Premier Issue

Good day to you. This is my first of what I hope is many more blogs. Let me introduce myself, over and beyond what you see in the sidebar. I attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated before there was an Air Force Academy and they were asking for volunteers. Having watched my father spend 20 years at sea during 30 years of service it seemed to me that the Air Force's offer of becoming a fighter pilot for them was a wise choice. But even so, for me military service was not a job, not a profession, but a calling. Joining the Air Force (or any branch) was akin to becoming a priest but, thank goodness without the vow of celibacy but, in the early 50's, certainly included poverty! But on to other things.

I am fascinated by the election process this year. We treasure free speech and yet we hear about how terrible what is being said by various folks. But a quick review of history reveals that such sentiments are not new in the slightest. Almost every election is preceded by strong words and factional speech. It is really simply that we are far more aware of it thanks to such things as Blogs!

As you would expect I am not charmed by either Clinton or Obama. Clinton for her cheesy ethics and sense of entitlement, Obama for his very limited experience (He has voted "present" so many times on difficult questions that there is no there there as far as his positions are concerned.)

McCain is going to be my choice but I am not heartily in his camp even though we are USNA classmates. He has risen high but I remember what he was like back when we knew we knew all the answers but could barely contain our jejune approach to life. I do believe that he is the correct leader for us at this time. Please bear in mind that a President leads but cannot fully control the process. In other words, when the economy is great the President gets the credit, incorrectly, and when it goes bad he gets the credit too, again incorrectly. The same applies to foreign policy. But the President must voice the direction we are to follow, gather us together and make us aware of what must be done. I turn to my mentor Sun Tzu: "It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on."

I look forward to your comments.