Steamd

Recently, I went back and started reading some old Iron Man comics in preparation for the new movie. In the process, I stumbled across a Captain America story that I think has great relevance to today. Written in 1987, the story is about a time when the United States government put together a commission to investigate the contract of Captain America. In a nutshell, they mandated that Captain America abide by the terms of his contract. In the end, Steve Rogers (aka Captain America) refused.

So the question is: What if there were a Captain America today? What would the stipulations of his contract be? Here’s how some of it might read:

1. He would be a financed creation of the United States government.
2. As a volunteer, he would have signed a contract stipulating that he serve his country in an official capacity until the President relieves him of duty.
3. As a symbol of fighting America, he would agree to serve his country as an official mascot.
4. His uniform, shield, and the very name of Captain America would be the property of the United States government.
5. He would be an employee and the property of the United States and would be required to follow the orders of his superiors.

Now, knowing the kind of hero Captain America is and the ideals he holds, imagine if the government ordered him to serve in Iraq. Would he do it? Or would he do what he did in this story and turn in his uniform and shield? Given the circumstances of Iraq, the war profiteering, the lack of accountability, the lies, I think Steve Rogers would refuse.

In my opinion, if there were truly a Captain America today he would embody that which is true patriotism. He would be more than the colors of his uniform or the symbol of America on his chest. To ask him to do anything that goes against the nature of his patriotism would go against what this country is all about.

Here’s what he said to the commission at the end of the issue:

(Note: the 40-year old document he’s referring to is the original contract he signed back in the 1940’s)

“Gentlemen, I have given the matter we discussed yesterday a great deal of thought, and I regret to say that in all good conscience I cannot accept your conditions of employment.

“Captain America was created to be a mere soldier, but I have made him far more than that. To return to being a mere soldier would be a betrayal of all I’ve striven for, for the better part of my career. To serve the country your way, I would have to give up my personal freedom and place myself in a position where I might have to compromise my ideals to obey your orders.

“I cannot represent the American government; the President does that. I must represent the American people. I represent the American dream, the freedom to strive to become all that you dream of being.

“Being Captain America has been my American dream. To be come what you want me to be, I would have to compromise that dream…abandon what I have come to stand for.

“My commitment to the ideals of this country is greater than my commitment to a 40-year old document. I am sorry but that’s the way it must be.

“Gentlemen, I believe these are yours.”

And at that, he turns in his uniform and shield.

This story really brings it all into perspective. Read it and you’ll understand:

Factor military duty into criticism

Regardless of how you may feel about him, there’s no denying that Reverend Jeremiah Wright is a true patriot and has served his country well. Anyone who says otherwise obviously doesn’t know what the word patriotism really means.