As we argue on twitter with all our strong opinions, on Remembrance Day, I'd like to acknowledge one of the least noticed aspects of military service. When any man or woman agrees to serve they set aside their opinions, whatever they are, and accept higher authority. #cdnpoli 1/5
Almost everyone agrees we need some kind of military. We may disagree in extreme terms on how it's to be used. But unless you believe passive resistance will somehow solve everything in a world where others are not passive, we need to use force at least sometimes. #cdnpoli 2/5
Having a functional military at all, to supply the option of force when needed, depends on the willing service of those who accept civilian authority wherever it leads. They don't know in advance the orders they'll follow or even who will give them. That's amazing. #cdnpoli 3/5
Our democratic society depends on those service members who have agreed to subject themselves to the will of the majority and our elected government. They simply trust it will lead them well. This extreme act of faith places, on us all, an equal obligation. #cdnpoli 4/5
We remember and pay respect to the sacrifices of wartime. But even in peace, the remarkable service of everyone in uniform should be recognized. They do what so many of us struggle with. They trust in the fundamental goodness and fairness of their fellow Canadians. #cdnpoli 5/5
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