Meaning: The quote by Edward Kennedy, a prominent American politician, touches on the complex issue of supporting troops deployed in military operations while also advocating for oversight and accountability in the decision-making process. The quote reflects a nuanced approach to the support of military personnel, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice while also emphasizing the need for a clear framework and periodic evaluation of the mission's progress.

The first part of the quote, "We want to support our troops because they didn't make the decision to go there," underscores the fundamental principle of honoring and respecting the individuals who serve in the military. It acknowledges that the decision to deploy troops is made at a higher level of government and that the soldiers themselves are fulfilling their duties and obligations as directed. This sentiment reflects a widespread understanding that supporting troops is distinct from endorsing the specific political decisions that lead to their deployment.

However, Kennedy's statement also reflects a cautious approach to the open-ended nature of military operations. He states, "but I don't think it should be open-ended," suggesting a concern about the lack of defined limits or objectives in certain military interventions. This viewpoint aligns with the broader debates surrounding the duration and scope of military engagements, particularly in the context of conflicts that lack clear resolutions or exit strategies.

The quote further advocates for the establishment of benchmarks and periodic reporting requirements for the administration overseeing the military operations. Kennedy asserts, "We ought to have a benchmark where the administration has to come back and give us a report," highlighting the importance of setting specific goals and milestones to assess the progress and effectiveness of the mission. This call for accountability and transparency reflects a commitment to ensuring that military interventions are subject to ongoing scrutiny and evaluation, rather than being allowed to continue indefinitely without clear objectives or oversight.

Kennedy's perspective on supporting troops while advocating for checks and balances in military decision-making is situated within the broader context of American foreign policy and military engagements. Throughout history, the United States has grappled with the tension between supporting its military personnel and exercising careful oversight of military interventions. This tension has been particularly pronounced in cases where conflicts have extended over prolonged periods, raising questions about the justifications, objectives, and outcomes of such operations.

The quote also resonates with broader discussions on the role of Congress in overseeing and regulating military actions. The idea of establishing benchmarks and requiring regular reports from the administration aligns with the constitutional responsibilities of Congress to declare war, authorize military funding, and provide oversight of the executive branch's use of military force. It reflects a commitment to ensuring that decisions to deploy troops are subject to ongoing review and accountability, rather than being left solely to the discretion of the executive branch.

In conclusion, Edward Kennedy's quote encapsulates a balanced perspective on the support of troops and the need for accountability in military decision-making. It emphasizes the distinction between honoring the service of military personnel and critically evaluating the policies and strategies that dictate their deployment. By advocating for clear benchmarks and reporting requirements, the quote underscores the importance of transparency and oversight in ensuring that military interventions are conducted with clear objectives and subject to ongoing evaluation. This nuanced approach reflects the complex dynamics of military support and oversight within the broader framework of democratic governance and foreign policy.