Veterans Day
Today is the Marine Corps's birthday. Semper Fi, since 1775.
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. Happy Veterans Day and thanks, veterans. The NY Times has an interesting piece, which points out what I have seen a few places: this election marks the fifth time in a row that a war veteran has been defeated in a U.S. presidential race.
Obama over McCain, the non-veteran over the Vietnam fighter pilot and POW.
Bush over Kerry, the draft-dodging Air National Guardsman (thanks, Poppy) over the Vietnam veteran.
Bush over Gore, the draft-dodging Air National Guardsman (thanks, Poppy) over the Vietnam veteran (combat reporter).
Clinton over Dole, the draft-dodger over the World War II fighter pilot.
Clinton over George H.W. Bush, the draft-dodger over another World War II fighter pilot.
So does it matter? Is combat experience necessary to be commander in chief? How important is it? Not much, apparently. I say that without bitterness or malice. We aren't Turkey, after all. A CINC does have more credibility, more legitimacy, with a military background. For example, I heard stories that before Clinton spoke to military audiences, the crowd had to be briefed beforehand that they should be polite and remember that he was the CINC and therefore deserved their respect. That's pretty sad.
Then again, chickenhawk Dick "five draft deferments" Cheney reportedly gets a lot of applause from military audience. Maybe it's more about perceptions.
Anyway, thanks again, veterans. Happy Birthday, Marines. Sorry you couldn't make this year's birthday ball, Dad.
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. Happy Veterans Day and thanks, veterans. The NY Times has an interesting piece, which points out what I have seen a few places: this election marks the fifth time in a row that a war veteran has been defeated in a U.S. presidential race.
Obama over McCain, the non-veteran over the Vietnam fighter pilot and POW.
Bush over Kerry, the draft-dodging Air National Guardsman (thanks, Poppy) over the Vietnam veteran.
Bush over Gore, the draft-dodging Air National Guardsman (thanks, Poppy) over the Vietnam veteran (combat reporter).
Clinton over Dole, the draft-dodger over the World War II fighter pilot.
Clinton over George H.W. Bush, the draft-dodger over another World War II fighter pilot.
So does it matter? Is combat experience necessary to be commander in chief? How important is it? Not much, apparently. I say that without bitterness or malice. We aren't Turkey, after all. A CINC does have more credibility, more legitimacy, with a military background. For example, I heard stories that before Clinton spoke to military audiences, the crowd had to be briefed beforehand that they should be polite and remember that he was the CINC and therefore deserved their respect. That's pretty sad.
Then again, chickenhawk Dick "five draft deferments" Cheney reportedly gets a lot of applause from military audience. Maybe it's more about perceptions.
Anyway, thanks again, veterans. Happy Birthday, Marines. Sorry you couldn't make this year's birthday ball, Dad.
posted by bp at
10:46 PM
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