As tension in Iraq turned into grisly violence last week, Ted Kennedy announced his participation in the war by boldly stating, "Iraq is George Bush's Vietnam. We need a new president."
Way to go, Sen. Kennedy.
Kennedy, who has never been accused of possessing the greatest of moral standards, drew rounds of applause from the militiamen of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. "Iraq will be Bush's Vietnam," they shouted in jubilation as they kidnapped foreigners -- whom they threatened to kill -- and shot at coalition soldiers.
Not since Jane Fonda's trek to Vietnam to support Viet Cong guerilla fighters have we seen such a boldly disrespectful and irresponsible message.
Note to Sen. Kennedy: Knock it off! American soldiers -- most of whom lack your drinking and yachting expertise -- are fighting and dying to create better lives for the citizens of Iraq. Yes, we know you hate George Bush and that's your prerogative, but maybe now isn't the best time for agenda-soaked diatribes that provide propaganda victories for the enemies of our soldiers.
Imagine spending your time in Iraq worrying constantly about roadside bombs, insurgents planning an ambush on the government building you and your comrades are protecting and the horrifying reality of unpredictable suicide bombers.
Also, imagine asking yourself these questions: When will I get to go home? Will I make it home? Is my spouse remaining faithful? Is my rifle clean? What did Ted Kennedy just say?
Not only was Kennedy's analogy reckless, it was factually incorrect, and as Sen. John McCain astutely noted, it ignores the lessons learned from Vietnam -- one of the most important of which is that American troops lost the conflict due to declining support at home from citizens and politicians alike. The result of the conflict was that 58,000 Americans lost their lives, and all of Vietnam fell under brutally repressive Communist control.
While we can't pin the significant recent increase in violence in Iraq on Sen. Kennedy, we can certainly credit him with attempting to shake our national will in this time of war in order to boost political gain for himself and fellow Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry.
Kerry, a long time friend of Kennedy, is somehow portraying himself as the anti-war candidate for president, despite voting in favor of resolutions for the war and its funding.
If there were anything humorous about the situation, it would be the fact that Republicans are delighted that Kennedy has taken a major role supporting John Kerry. Sen. Kennedy, try salvaging your credibility before mounting an offensive campaign.
It's true that Ted Kennedy can legitimately hold his own political beliefs. Sen. Kennedy, you oppose the war, and that's fine. But please conduct yourself in the mature fashion demanded from a senator.
As somebody who has friends who have returned from Iraq and friends who are going, I ask that you not encourage enemies or deliberately attempt to erode the nation's will to see this war to a successful conclusion. If that's too much to ask, then show your true colors and just provide the enemy with boxes of ammunition. Find your pants. Here's the keys. Go by yourself. Take the bridge.
Christian Palmer is a journalism senior. Reach him at christian.palmer@asu.edu.
