Musings on politics, the military, and family

Late night musings from someone reflecting on politics, the military, and how they intersect on families.

I've heard throughout my life - as a scare tactic - that parents shouldn't vote for a political candidate if they care about the children of their neighbors in the armed forces. As I reflect once again that my family members have entered the military (as I myself might have chosen at one point), it dawns on me once again the importance putting the right person in office, and how easy it is to let fear rule the decision.

Choosing to vote for a candidate must be based on their pragmatism, world view and perspective, and their problem solving capabilities. We do not live in alone one this planet.

Choosing a candidate is about finding someone who - like those in the armed forces - puts service before self, who demands not just results but excellence in themselves and their conduct, and above all the integrity to uphold their morals in public and behind closed doors.

Guilting parents about politics skews the situation, is morally reproachful, and demeans the choices of their children, my cousins, our grandfathers who all chose with their full autonomy to join the military. They join in the political climate, actively aware of it - and they hope that we, like they, observe what goes on in the world.

For them, we cannot chose a leader based on personal fears alone, and certainly not based on guilt. For them, we elect a leader who resonates greatest not with our fears, but our dreams and empowers us to reach farther.

Take pride in those who choose to serve.