time honored concepts of American democracy.

In recent years, service to one's country has become almost inseparable with serving in the military - as if the only way to be a true patriot is to take up arms and fight on its behalf.

But of course, those who love our country can choose to serve it in many different manners; and certainly Barack Obama's history of service speaks volumes, as too, of course, does John McCain's legacy of service. We are all humbled by the extraordinary sacrifices that John McCain has paid to his country (his bravery and courage in Vietnam, in the face of outrageous crimes, was both heroic and honorable).

But for McCain to use his record of service as a bludgeon against those who chose to serve their country in a different manner is unbecoming a man who aspires to run a federal government manned by public servants who do not serve in the military.

It has no business being uttered in a campaign for the nation's highest office.

Comments

[KYJurisDoctor]

Thanks for writing this post. If military service meant ALL, the Dick Cheney (and to some extent Bush) will NOT smell the White House!

[Dan Q. Public]

I'm conflicted about this. (And, admittedly biased by the fact that I am myself a veteran.) On the one hand, I do want to commend the service to our country that many people who have chosen not to serve in the military do provide to our country. Taking the profession of teaching, to use the poster's example, is a fine and noble choice.

On the other hand, to use the same example, such service is in no way equivalent--even if the OP implies such. Teaching is a fine thing, but it's a job with negligible actual danger, where you see your family and friends every evening, and that you can quit any time you choose to. It's not nearly the commitment that a service member pledges herself to, and should not be compared as such.

No, McCain should not use his honorable service as a bludgeon. But on the other hand, the respect most of our nation gives to veterans--above and beyond other people who have chosen some other, easier, form of service--is given for a reason, and well-deserved.

[Mike M.]

Have to disagree with Dan Q. here. Yes, people in the military deserve our respect, but not a greater amount of respect that anyone else you'd meet should have.

Yes, they have chosen a dangerous profession. If we want to honor that, it should be by not sending them into harm's way for no reason.

Lots of other people have dangerous professions, by the way. We don't take a day to honor the nation's coal miners, even though 50% of our electricity comes from coal. How is providing half the country's power not service?

Most people aren't military veterans. There are others ways to provide a public service. In fact, military service really isn't supposed to be held in higher regard than other forms. That's what having a military that serves the civilian leadership is all about.

[Zathras]

The story linked to here describes Sen. Obama implying Sen. McCain's opposition to the Webb bill as motivated by "partisan posturing." It's an odd charge to make, seeing as McCain's position is the less popular one, but McCain's response is not out of line.

Obama, along with some of his supporters, have developed an idea of the "old politics" that "just won't do" contrasted to the new politics that he personifies. The difference between the two is a little hard to define except on one key point. There is no place in the new politics for any criticism of Barack Obama.

[gregorbkny]

Zathras, could it be that the "partisan posturing" is that McCain doesn't want to see a popular measure supported by Obama passed into law? Nah, St. John the Maverick would never lower himself to such partisanship.

Proclaiming that one's motives and proposals can't be questioned by anyone who has not served in the military is out of line.

[Dan Kervick]

The story linked to here describes Sen. Obama implying Sen. McCain's opposition to the Webb bill as motivated by "partisan posturing." It's an odd charge to make, seeing as McCain's position is the less popular one, but McCain's response is not out of line.

Zathras, at the time of Obama's statement, during the floor debate on the bill, McCain was lined up with a number of Republican leaders and the President in support of an alternative Republican bill. Hence the "partisan posturing". Obama didn't imply that McCain was putting popular sentiment over legislative judgment; he implied he was putting partisan loyalty - particularly loyalty to the President - ahead of support for a good bill. Later, of course, 25 Republicans voted with the Democrats to pass the Webb bill.

This will continue. Part of Obama's strategy is going to be to tie McCain to Bush at every turn.

[Soldiernolongeriniraq]

Yes, at this time of the year we most certainly should honor the combat service of Suzanne Nossel, Max Bergmann, Rosa Brooks, Michael Cohen, Ilan Goldenberg, Heather Hurlburt, Shadi Hamid, Lorelei Kelly, David Shorr and Moira Whelan.

Perhaps the point McCain was making was that it's a bit much to hear Obama lecture others about the need to honor their sacrifice, castigating those with different policy positions, when he avoided such sacrifice himself.

It's not a question about whether a commander in chief must have served in uniform, but rather one of arrogance. Not on the part of McCain, but on the person, again, who chose not to serve and yet rebukes one who did as uncaring.

I have no dog in the fight because I don't care if Obama or McCain (or Clinton) eventually becomes president.

But it might be nice for this blog -- so inaptly named -- would pause for a moment and consider its own (at times) grating inability to understand that the polemics it champions have realworld consequences for those in our armed forces.

While I've long admired the work of many on this board, and consider one a friend, on the whole it tends to opt for bluster over cogent analysis of national security issues.

Today's featured broadside is evidence. There's more to the exchange between McCain and Obama then has been summed out here. It's telling that the author didn't realize that, or, should he have, more telling still that he didn't delve into the substance.

[Soldiernolongeriniraq]

Than...

[Michael Cohen]

Soldier could you explain what this means:

But it might be nice for this blog -- so inaptly named -- would pause for a moment and consider its own (at times) grating inability to understand that the polemics it champions have realworld consequences for those in our armed forces.

There are a lot of generalities in your argument and frankly I don't really understand your concerns.

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On the other hand, to use the same example, such service is in no way equivalent--even if the OP implies such. Teaching is a fine thing, but it's a job with negligible actual danger, where you see your family and friends every evening, and that you can quit any time you choose to. It's not nearly the commitment that a service member pledges herself to, and should not be compared as such.
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