Need unified America

As one veteran to another, thank you, Terry Benham, for your strong support of national defense and the men and women who serve our country in uniform. But please bear in mind that neither party is solely responsible for our security. Both have struggled and made mistakes that cost us lives and treasure. In the last 20 years our leaders have made tragic misjudgments and blunders. The collapse in Afghanistan is rightly owned by both parties.

We are now under threat from Russia and engaged in a long-term struggle with China. They judge us on our politics and economic strength as well as our military. So, you’re right: We have to pull together, and that should be the task of both parties. And hopefully the bipartisan infrastructure bill will force China to regain respect for American economic power and our ability to “make things happen.”

We do represent the great bastion of freedom, and a much sought-after beacon of hope—for much of the world—but we must regain our respect for each other, our laws and institutions. Politicians must serve country first, then party. And they must temper the urge to divide us by the recognition that all of us—we the people—are or should be working for the “more perfect union” cited in the preamble of the U.S. Constitution.

Yes, we need a strong defense, but our forces must be representative of our nation, and our defense budget must be shaped and authorized by our elected civilian leaders. We must recognize that while we cannot be everywhere and do everything, we can deter Russian aggression and win a long-term competition with China if we put our hearts and minds to it and pull together.

A strong, unified America is the best way to honor our veterans.

WES CLARK

Little Rock