Strap on a Pair: a Democratic Call to Serve

(I should temper this by saying that I am in a supremely bad mood…)

I have been a Democrat ever since I got a real grasp on what it meant to be an ass or an elephant. For the most part I can say that my views directly align with the majority of the views held in the largest numbers of the Democratic party. I only have one sincerely, earnest issue with my fellow Dems…

Where on EARTH are our collective balls?

I said it back in ’04 when John Kerry was clotheslined by Swift Boat Veterans for Bush. (and no changing it to Swift Vets and POWs for Truth won’t change the fact that you helped doom our country’s international stature, our economy, and our faith in our own government). I said it way back in February when Bill Cunningham took great pains to call our next president Barack Hussein Obama three times, and it took his own candidate to “throw him under the bus”. I even said it a few weeks ago when people were all up in arms about allegations that Al Gore isn’t as green as he says he is. And I’ll say it again now that Republicans are jumping all over General Wesley Clark.

Would you STRAP ON A PAIR DEMOCRATS?

We are getting our ass handed to us by Republicans who smear reputations like they inhale and exhale. They have been doing it for years. They will do it for years to come. It is their way. And yes Obama, I know, you do not engage in that “old style of divisive politics”. We admire you for it. It is part of the reason that I, like many other people, are exciting about voting for you in November. But let’s be honest here; there is a very staunch difference between attacking someones military service (which, for the record, General Clark did NOT do) and raising a very real and valid question; does serving in the military and being a prisoner of war automatically endow you with the ability to be President?

The long and short answer is no.

The more appropriate answer is HELL NO.

That’s like me saying I used to babysit a lot, so I am DEFINITELY ready to be a mother.

Let’s get real, Real Talk Express. You know just like I do, and just like any American with the ability to read and discern on a first grade level does that General Clark in no way critiqued Senator McCain’s military record. As a serviceman himself, I seriously doubt he could bring himself to do such a thing (unlike Redneck Veterans for Falsehoods). As a matter of fact, I believe he praised McCain’s service. He just merely asked the question that I wish Obama’s campaign and millions of Republicans would have the cajones to ask; does that mean you are ready to be commander in chief? There are certainly a lot more issues to deal with as the next President than just the war in Iraq, as important as that is.

But my real issue is not the fact that Republicans are calling it a heinous attack on a war hero. I expected that much. That’s what this campaign and many have been all about; who can spin faster and better than their opponent. My issue is the Democrats rushing to kiss the ass of pundits who have jumped on the bandwagon and “reject” the comments. General Clark didn’t attack McCain. He asked a logical, rational question that we all should be asking, given the fact that his military service is at the forefront of his self proposed list of qualifications. It was a fair question asked in a completely non disrespectful way. All this does is make Obama look like the spineless, waffling dreamer that Republicans are trying to make him out to be in the press. And furthermore it loosens the solid ground of honest and real talk that Obama claims to stand on and further gives credence to the idea that John McCain is better equip to deal with the war in Iraq because of his service, whether it’s inherently true or not. And I will bet the child that I know I am not ready to have despite how many times I babysat that the Republicans will be using that to their advantage. And SOON.

Why don’t we try real straight talk all around candidates?

Senator John McCain is a hero that served his country through some of the most trying experiences a human being can face. During a war when many servicemen came home disenfranchised and bitter, Senator McCain has proven in many ways that he is still patriotic and dedicated to serving his country. His contributions should be lauded. His service record should not be questioned or “swiftboated” in any way. To do so would be disingenuous and in poor taste for a man who has endured far more than most of us can imagine.

(Look it! And that even from a card carrying Dem!)

But the fact of that matter is, that alone does not qualify you for Presidency. There are certainly attributes and experience that could make you a good candidate. But that hasn’t been the focus. As it has been presented to the American people, being a POW is why McCain is more equipped to deal with Iraq. And that doesn’t add up to me. Or hopefully, to anyone else. (Though I know that is wishful thinking on my part.)

And to President Obama, I truly admire your dedication to diplomacy even though I obviously don’t share it. But there is, and must be, a marked difference between diplomacy and the utter refusal to step where the waters might be muddied. I understand wholeheartedly that in defending General Clark, it could have very well hurt you if not handled correctly. But isn’t that why you have assembled the best and the brightest and run such a well disciplined, finely oiled campaign machine? To handle things correctly? You have rejected Clark for doing exactly what you have encouraged millions of Americans to do; questioning authority and popular thought. It is not only our right, it is our duty as Americans to ask the hard questions, to be honest and forthright even when it is not popular or pretty. You said that in a speech here in Houston. So why aren’t you doing it?

And the story that started it all, the postings and comments here at Daily Kos that got me to ranting. Please notice that a resounding number of comments from the linked site are all from veterans (and should therefore, by current rules, not be discounted or discredited in any shape form or fashion) are overwhelmingly in support of General Clark’s remarks and share the same concern, as do I.