As I am writing this, it is ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand. Thousands around Australia have gathered to remember the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces in an area of modern-day Turkey called Gallipoli, near Istanbul. Though disputed by many, the events of this campaign in 1915 is regarded by many as the moment when Australian national identity was born.
I am not here to write about these points. Rather, I write about how the Australians get it right when it comes to making sure their government understands what it means to declare war. If you have ever been to the city of Canberra, you know of what I am talking about. The old and new Australian parliament houses are built in such a way that they have a direct line of sight with the Australian War Memorial about a mile or so away. The meaning is simple: when Australia's parliament votes to goes to war, they should look across the lake and realize that they will likely add to the names of the dead at the Memorial.
Could you imagine the U.S. Capitol being in direct line of sight of Arlington National Cemetery? How would that effect, if any, the Congress personal when it comes time to vote to authorize military action? It is difficult to say what it would do, because we do not have that setup. Nevertheless, it is something to consider.
One day, I would like to go back to Canberra and see the ANZAC Day events in person. My brief time down under at places like the Australian War Memorial has made an impact on me. I am one who believes in using force sparingly and only when necessary. How you define when to use that force is always a tough question to answer.
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