Iraq, Modern American Politics & the Spirit of America

Of late I have not been much of a news junkie and have had no compelling reason to comment on recent events. Today, however I witnessed something on the news that triggered an emotional response. It was a news conference of Senator Harry Reid, the new Majority leader of the Senate. As we all know Congress is debating resolutions related to the President's desire to increase our troop presence in Iraq. Senator Reid is supportive of a resolution that would condemn the President's plan as not being in our national interest.
I have no problems with anyone's position on Iraq or their desire to see the conflict ended. Senator Reid, however with his finger wagging at the cameras, served notice to "the 21 Republican Senators facing re election next year" that the voters would be reminded how they voted if they voted against the resolution. This, I find distasteful. Most matters that the Congress deals with are frankly trivial and have no lasting effect on the affairs of the nation, but Iraq, whatever one's position is quite literally a matter of life and death.
Over 3,000 men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country, and yet our elected Senators are admonished with nothing more than the prospect of electoral defeat. What little sacrifice is elective office compared to the loss of one's life in defense of the nation? Has our leadership become so cynical, so jaded in its politics that it can no longer distinguish between the petty and trivial details of political life & the immeasurable sacrifice of life and death that our sioldiers face every day? Have we in our political comfort zones come to believe that political certainty equals the daily commitment that our soldiers make?
This commentary is not designed to support any one position on the Iraq question, but rather is posited to ask, What has become of the American Spirit of our forefathers? I know many people may now expect me to rant about the "good old days". THe truth is our standard of living & quality of life have never been better even though we never achieved an idyllic Ozzie & Harriet existence. This nation ought to reflect on the true spirit that has guided this nation and transcended all political and ideological considerations.
Historically, conservative,liberal or moderate, Democrat or Republican have put aside their differences when the collective interests of the nation were at risk. Consider two ideological counterparts like GEorge McGovern & Jesse Helms both serving valiantly in World War II, one far left, the other far right. Did either at the outset of conflict let their core political beliefs undermine their common objective to secure freedom and liberty & the peace that endures when all are allowed to find true joy in its embrace? Of course, this is a rhetorical question. No political ideology can survive with the absence of freedom as tyranny ascends. All fought for the greater principle. It is critically important that we find our core, competent united center that binds us as one nation irrespective of our politics and find a rational end to a bitter conflict. That begins by checking our egos at the door and summoning the true spirit of America that has secured our present station in time & history.