Take a Moment on Memorial Day

Photo of Arlington National Cemetery posted on Wikipedia and taken by J.D. Leipold 

With Memorial Day around the corner it's time to take at least a moment in between your barbeques, furniture shopping, or getaways to the beach and give thanks for those who died in battle on behalf of America. Soldiers have given so much to the country that they should be recognized for what they do especially when it costs them their very lives. This is why it's the duty of our politicians to be cautious.

Cautious?

Yes, cautious. With wars going on around the world and 24/7 news coverage, it's easy for our own politicians to feel the need to intervene. Whether it's for personal gain coming for lobbyists or for genuine sympathy toward those who are going through tough times across the world, sending American soldiers should be the last resort option.

Young men and women usually just out of high school or college volunteer to protect their country. If the United States is under attack on our home soil then there shouldn't be a second thought about deploying our soldiers. If it is to intervene with another country and their war torn situation, sending out troops should be handled with care.

Have an exit strategy. Don't jump in every war possible. Make sure that at least one of the sides wants us there in the first place.

It's hard enough entering another country under a less than ideal situation, but when it's in a no win situation for anyone including our own soldiers then they're putting their own lives on the line for no reason.

Now there have been justifiable situations to intervene oversees in the past. Obviously World War II to stop Hitler was a good reason to get involved in Europe; going to war with Japan was a no-brainer since they attacked Pearl Harbor.

The problem is nowadays we get 24/7 news coverage of any remotely negative situation in the world and there is always a politician that wants to get involved. If it is to help the people who are under attack then the urge to help is honorable, but shouldn't be considered automatic. The United States military is not the police force of the world. Sending our own troops to intervene without being able to permanently fix the situation, or worse leaving the country in poorer condition than when we enter means we shouldn't get involved. Especially when the problem is localized.

Some may see this as cold-blooded, but if our soldiers volunteer to put their lives on the line for our country then our politicians have the responsibility to only put their lives in harm's way in extreme cases. Not for the hell of it and not for the profit of a weapons manufacture.

So enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend. Just take that moment whether it's internally or publicly to give those who have died in battle thanks.