How Much Influence Should Parents of Fallen Soldiers Have In Policy?

[Placebo]

There's a ton of debate about this question, maybe not on DU, but at least around the country right now, spurned by the Cindy Sheehan story.

Lots of people think that whatever they demand should be done, even if that means ending the war and "pulling out". But what do you do when 2 parents who've lost children both demand different things? Is one's opinion worth more or more important than the other?

Should the fact that they made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, giving up one (or more) of their children overrule the fact that certain elected individuals were selected by the people to handle and make decisions regarding the politics of it all?

What happens when a parent's request really isn't in the best interest of the war effort, but they are demanding it anyway?

This issue is so complex.

[Maddy McCall]

1. It's not just the parents. 68% of Americans are against the war.

The federal government is the representation of the citizens' wishes. The military is the arm of might of the government. Therefore, the military is the arm of might of US citizens.

The commander in chief is a civilian. He should listen to other civilians' input.

[Poppyseedman]

9. You are describing a "democracy" We don't have one

Our form of government is a "republic"

The "citizens' wishes" were expressed in the last election. :banghead:

[damntexdem]

2. They have as much a right as any to speak out, and a lot more ...

motivation. And their loss provides them with credibility. And if they're like Cindy, they can touch off a movement.

[HardWorkingDem]

3. Loss of the draft removed......

a large portion of people being listened to. Too many influential Americans are not as concerned with US military action because their kids are not in jeopardy of serving.

Sure, even if there was a draft many of the influential would find ways to avoid service, but not all of them.

Also, when I was in the service the "volunteer" statement was constantly being thrown back in the faces of soldiers. And in my case, since I went through jump school I often heard, "heck, people like you didn't just volunteer once, but twice!"

Our society is manipulating many people to join the service to find a better life for themselves.

[grumpy old fart]

6. A draft would end this war in what, 10 seconds?

put the kids in the back of the SUVs in harms way would result in a screeching halt to this thing....guarenteed.

[stillcool]

4. no poll needed....

The only issue of concern is the plethora of lies of this administration, to advance their own power and influence by way of an illegal, immoral, and unjust war. Not a complex issue at all.

[Telly Savalas]

5. The same or perhaps more than CEO's of energy companies.

[applegrove]

7. The President is at War. The pain of meeting with parents should

be much less than the pain the President goes through on a daily basis. Tell Bush that - that dealing with the families is the easy part. The hard part is the actual war.

But Fuck if rich asspuppet boy knows dick about that!

[Solly Mack]

8. Hmmm,..let me ponder that

Was/Is the war wrong? Yes

Did Bush lie? Yes

Is Bush accountable for his lies? Yes

Is Cindy Sheehan well within her rights, regardless of her son's death, to demand accountability from her government? Yes

Did Cindy Sheehan start the "bring them home" movement? No

Do I really think for a minute that Cindy alone is changing the course of the war? No. People were turning against the war before Cindy Sheehan, though she did become a beacon that helped to bring to the front what was already there. No small feat that - considering the Press' behavior in treating Bush with kid gloves.

Do I think the terminally miserable will blame Cindy for people turning against the war? Yes - same as they always blame the protesters instead of the bad policies of government.

Do I blame those "selected by the people" for the bad policy that killed thousands for no reason? You bet your sweet bippy I do.

Do I think the parents of dead soldiers who disagree with Cindy and who support Bush are influencing policy? No. That's absurd. Bush doesn't give a damn what they think either. But he'll use them to promote his war.

So why would I think Cindy Sheehan is influencing policy? I don't. That's absurd. Bush doesn't give a damn what she thinks.

Do I think the war has shown itself to be a liability for gaining re-election? Yes - and that's why many in Congress are singing a different tune now. It's why they are jumping on the "withdrawal" bandwagon.

Cindy Sheehan didn't make the war unpopular. She didn't make it illegal. She didn't make it wrong. She didn't make it - period. All she is doing is demanding accountability for policy...she's not making policy.