THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 15, 1995 TAG: 9511150015
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Francis Nugent (letter, Nov. 6) suggests that we should never elect a military man to the presidency.
For clarity's sake, I would first ask for Senior Chief Nugent's definition of a military man. Is it any military veteran? That description would fit almost two out of three of our presidents - and except for the draft-dodging incumbent, every president since FDR.
Should we restrict this rule of thumb to career military men? If so, why mention Teddy Roosevelt, a career politician whose entire military experience consisted of one summer's exploits? Or Jimmy Carter, who saw token service in junior-officer assignments.
Senior Chief Nugent's remaining two examples qualify as career military men. Ulysses S. Grant's political performance would receive a failing grade by any standards.
On the other hand, history has been kind to the Eisenhower presidency. The American people re-elected him in a landslide. And what of the other eight former generals to occupy the Oval Office? Do they not warrant consideration?
I would counsel against using military service as a disqualifier in choosing a president or other such litmus test. Instead, we should base our vote on relevant criteria such as platform, grasp of the issues, leadership ability and integrity.
ROBERT L. BOYCE
Virginia Beach, Nov. 8, 1995 by CNB