By Tara Laxer and Kartik Krishnaiyer

Both parties bare equal blame for the drift of international relations into the realm of partisan politics. It was long said “politics stops at water’s edge.” But since the Republican attacks on President Clinton’s policies in the Balkans things have changed. In the Bush years any foreign policy effort after the beginning of hostilities in Iraq was attacked by many Democrats. Since President Obama was elected we have seen countless efforts by Republicans in Congress to politicize the President’s international policies.  foreign affairs has become as political as any domestic issue.

Many in the left wing of the Democratic Party have advanced a narrative of American guilt for the world’s problems. This simplistic feeling that has taken particular hold among younger progressives who are at least outwardly concerned about racial and ethnic issues and tolerance has from our vantage point skewed the view of the good American engagement does globally. The United States has both a diplomatic and military role to play to protect ethnic minorities and liberal concepts across the globe.  Our nation has done more than any other to ensure the freedom of peoples, their ability for self-determination and the protection of the rights of minority populations living under oppressive regimes.  We have been more than any other nation the shining light for global tolerance.

The right wing has countered by accusing liberal Democrats of being unpatriotic especially since 9/11 even though it was the forerunners of these same conservatives whose divergence from larger American goals in the 1930s enabled the rise of Nazism/fascism. It is also the conservatives who at critical times have abandoned veterans after they came home as they did after the Vietnam and Gulf wars.

With the growing threat from China and Russia who just this past week announced a major energy deal, the time is now for the political parties to act like adults and put the national interest not that of electoral politics first.

Regarding veterans as Democrats and Republicans make public speeches and praise those that fought in battles in Iraq and/or Afghanistan some 3, 4, 5 or more tours. Ask yourself why both parties care more about their political future and  personal careers than those who have fought to preserve our freedoms  for the future of this country. The items that have to be addressed are extensive : Hidden lists at Department of Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals, rape victims being denied claims and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) cases never receiving the needed care.  Every citizens must ask themselves why this happens and why many politicians do not show the type of outrage they should when these abuses are reported in the press.

Many Democratic partisans will scream blaming the last administration for going to war, one that was fairly seen as unjust. But many will never look at our current president who followed a path without a plan for those who have sacrificed their own lives and futures for this country. As a candidate, President Obama made the VA a campaign issue. As President he has failed to deliver on his promises to our veterans.

In the GOP  many blame this President while not acknowledging the mess they put veterans in during the Bush years, both by going to war and by under-funding the VA. They seek to politicize the current mess by acting as if it is has appeared in the last five years since President Obama took office. Both parties have had ample opportunities to fix the system and both have failed.

So this Memorial Day please remember our  fallen heroes and our veterans, but also lament the lack of leadership we have given for those making the greatest sacrifices for us — our troops and veterans.

Editors Note – Due to Memorial Day, our Monday Musings will appear tonight rather than in the morning.