Tens of millions of Americans since the founding of our country have served in the U.S. armed forces. From the Continental Army to those currently in training at West Point or Annapolis, legions of young men and women put on a uniform to enlist in our military — some making the ultimate sacrifice as they die in combat. If we are to remain a nation worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf, we must draw a clear line between scrutinizing policy and scorning those who fought for our safety Texas Congressman Dan Crenshaw is among them. Crenshaw joined the Navy while still in college, eventually serving as a SEAL during the War in Afghanistan. In 2012, he lost his eye when hit by a bomb explosion. The congressman is a retired decorated veteran with 2 Bronze Star Medals and a Purple Heart. To any ordinary American, Crenshaw is an American hero and deserves our greatest respect for the years he spent overseas defending our country — even if they may disagree with the foreign policy decisions that led him there. Dan had no say in the intelligence decisions of the Bush administration or Congress’ authorization of military force. Yet comedian-podcaster Dave Smith does not share this same reverence for our veterans. “You fought in a catastrophic 20 year regime change war against the Taliban that FAILED and left a better armed Taliban in power,” Smith tweeted at Congressman Crenshaw, “How the fuck did that make me (or any American) safer to have any opinion? Pure retard boomercon slop.” Insulting those who served our country and putting blame on them for the strategic decisions made in Washington is un-American. Our veterans selflessly fight wars they were called to service. From Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, many have enlisted despite bitter disagreements with the executive leadership involving U.S. troops in those conflicts. This is not how we do things. Honor for those sworn to defend our nation is a central pillar to America’s identity. Every year we observe Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July in remembrance and celebration for our military — from those in active service or peacefully retired, to those who passed away. The greatness of this country cannot endure if we allow arguments over foreign policy to spiral into rude spats against our veterans. Dave Smith and others can consciously object to U.S. involvement abroad, critiquing the decision to join wars in the past and warning against doing so again in the future. That is their constitutional right and a cause many feel compelled by. But nastiness and disrespect is unbecoming. Soldiers are not to blame for the lengthy commitment of the United States in Afghanistan — Congress is. While Crenshaw may now be in office, the original deployment of troops in 2001 happened while he was still in high school. His decision to enlist was a choice of service. If we are to remain a nation worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf, we must draw a clear line between scrutinizing policy and scorning those who fought for our safety. Veterans deserve honor not because every mission was perfect, but because they stepped forward when their country asked. Debate over America’s role in the world must never come at the expense of basic respect for the men and women who served. To forget that distinction is to forget who we are, and the patriotism that has held this nation together since its founding. READ MORE from Sam Raus: COVID Is Over, So End the Obamacare Subsidies Entirely Don’t Confuse the Sims With Harmful Deepfakes Steelmanning Tariffs Sam Raus is the David Boaz Resident Writing Fellow at Young Voices, a political analyst and public relations professional. Follow him on X: @SamRaus1.