The Peaceful Warrior

          We recently saw the passing of George McGovern. Some defined McGovern in terms of a failed Presidential bid in 1971. Others define him as a commie peacenik hippie. He was, in fact, one of the most influential figures of modern politics.

          Following his combat experiences in WWII, McGovern hated war and saw it necessary only as a last resort. He vigorously opposed involvement in civil wars such as Vietnam. He opposed the recent Iraq adventure as unnecessary and immoral. Throughout his public life, McGovern served as a national conscience and moral compass. McGovern opposed sustaining a global military empire. A favorite phrase was “Bring America home”. The debate remarks of both Obama and Romney about nation building here in the US strongly reflects McGovern’s sentiments and mission. In addition to speaking out against needless foreign entanglements, McGovern dedicated his life to eliminating domestic and global hunger. McGovern leaves behind a rich legacy of peace and reason.

          There are two figures who profoundly shaped the course of modern politics, George McGovern and Barry Goldwater. Both were political philosophers, both reinvented their Parties, and both served the role of providing a national moral compass. Both were profoundly inspirational. Without McGovern, there would have been no Clinton or Obama. Without Goldwater, there could have been no Reagan.

          There is another way to define his legacy. George McGovern answered his nation’s call, leaving the fields of South Dakota at the age of 22. He piloted a B-24 through 35 harrowing combat missions. Stephen Ambrose, the Poet Laureate of American military history stated, “George McGovern was as great a patriot as I have ever known. He had the trust, confidence, and love of his crew. His acts of courage were enormous and we all owe him an enormous debt. I just want to show that you don’t have to be a hawk to be a great patriot.”