Common sense under fire

When I saw the recent news report that Secretary Clinton had agreed to testify in public before Congressman Trey Gowdy’s (R-S.C.) Select Committee I thought, “Again? Why?” At nearly 65, I must be getting grumpy. How did things get so crazy? Where’s the common sense? 

Whatever fighting Americans did in and near the American embassy in Benghazi was no doubt courageous and honorable. Too bad the same can’t be true about the partisan bickering that has been going on in Washington since that horrible tragedy.  

{mosads}As a Republican, I blame both parties for partisan nonsense and in this case it appears to be the need to embarrass the Democrat front-runner. To what end? My party grew weary of lefty Democrats blaming George W. Bush for everything from changes in the economy to changes in the seasons. That blame game achieved nothing. Time spent on blaming should have been spent solving problems.  Yet, now the Clintons are under fire from the right, while domestic and international problems loom that are begging for solution. Where’s the common sense? 

The only thing further Benghazi testimony will achieve is to remind us that good people died while in service to our country and to make our nation more nervous than it already is. Hillary Clinton’s question related to the Benghazi tragedy, “What difference, at this point, does it make?” drew a lot of partisan commentary. But the fact is, she took responsibility, took action and has been fully transparent throughout this whole process. Still, some leaders seem willing to rehash what occurred almost three years ago rather than deal with what is happening now and preventing what may happen in the future. 

My question is this: “Does anyone really think it would have made a difference in Benghazi if someone else was in charge of the State Department or sitting in the Oval Office?” The answer is no. Rather, the sad truth is that our embassies will always be in danger; such is the nature of their existence. Is there a Select Committee in Congress focusing on that problem? Like I said, getting grumpy. 

Now this so-called need to once again drag a former Secretary of State before a committee comes about as our country enters the presidential campaign season. Coincidence? I think not. Let’s put history behind us, and the future in front of us.  Democrats, pick your candidate.  Republicans, pick your candidate. Then let’s have a discussion and an election and move on. Grumpy? Nah. Common sense. 

Torrey is a retired US Navy Commander. In the Navy, Martin commanded the USS Exploit and USS Clifton Sprague. He is also a former chief of staff to a Republican member of Congress from New York.