I would still need much more proof that something was wrong, before I would worry about this. Yes, I agree that serving in the armed forces is a solemn responsibility, and that once someone gives their word to do something, that whether or not they keep their word is important.

But the concept of AWOL-ness has flexibility to it, which is why I bring up the school-cutting analogy. It could mean disappearing without notice from serious required duty, or it could mean getting caught in a paperwork SNAFU. I served six years in the USAF myself, and I think I was probably AWOL at one point or another, because of communications mixups. So I'd talk to my supervisor, we'd figure out what went wrong, and life went on. Even if true, AWOL doesn't necessarily mean prison-time.

Like Bush said, he got an honorable discharge from the military. If there would have been a serious problem back then, he would not have received an honorable discharge.

And again, this was thirty years ago, and he's been through multiple investigations since then, including running for governor, and when he ran against Gore. If there would have been a serious problem, it would have come up in that process.

Just because someone is accused of something, doesn't mean that it should be taken seriously. Especially in an election year, when all kinds of unfounded and hyperbolic accusations are made on a routine basis. And trying to drag up something this vague, that happened decades ago, before the man was even in office, and *especially* without proof, still just strikes me as silly.

inignoct wrote:
] Elonka wrote:
] ] To be honest, even if it was true (and I don't believe it
] is),
] ] it wouldn't have an impact on my opinion. Someone cut
] school
] ] for a day? Big whoop.
]
] [ With all due respect, this isn't about skipping school.
] It's about reneging on a sworn promise to serve in the United
] States Armed Forces. If this is true, it means that the
] President is a man who couldn't find it in himself to commit
] fully to the National Guard, an honorable position that
] nonetheless was a gift from god compared with fighting in a
] foreign war. For such a man to talk to *anyone* about
] patriotism, honor, or duty, much less command this generation
] of soldiers to wage war is outrageous.
]
] I'm as skeptical as anyone about this situation... it seems
] to me like much ado without much data, but it's not about
] nothing. If it comes out as fact, then we're talking about
] hypocracy of the worst sort -- the kind in which people die
] under orders from a false leader. If it comes out to be
] nothing, then we can reprimand the accusers, demand their
] apology, and then move on. But to claim it's unimportant is
] completely absurd and does a disservice to those who don't
] equivocate their dedication to the oaths they take. -k]

I totally agree with k's analysis. It is all symptomatic of a larger problem. I see all kinds of opinions across memestreams concerning politics, but there is something to be said about the general character of a politician. And the American people need to see this man for the [insert various stories of impropriety concerning the President here] kind of person he is. [Here is where I cut myself off from the rant.] And the same goes for any political candidate. Because you know if Dean were the nominee, the Repubs would be going after him for his medical discharge.

I am no fan of the Bushes but it doesn't seem like a major issue to me. It has been accnowledged that W was a child of privilege, that he got into Yale based on his legacy status and not on grades. His Dad was Gov of Texas and Head of the CIA. Does anyone think that the wheels didn't get greased somewhere along the way? Come on!

I think we expect an unrealistic amount of purity from our leaders. Bill Clinton had his women thing, so W got out of his reserve time. I'd rather we focus on the web of connections between the Pres, his Cabinet and the oil industry, THAT might have some impact on his choices as President.

There is no one so pure that there is no inconsistency in their life by the time they are 60.(Even Jimmy C. admitted "lusting in his heart", which was out of bounds for him) If you have lived a life so within the box that no one can find fault, well, I don't think you have the flexibility and mental reliance to be our Leader.

inignoct wrote:
] Elonka wrote:
] ] To be honest, even if it was true (and I don't believe it
] is),
] ] it wouldn't have an impact on my opinion. Someone cut
] school
] ] for a day? Big whoop.
]
] [ With all due respect, this isn't about skipping school.
] It's about reneging on a sworn promise to serve in the United
] States Armed Forces. If this is true, it means that the
] President is a man who couldn't find it in himself to commit
] fully to the National Guard, an honorable position that
] nonetheless was a gift from god compared with fighting in a
] foreign war. For such a man to talk to *anyone* about
] patriotism, honor, or duty, much less command this generation
] of soldiers to wage war is outrageous.
]
] I'm as skeptical as anyone about this situation... it seems
] to me like much ado without much data, but it's not about
] nothing. If it comes out as fact, then we're talking about
] hypocracy of the worst sort -- the kind in which people die
] under orders from a false leader. If it comes out to be
] nothing, then we can reprimand the accusers, demand their
] apology, and then move on. But to claim it's unimportant is
] completely absurd and does a disservice to those who don't
] equivocate their dedication to the oaths they take. -k]

The repubs lambaseded Clinton as a "draft dodger" then crucifided him for becoming commander in chief. Turn-a-bout is fair play.

Kids - don't believe what the history books tell you. Go ask someone - ANYone that served in 'Nam. They will tell you someone drafted into the Guard dodged the draft as well, because you had to have big political connections to get into the guard.

Now if W not only got favored into the NG because of daddys political connections, but went AWOL for an extended period of time, we have a SERIOUS problem...

LB