David,
In the days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, I led a Combat Reconnaissance Aircrew in an intelligence collection mission against North Korea. Before takeoff, I briefed my crew.
“Keep your guard up,” I said. “We are facing an enemy that is still at war with the United States. They may think America is vulnerable right now, but that is why we are here. Treat every decision like your life depends on it.”
Today, America finds itself playing a game of nuclear brinksmanship with that same rogue regime.
Yet Congress today has fewer military veterans than at any time in the last 50 years. As military experience among lawmakers has declined, Congress’s abdication of responsibility has accelerated. Time and again, on matters of war and peace, the legislative branch has ceded authority to the executive.
Now, more than ever, we need decision-makers in Washington who understand the nature of those threats. We need lawmakers who grasp the cost of going to war. And we need leaders with the moral authority to speak on these issues, leaders who have themselves been on the front lines of these challenges.
It's time for a new generation of leaders in Washington. I would be honored to have your support to stand among them.
In service,
Ken
No comments:
Post a Comment