Posted on 08/19/2007 6:28:06 AM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion
Kerry was a war hero (I have not been awarded the Silver Star - have you?). Some have disputed the exact circumstances of his service, but the fact is that the military recognized him as a war hero at the time. My sarcasm dealt with the fact that he continually put that out as if it overcame the disgraceful conduct he has engaged in since that time. Many war heroes become bums later. Some conservative war heroes become bums later (Duke Cunningham comes to mind). That is why serving in the military is not a qualification to be President - honorable service only says that you did something right at one time in your life.
My dispute with your main point is that being CIC does not require service. CIC is a policy position, not a position that "runs" the military. The military "runs" the military, within the policy constraints put on it by civilian leadership. The question is not whether Mitt or any of his sons served. The question is whether Mitt would put forward policies that would keep the military strong enough to protect this country against all enemies foreign and domestic. I am not yet sure about that, but I have no qualms about his or his son's lack of service.
Is that clear enough for you?
If you can prove he was ‘awarded’ the Silver Star, I will bow to your expertise.
I do.
I agree that military service is not, and should not be, a qualification for President. History shows that great military leaders are not always good Presidents, and great Presidents have sometimes not served.
But a President is more than a policy wonk. He's a leader of his people. If he's asking them to sacrifice their sons - as he might have to do - then he better be willing to make the sacrifice himself.
It won't do to say that they are adults, capable of making their own decisions. They are members of a society as well as individuals, and children of their father.
“Kerry was a war hero “
Tell that to the Swift Boat Vets.
btw, the Swift Boat Vets are supporting DUNCAN HUNTER.
And how appropriate - heroes helping heroes.
I didn’t bring Kerry up. But I can understand you not wanting to debate someone being give a Silver Star for beaching his boat in front of enemy gunners.
>>>My point was that service in the military is not a pre-requisite to be President,
I never said it was a pre-requisite.
Some RAT tried this with ambush interviews at a College Republican convention and then put it on Youtube. Unbelievable. They will stop at nothing to undermine morale.
Calpernia, you make me tired. First you ask that I "prove" Kerry was awarded a Silver Star, then you show that you already knew the circumstances. I didn't award it to him. I also didn't bring Kerry up in response to you.
I never said it was a pre-requisite.
No, you said:It is insane for people to think that no prior military experience is ok for the position to run the military.
You might not have used the word pre-requisite, but lack of insanity seems to be a pre-requisite
I’m not the one comparing an anti war protester to a hero. Pot meet kettle.
Listen to the no-nonsense conversation with DUNCAN HUNTER including WOT, borders, China’s cheating with trade, socialized medicine, aka universal health care (he is against it), etc.
After listening to him, compare him with other candidates, and I don’t think you’ll find any other candidate who is NEARLY as astute on ALL of the issues.
Click on the video at below link, and listen while you post and surf:
http://www.koat.com/politics/11847228/detail.html#
placemarker
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