It is simply too tough as an American citizen – and as a retired military officer – to sit idly by in this wild and wacky political season. So I won’t. I am gravely concerned that politics is forcing our candidates for high office to make some alarming statements without fully appreciating their impact on our citizenry and our friends and enemies abroad.

Consider this: Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican candidate for the presidency, says it would be OK with him for us to remain in Iraq for 100 years. He clarified this statement by adding “as long as there were no American casualties.” And frankly, that may be the case – 100 years. After all, we have been in Germany and Japan for over 60 years already following World War II, and there is no likelihood that will change anytime soon. Imagine the impact of this statement abroad if not carrying the qualifying phrase. Here at home, McCain’s comments fired up his liberal opponents and

Dig down and gas up. Sounds like what we are all talking about these days as gas prices have reached the four bucks a gallon average. To “gas up” our trucks, SUVs and autos, we have to dig down deeply in our pockets to pay at the pump. A quick look back shows that gas prices have jumped 40 percent in the past six months. And it is taking a terrible toll on our national economy, not to mention our individual family budgets.

Most of us have a favorite target to blame for the prices, such as the major oil companies, OPEC countries, etc. While these oil companies and oil-producing nations might share some of the blame, I have my own targets to blame. First, as you drive around each day, look at the abusive manner in which far too many drive – excessive speeds and jack-rabbit starts. These driving habits result in significantly decreased mileage per gallon and contribute to the demand we place on this valuable commodity we call oil. And it is universally accepted

Hardly anything escapes the politicians waging war these days. While our dedicated troops are waging life and death war on our behalf in Iraq, Afghanistan and dozens of other less-well-known places around the world, our elected leaders are engaging in political war on dozens of issues.

One might think that ensuring our currently serving troops deserve the benefits of a G.I. Bill to further their education would be a no-brainer. And I guess it is. However, in a hotly contested political year when nothing is sacred, the two parties are squaring off on just how much and how soon it is appropriate to grant G.I. Bill privileges to our troops.

Few, if any, would dispute the incredible benefits to our nation that resulted from the G.I. Bill following World War II. In the late 1940s, colleges and universities across the country had a high percentage of their students benefiting from arguably this nation’s finest “thank you” program for returning veterans. In later

As I wrote late last month, the people of Raleigh and across North Carolina hosted a marvelous tribute to our military men and women and their families with a full day of parades and other activities to show that support.

This month, we all have another chance to show that support. Since 1950, the third Saturday in May has been set aside as Armed Forces Day. And while there are many special events on military installations with open houses, air shows, etc., there are very few other celebrations to recognize our uniformed warriors. This is especially unfortunate in a time of war. And yes, Mr. and Mrs. America, we are at war. While the news from the political season has overshadowed the concerns about the worldwide war on terror and the human suffering across the globe, we are still at war.

In over 100 countries today, our military men and women are serving a greater cause. Almost 200,000 are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and are in harm's way 24/7. Others are chasing

Last Saturday, I was privileged to spend some time in downtown Raleigh and participate in an absolutely incredible event. The entire day, spearheaded by the N.C. Bankers Association, was dedicated to the simple theme of demonstrating North Carolina’s support for our military members and their families.

The hour-long parade was spectacular with about 70 entries. Military members, military equipment , Medal of Honor winners, family members, Rolling Thunder and high school bands all moved smartly along the parade route. They were all warmly and enthusiastically applauded by the estimated 50,000 citizens that chose to spend part of their weekend as a family showing their support for the military “family.”

To many in the crowd, it was a great thrill to witness the flight of four F-15 Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson AFB flying low and fairly slow up the parade route at precisely their designated time to kick off the parade. As David Crabtree noted, the sight