The military gets the word: Vote, but don't politick

From troop levels in Iraq to the long-term role of the military in U.S. foreign policy, the differences between John McCain and Barack Obama appear stark.

As a result, few are likely to have their jobs more directly affected by the outcome of November's election than Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

But Mullen knows he cannot tip his hand in the face-off. And on Monday, he sent out word to all under his command: neither should they.

The Times' Julian Barnes reports that at a meeting of officials who work on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon's planning arm, Mullen was direct and to the point.

“It is a highly political time right now,” he said. “I am anxious to make sure everyone in uniform stays out of the politics.”

In an effort to appear apolitical, some military officers, such as Gen. David Petraeus, choose not to vote. Mullen, however, stressed that he did not want troops to follow that example.

His message, he said, "doesn’t mean don’t vote; please do vote. But understanding what the rules are and not being pulled in is critical.”

Mullen, who assumed his position in October, also said that his planning team for the presidential transition had begun its work. His goal is for the group to serve as “the very solid underpinnings, from a national security perspective, in a time of change for our country.”

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images

Comments

[Brian Randall]

The brave American military, who incidentally and surprisingly to many supported "longshot, tinfoil hat" libertarian-leaning Veterans advocate, GOP Rep. Ron Paul, more than any other candidate this campaign season, can be none too plussed to learn that Retired American General Antonio Taguba was recently heard complaining again.

From the 19 Jun 2008 www.legitgov.org, "a preface to a Physicians for Human Rights report based on medical examinations of former detainees, Taguba adds an epilogue to his own investigation. The new report, he writes, "tells the largely untold human story of what happened to detainees in our custody when the Commander-in-Chief (GEORGE W. BUSH) and those under him authorized a systematic regime of torture."

Perhaps a memo of this kind should have been sent to General Taguba in 2004. If he had received one, should he have remained silent? Or perhaps we should just dismiss what he has to say...

From Wikipedia, "In January 2006, Taguba was instructed by General Richard A. Cody, the Army's Vice-Chief of Staff, to retire by January 2007. No explanation was given. Taguba's retirement, effective January 1, 2007, ended a 34-year career of military service."

Let the politicians play the game of politics. Or maybe Citizen Taguba is why the Presidential Palace informs us they now want to keep a secret visitor's log in the White (People's) House.

Vote Bob Barr and bring honesty and accountability back to government. The statue of liberty is swaying. Why wait? www.bobbarr2008.com