Old Man's War, Young Man's Fight

Or Rich Man's War, Poor Man's Fight. Take your pick.

The New York Times reports on the various members of congress who have sons, daughters, nieces and nephews serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. In the case of Sen. Baucus, the impetus for the NYT article, his nephew, Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus, USMC was killed in Iraq.

The article examines the idea that, "wars are begun by powerful men whose sons stay home, while the sons of men and women with calluses on their hands and dirt under their nails cross oceans to fight, and perhaps to die."

A list of members of congress with family serving is provided but one paragraph really stood out for me:

A White House aide, who requested anonymity because his information was preliminary, said Wednesday that he knew of no top Bush administration official who had a relative who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I'd want to remain anonymous too. He's far more likely to be shipped off to Iraq than any military age child of BushCo.

I don't want to imply that one can't meaningfully comment on or have an opinion about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan without having a relative in the conflict, but it does raise questions when those responsible for the conflicts don't.

Bush Administration War in Iraq Max Baucus