Editorial: Jones gives voice to war effort

For much of his career, U.S. Rep. Walter Jones seemed on a trajectory toward leadership in his party and in the U.S. House. He begins his ninth term without being chairman of some powerful committee, however, because of breaking with his colleagues, and Republican President George W. Bush, over the nation's military commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jones continues a lonely crusade to bring attention to those men and women serving overseas through regular speeches calling for their withdrawal from battlefields abroad and their safe return home. His stance on this issue may have stalled his career in Congress, but it should inspire pride throughout the 3rd District as its representative seeks to give voice to this silent, forgotten war.

Combat operations continue to rage in many parts of Afghanistan as a resurgent Taliban continues to agitate against American occupation. Thousands of troops remain in Iraq as well, though the combat phase of that war is said to be complete. In both, the young men and women in uniform — from places like eastern North Carolina — do their duty a world away from a country that now pays scant attention to developments there.

The nature of the all-volunteer military means that not all share the sacrifice of the nearly 10-year war effort. Instead the burden rests with communities who send their best and brightest into service and with families who have learned to do without during multiple deployments. Those returning from overseas find a nation that, while appreciative, does not adequately care for those who fought or help ease their transition back to civilian life.

Consider that during the most high-profile political event of the year, a night in which the president speaks without interruption to the nation for an hour, Barack Obama made only passing mention to the country's two wars. That decision may be as much the product of political calculus as it is reflective of a public more concerned with the nation's economic climate than its military obligations.

Walter Jones is one exception. He writes letters to the families of fallen soldiers, gives speeches calling for a vigorous debate on the nation's Afghanistan policy and keeps the spotlight on the war effort. At a time when most politicians are content to pander for attention, Jones is focused on one of the most unpopular and important issues facing the nation.

His unwavering commitment to this cause is admirable and this community should be proud of his effort.

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