Jim Spiri in Iraq

Now, to bring it down to a level that the average citizen back home can apprehend. The closest thing that people attempt to lay hold of to be able to comprehend such a time is, "who shall lead the way?"

It has been my practice to listen to those who are far more skilled than I am, in whatever endeavor I find myself a part of. Here, I'm with America's fighting forces. I've watched them and I've listened to them on many occasions about various things. One thing I have done is carefully listen to whom these soldiers are watching as the parade of potential leaders of the United States of America comes across their path.

Whether it be via television, radio, email, blogging or whatever else is out there, those around me do have a thought on whom their next Commander in Chief could or even should be.

It is early yet, but no doubt the race is now on.

After all, it's now after Labor Day, 2007, which someone decided way back when, is the official starting line for the next Presidential run. No one here is really impressed with anyone in the crowd be it Democrat, Republican, Independent or otherwise, except for one candidate. And their reasoning is simple to follow.

It is important for an infantryman or any service member for that matter, to be among those who have been tested in one fashion or another. It is not a mandatory requirement, but it helps. Leadership in the military is usually made up of those who "have been there and done that" so to speak. It is no secret that the best leaders are those that were the best followers as they matured. More simply put, those that went forward from the ground up. My own son learned that in order to be a good pilot, he was a good crew chief first. The best ones start at the hardest point and go from there.

A reader of this blog informed me recently that I might not understand how bad things are at home in regards to supporting the troops' mission in Iraq. I replied that I was indeed aware of the situation.

There are many ways to stay informed, even from here in Iraq. The one issue affecting all the other issues at home is for sure, "The War in Iraq". There is no argument about that.

On this journey, from the beginning, I listened carefully to those around me whom they supported in the political field. I never asked the question point blank to any of them, nor will I. It is not necessary. The answer is too obvious. Even a blind person could see it. It is basically a matter of respect. Whom does one respect enough to call, "Commander in Chief"? At different times I've watched as this candidate or that candidate comes on the news, or makes a statement that appears on the internet, or is in some article in a magazine, while those around me are listening, reading and taking it all in. Each time, no matter what the venue, one candidate grasps their attention. I've seen it time and time again, over and over, in all the places I've visited.

Today, at chow, I listened as one Senator who happens to be running for President, was interviewed on a Sunday morning news talk show. All at once, all those around me who were in the section closest to the television, became quite attentive and listened to this candidates' every word. It even became quiet as he spoke. And he spoke entirely about Iraq.

Everyone listened.

In the past several months, political polls counted all but lost, the campaign of Senator John McCain, a former POW during the war in Viet Nam. I remember telling people not to count McCain out for he is quite used to being in situations that seem dire. He learned a long time ago never to give up. There are commercials on the AFN news channel here that run from time to time about the prisoner of war creed. There are set guidelines to follow should any service member find himself in that position. One candidate was forced to live by that oath for a long, long time while being held prisoner. None of the others in the current field can say that. Those around me remind me of that often.

Senator John McCain was well known early on in the war for opposing former Sec. of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld's policy. McCain's strong voice cost him much Republican support in those days. However, as the years went by, McCain was proven correct. It was McCain who first suggested that General Petraeus be placed in the position he is in now to try and mend the catastrophic failures of Rumsfeld's policies.

Today, Gen. Petreus, a very well respected leader in the military, is a person all sides agree is a straight shooter.

Here, in Iraq, being among many, many thousands of service members who also happen to be American citizens who have a vote, I have observed that when Senator John McCain, republican from Arizona, speaks, everyone here listens. I cannot say for sure that these ones who are listening so attentively will vote for him. However, if there is one thing I have learned, when everyone else around me is listening, there is probably a good reason for it.

I have always listened to John McCain. I remember in the spring of 1973, when he came home from Viet Nam.

He was the one who refused to be released by his captors until those who were there before him were released first. He gained my respect a long time ago.

This man also has gained the respect of the many thousands of service members here, not because what he did 35-years ago, but for what he is saying today about Iraq. It would be very interesting to take a poll among those here whom they support for President.
But that is not going to happen for I will not ask that question. I can only report what I see. This is what I see......

When Senator John McCain speaks, everyone here listens.

Jim Spiri
Mosul, Iraq
jimspiri@yahoo.com