far from life within military base communities, they might as well be living in gated compounds.

Today the information loop and emotional tie between the military and the general population is being severed. So our leaders can send our men and women to war assuming that to most Americans, especially to the most influential amongst us, our soldiers are the “other” and conveniently out of sight and therefore out of mind.

The fact of leaders sending other people's children to war won't be solved by one election but here is one way to make a start: Let's remember we are at war and vote accordingly. When given the choice, forget about party loyalty and vote for candidates who served in the military and/or who have a child in uniform.

We are facing a global fight against a dedicated enemy. We are going to need leaders with moral authority who have done more for their country than seek power and money. And if they have not served or demonstrated leadership by encouraging their own children to volunteer, by what right do they put themselves forward for national office in time of war?