Kevin Tillman, Iraq Vets and the Progressive Draft

What do you sound like if you consider yourself patriotic, have served in the US military (in Iraq), but question your commander-in-chief? Answer (thankfully): Kevin Tillman, brother of Pat Tillman.

In his comments on truthdig, Tillman comes across as everything you usually do not hear from someone who served..............until now - he wore fatigues, but is man enough to be able explain how soldiers can question their situation and leaders in order to be sure that the motives for going to war and strategy for fighting it are legit and thought out. Iraq war veterans who are disgusted by what they saw in Iraq and the way the war is still being handled by Bush/Cheney and Co. now have an outlet in the turning tide of American politics - their numbers will only keep growing.

Check out this comment left on Kevin's column:
My husband was also an Army Ranger during the same time you & Pat were. He has also regained his voice and so have I. We both stand with you 100% and then some! Thank you for using your voice to let the truth be known!

I love hearing the term "voice" being used to describe how progressive thought and going against the grain can be viewed as something that is now acceptable to practice and preach. Funny how there is a style of Republicanism that goes hand-in-hand with not questioning authority, but that style is diminishing - people are waking up to question their leaders.

Finally - here's a proposal - think of the power of a military that questioned things: you'd get more folks to sign up, it would be very progressive and even more powerful than we are today. Think of an international Americorps that was part weapon, thought and charity - the billions of dollars spent in Iraq would go much farther in protecting us and creating a more equitable world. No, there wouldn't be mutiny, there would be plans, strategy, clear ojectives and victory. For now, we do not have a military that operates in that way. Instead, the poor and middle class serve our country and do not get much in return - we should all share in the responsibility, but not if GWB is the commander.