Published: June 25, 2008 09:10 am            

Letter to the editor 6-25

Response to call

for a commander

To the Editor:

This is in response to a recent letter to the editor title Constitution calls for a commander.”

Let’s take a close look at John McCain’s life.

It is my understanding that John is the third generation professional military person in his family with officer status. In other words, that was three generations of a family that was looked after and cared for by the U.S. military. They knew where their next meal was coming from. Their children automatically had an opportunity to apply to one of the military academies.

I do not know what rank John reached before retirement. However, considering his class rank, I would guess that if he kept a clean record, did his duty, then he would be elevated to the rank of commander in 20 years.

The writer seems to emphasize Mr. McCain’s heroics in Vietnam. As a veteran of World War II, I will never degenerate the heroic efforts of anyone. I will always respect John as a man who faced the enemy with great courage and strength.

However, heroes do not necessarily make the best presidents. Following the Civil War, General Grant was elected president. History records that Grant’s term of office was not successful. His achievements were the lowest ever.

The writer used the term “elitist” and I’m not sure what he intended this word to convey. But I will tell you this: I want the smartest people we can get in the White House. Especially those who have worked with and for the common man!

Remember that President Eisenhower warned us about the military industrial complex and its negative influence.

Certainly President Bush has given us an eight-year dinner hour with that “complex” as host. Do we want a continuance?

John is a good ole salt. Let’s get him and “sand skimmer” and turn him loose on the Arizona desert.

George R. Stultz

Plainfield

        

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