Opinion

Military service and the president

Posted January 08, 2019 12:00 am

Regarding the missive published Dec. 31 by James D. Cook, who seems to be not a fan of president Trump, may I respond?

Mr. Cook states that more than 60 years ago when in the military in Europe he witnessed the fall of Nazism and the rise of communism.

He then expresses being astounded by the Republican Party nominating a "virtual draft dodger" (G.W. Bush) in 2000. (Not true. Bush was a fighter pilot in the reserves).

He states Mr. Trump avoided military service by fake diagnosis by his doctor. The military branches have their own doctors to examine possible inductees.

Military service has no bearing on the ability to be president. Jimmie Carter - excellent military career, bad president. Bill Clinton, "virtual draft dodger" - Many think he was a fairly good president.

Being a veteran doesn't make one a good person either. Many of my comrades in World War II were bigots and racists, just like today.

Mr. Cook states, "We now have a president who embraces tyrannical ideologies." I wish I was smart enough to know what he means by that.

Perhaps some other Trump-basher can explain it.

Gene Maril

Arlington Heights

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