Opposing Conservative and Liberal Views: Military Readiness

Conservative (CON): During the presidential campaign, it became clear that Obama shares in the congenital disdain for the military that many democrats exhibit. Otherwise, why did he make so many frequent references to the cost of prosecuting the war in Iraq? It is obvious he would rather have that money to spend on domestic social programs. It is as if the military is an unwanted stepchild whose support comes with a cost that is always lamented. Our national defense depends on a strong military and, if our commander-in-chief is not committed to a strong military, the likelihood that we will have a strong military is remote. It is still a very dangerous world we live in. Any move by Obama to weaken the military will be bad for America. But, do you trust him to maintain a strong military.

Liberal (LIB): It is a mistake to equate opposition to the war in Iraq with a lack of support for the military. The point with regard to defense spending is that we wisely develop and direct our military resources. Questioning Obama’s commitment to a strong military is equivalent to accusing him of undermining national security.

CON: Obama's military policy will weaken national security. He's a liberal democrat. It's in his DNA.

LIB: You haven't got a clue as to what Obama's military policy will be, so how can you say it will ‘weaken national security'. Since when is DNA part of one's political make-up. It's a cute catch phrase, but utterly meaningless.

CON: Having Obama in charge of our national security is like going into the Super Bowl with a rookie QB. Let's hope he doesn't get sacked.

LIB: There you go again. Cute catch phrases, but no substance.

CON: What I meant by linking Obama’s DNA to the DNA of liberal democrats is to say that, historically, liberal democrats have not favored a strong military. With the Democrats in charge, they and Obama are likely to reduce or weaken our military forces. The Honorable Barney Frank has already indicated his desire to reduce military spending. Obama’s appointment of a retired Marine general to be his National Security Adviser may be a sign that I worry too much. Then again, having a Marine in his camp may just be for show. We’ll see.

LIB: Barney Frank is not President. This is standard Republican crap, quilt by association. There’s really no point in continuing this discussion. Republicans claiming to be strong for national defense is pure flag-waving. A strong national defense requires that financial resources be devoted to its achievement. A party that wants tax cuts and more tax cuts can never amass the funds necessary to keep our military strong.