Fight the War Like it Was the Election
By nerogates Posted in Archived — Comments (1) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Politics is the Blood Sport which leaves no scar, none that we can see. Ironically, for all of the blood spilled on desert sands, beach heads, and dense, green jungle, in the name of war, political Pilates remain unscathed.
As von Clausewitz taught us, war is the extension of politics. The two go hand in fist. History was built on war. Political leaders want to make history. There should be no surprises. The real question is not whether a political leader with no military background is fit to lead. It is not about chicken hawks or damning doves.
The visceral viciousness of the political arena is fair game. Despite lofty platitudes, pledges, and promises, the great game is a winner takes all affair; as it should be. People pursue power for many reasons. Regardless of what they are, the stakes remain high. Anyone getting into the ballot battle royal should play to win.
There are constant, critical calls for a change in tone. At the end of the day, it is the one who wants it more, who comes out on top. It is the nature of politics. It is the nature of politicians.
Why then don't politicians use the same ferocity and tactics when it comes to war policy? You've heard the phrase: "He'd crawl over broken glass to get the nomination." Really? The typical pol will put his family second. He will sell himself, to a certain extent. He will promise the moon and the stars, while giving out sunglasses. He will dig to destroy his opponent. He will cut deals with enemies in order to destroy a greater one.
Politicians will do anything for a win on Election Day. When it comes to war, the pols will not go to the same lengths. Politics is malleable and has a certain fluid predictability. War is harsh, real, and stagnant. At least that is the way it works when politics play partner to it.
It takes a lot of guts, nerve, and dedication to win an election. It takes that and more to win a war.
-Heroes don't die, they live within us.
Nero
© EMH, 2008
Thanks for reminding us
www.win-the-war.com