Opinion

Military service not requisite for knowledge

Bill Kelly
Guest Columnist

I've taken it upon myself to remain silent for some time about issues dealing with the United States and Iraq. As arguments for both sides continue, I believe, like many Americans, that there is no clear path in sight. However, a recent letter to the editor by Michael Mowry ("Smoke, guns; Opinion, Friday) has given me the inner ire to respond.

After describing his military company, Mowry attempts to quote President Kennedy, then states: "I would bet 20 years of my life that not one of you have done anything for your country but community service, which any mature individual most assuredly has done."

I cannot understand what line of reasoning Mowry attempts to draw. Since I did not personally cross the Delaware River with George Washington, fight alongside Andrew Jackson in New Orleans, charge up San Juan Hill with Teddy Roosevelt or serve under the first President Bush in Desert Storm, am I any less entitled to my thoughts on American foreign policy?

I was under the impression that our proud military (which I am thankful for daily) was protecting America and the ideals on which it stands. Is studying the history and theory of our country less patriotic and therefore unworthy of mention alongside those who take up arms?

While our military protects and serves overseas, does its servicemen and women mean to degrade those who take it upon themselves to improve the country they defend? Community service and military service are both services to your country and fellow man.

What kind of man would take one for granted while using the other as a pulpit? That seems to be the equivalent of cursing out your child for cursing: "There will be no damn cursing in this house." Divided against itself, this argument cannot stand.

With this (un)successful thesis, I would like to ask Mowry his opinion of presidents who do not have prior military experience. Are they not worthy to define what America should do? Does serving in the armed forces give one a unique and unquestionable superiority on all future war-making policy?

I believe that what people choose to defend is what makes them American, not how they defend it. The American ideal takes firm root in the minds of our great people, whether they choose to study, preach, take up arms or protest it. Just because you are not in the military does not make you any less of an American or protract your ability to comprehend and evaluate situations.

Was Abe Lincoln not able to properly articulate the sense of American sacrifice when making the Gettysburg Address? He was not in the armed forces, but he was armed with perhaps the strongest sense of America.

Kennedy also stated: "Our problems are man made. Therefore, they can be solved by man." Not only military men, not only American men, but simply all humans.

Kelly, a staff member in The Honors College, can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu.