In 1993, President Bill Clinton spoke at the Vietnam War Memorial. A large group of Vietnam War veterans were in attendance. As soon as the President began speaking, they stood up and turned their backs.
I agreed. Every man who dodges the draft lets another man serve, and possibly die, in his place. I have never voted for a draft dodger. Which means since 1992, my only choice has been the candidate who served, or was too young to be drafted.
In 2008, I had a choice. I could have voted for either candidate. I chose the one who did not have Sarah Palin for a running mate.
Every other year I voted for the honorable man or woman regardless of party. There was only one.
Today the veteran and Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg called out President Trump as a draft dodger. He was right to do this and brave. Whether he wins the nomination or not, Mayor Pete is the best candidate in my opinion. Here is the video.
So Mayor Pete and I agree that a man who dodged the draft, who let another man service and maybe die, is not fit to be Commander in Chief. We think it is a matter of honor.
On Memorial Day, my son Nigel and I will go and visit the grave of Major Dick Winters--the soldier that I admire most for his service and his life.
And yet, the vast majority of Vietnam War veterans, men who were despised by draft dodgers, support the current President. The same men who despised Bill Clinton cheer the sleazy billionaire who said his Vietnam was avoiding STDs. If they saw draft dodging as a matter of honor, they could not have voted for the man who could not remember which foot had bones spurs.
Some civilians ask me about honor in the military. I answered more confidently before 2016, now I have to say we soldiers are just like everyone else. The best of us are amazing, the rest of us are just people.
