The fallacious Chickenhawk argument is less popular now that veterans are returning from the war and running for office for the GOP. Their service has given them a perceived moral authority that elevates them above the fray and forces their opponents to campaign on the issues.
”It gives a candidate an unfair disadvantage because you’re just kind of campaigning in a vacuum, but your opponent is draped in this …,” Dejak said, without finishing his sentence. ”He’s untouchable, almost.”
Many veterans cite the military as essentially their only qualification for office.
”After you’ve been in combat and you survived it, you’ve got this real energized sense that, ‘I can accomplish anything,’ and you view your country differently,” said Ohio Democrat Paul Hackett, among the notable anti-war candidates in 2006.
- Veterans Become Pro-War Candidates — GOPUSA
I think honorable military service, especially in combat, is a more than adequate qualification for anybody running for office. It certainly exceeds the qualifications of Ted Kennedy or any of a dozen scions of political families who think they’re qualified based on the name of Kennedy, Landrieu, Rockefeller, or Ford. If you want a family business, start one – it should not be Congress.
Furthermore, I’m delighted these vets will – at least in the beginning of their political careers – be free from the usual political hackery and smear jobs. Their opponents will be forced to treat them courteously and stick to substantive issues. It’s just ironic that the same mechanism forcing that courtesy – perceived moral authority – is the one that anti-war advocates have been trying for years to use to shut down debate about the war, and that is used to protect the likes of Murtha and McCain.
Here’s the The Iraq Vets for Congress platform and a way to donate –
What We Fight For
We believe that our nation is blessed with the finest military force ever assembled and that our military strength must be maintained. Together, we will stand on a common set of principles and step away from politics, because we believe there is more that unites us than can possibly divide us as Americans.
Portraying our Troops Fairly and in a Positive Light
- When groups like MoveOn.org and supporters of George Soros and David Crosby slander our military, their leaders, and their mission, Americans must hear from military men and women who will expose their lies and distortions. IVC will be that voice.
- We will help make sure that news about progress in achieving military and political goals in Iraq is made known to Americans, who every day must deal with omissions and distortions in reporting what is happening in Iraq.
- When political leaders like John Kerry and Hillary Clinton insult American troops and military leaders, we will be there to respond and set the record straight.
- We will demand that politicians cease advancing their political agendas to the detriment of American troops, veterans, and veterans’ families
Advocating for Veterans and Their Families
- Military and combat veterans can face daunting issues when returning to civilian life. The federal government must do everything it can do to give America’s veterans the support and resources they deserve, and we will be their advocates in Congress.
- The federal government must assure that military veterans who are injured in the course of service are given meaningful compensation that gives them an opportunity to live active and productive lives.
- We applaud private sector and media-supported efforts to recognize the unique sacrifices made by American soldiers in combat, such as ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover, which built a new house for Daniel Gilyeat, a decorated Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq war who lost half of his left leg to a truck bomb and came home to face new challenges.
- American military veterans should have every possible opportunity to receive job training, small business support and training, and to pursue their higher education goals.
- We also applaud charitable organizations around America that offer supplemental, community-oriented assistance to America’s wounded warriors and their families, such as The Helping Our Heroes Foundation based in Virginia.
Accountability in Congress
- Military appropriations must draw from the experience and expertise of military men and women who know the realities of military service and how a military mission and overall strategic objectives are impacted by spending decisions made in Washington. Our troops need support – not second-guessing – from Washington.
- We will demand accountability from members of Congress and demand that they explain their anti-military votes.
