It has been said, by officials in Washington, that Obama’s number one choice for the Secretary of Defense position is Chuck Hagel. However, many other politicians, both Republican and Democratic, disagree with this decision based on Hagel’s views and past statements.

Along with politicians, other groups such as those that support Israel and gay rights are in turmoil. Hagel has been quoted as including sexual orientation in his negative comments towards James Hormel, a former ambassador candidate. Hagel stated that Hormel was “openly aggressively gay”. Hagel later insincerely apologized for this, thus confirming the negativity that his opinion-based statement was based on.

Yet, it must be noted that Chuck Hagel does have some expertise. Coming from Nebraska, Hagel has gained political experience, and also military expertise in Vietnam. In the Vietnam war, he was awarded two Purple Hearts, and also served as a Republican Senator (in Nebraska).
His qualifications may be worthy of advancing up “the ladder”, but are his views acceptable?

Along with Hagel’s views on gay rights, and comments towards Hormel, Hagel can also be said to support Iran.
Opinions aside, the facts leave us with motions, from Hagel, to increase the US tolerance of Iran and alter the definition of “terrorist organization”. Hagel opposes defining Hezbollah as a ‘terrorist organization’ when the facts point many logical men and women to think otherwise.
Along with supporting Iran (Israel’s largest threat), Hagel’s actions show his dislike of Israel as well. Obama’s nominee has publicly taken action, and made bold statements, regarding his view that military action should not be taken against Iran. Hagel has stated that military action (against Iran) is irresponsible, and not even feasible or viable. While he may have logic behind that, it is common knowledge that Iran opposes Israel and actually poses a murderous threat against the American allies. It is interesting that Obama is considering bringing Hagel into his inner circle, when Obama has been recorded as supporting Israel, continuing the war against terrorism, and increasing military action in many other regions across the world.

So, with Hagel working against a complete Israel-America alliance, bashing homosexuals, and changing his views to be the opposite of Obama’s, we must ask ourselves some questions.
Why is Obama willing to support Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense?
Can Chuck Hagel put some of his views aside, for the good of the country and the people?

Well, it is rumored that Obama may be willing to nominate Hagel for diversity. One of the main discussions surrounding the recent re-election was that the Democrats and Republicans did not cooperate. The inability for them to work together caused good policies to get dropped simply because of which “side” proposed it. It is quite possible that Obama hopes Hagel’s appointment will cause the public, and politicians, to see some unity between both the Republican and Democratic parties.

If Chuck Hagel can put his views aside, then perhaps Israel shall be saved, gay rights organizations can be happy, and overall we can have a good four years. However, can it be guaranteed that he’ll keep the good of the people and America in his mind? I certainly can’t make a bold statement like that. One thing to keep in mind is, in most scenarios, people get hired for their views and potential. If Hagel becomes the Secretary of Defense it will be because the supporters see his potential and the goodness that comes with it. Part of democracy is not surrendering your views, and if he’s left in the dust because of them, then maybe he’s actually one of the best politicians out there right now.

However, when he, or anyone else, becomes the Secretary of Defense, let’s just hope that it’s the defense of us, America, and our allies. For if it’s anything different, we may be in trouble.