America loves a parade!

[JohnnyRingo]

...and so do I.

I also love political gamesmanship, and see an opportunity to one-up the republicans in their strategy of creating wedge issues in election off years. The "9/11 Mosque" controversy was, of course, created by republicans to anger the base and drive them to the polls this fall to "out the incumbents", so I say let's have a "Welcome Home Parade" for the troops.

Beside the obvious tribute to the men and women who served in Iraq, it opens the door to critics of the president to accuse him of everything from politicizing the war to wasting tax dollars in a self aggrandizing display (and they will). They'll fret that Obama never served in uniform and point out that the war isn't really over.

This leaves an opportunity to look the Republicans right in the eye and ask them "why do you hate the troops?" The White House can tell the opposition party that they can stay home that day if they want, but the president and every other troop loving government Representative will be there to thank the soldiers in person for their service. Democrats can ask if the republicans who refuse to participate are really going to "spit in the faces of our returning vets". They'll have little choice but to recognize the achievement alongside the president.

Of course phrases like "victory", "the war is over", and "we won" should be avoided to sidestep any "mission accomplished" disaster in the future, but the parade that can wind through Manhattan right past the WTC site, will be stated to simply "honor the troops, and welcome them home" "Nothing more, nothing less".

I admit I'm looking at a political upside three months before a risky election, and Obama can certainly use the recognition for doing what the previous administration failed at, but the soldiers who willingly sacrificed for their country when asked, really do deserve the parade. It'll be good for national morale and a fitting end to "combat missions in Iraq". Why not approach the fall election with a "feel good" event?

I don't see the downside to such an event. Does anyone?

[jonnyblitz]

1. using the troops as props for Obama's political gain is TACKY

as fuck. and this deception you OPENLY admit to that the parade is (for public consumption) "for the troops" but really for Obama's political gain months before an election is fucking SLIMY . I say this as an ex-troop.

[jkshaw]

2. "... TACKY as fuck."

Impressed by your classy language.

[JohnnyRingo]

3. I thought I was clear

The parade really is for the soldiers who served, and they do deserve it, but looking beyond at the political advantage is as American as going to the moon. I can give an example of my overall point by asking why you hate the troops so much you would deny them a parade and go on to describe it as "tacky". Let's ask the soldiers if they deserve a parade. See how that works?

One of the main complaints of Vietnam Vets is that they weren't recognized for their service until decades later. Why take the chance of repeating that mistake?

[samplegirl]

4. The name of the game is Slimeball

maybe you would prefer...Karl Rove running the Whitehouse once again.