When I posted the news that Kent Greenough was running for the 4th District seat of Tennessee (reported here: Another Politician I May be able to Endorse- US Marine Runs for Congress ), I was a bit surprised with some of the responses in the Regional Paper:
One die-hard democrat that purports to be a Veteran said:
"Since 1921 there has been only 2 Republican's holding the 4th congressional district seat, versus 7 Democrats." FW
And pointing out his wife's Marine MOS as if this were somehow a negative while implying it was Kent's MOS:
"Later that summer, he married Janis Price, also a Marine officer, then serving at MCAS El Toro as the weather services officer." FW
and "Is serving in the military now a prerequisite?"
"What kind of threats did Kent Greenough encounter while serving as a weather services officer?"
Clearly that one has some reading comprehension issues but he did correct himself later.
This response was a bit more interesting and surprising considering the source:
"Lincoln Davis is a piece of crap. Anyone would be better than him. " EJ
But this is the question that I must answer here (by one that often displays the French Flag of Surrender as an avatar):
"Does he have any qualifications other than being a former Marine? " and "I'm all for hiring veterans, but that alone doen't make one qualified for office." IGU
Well, no, it's not a prerequisite for elected office, nor as Jack Murtha demonstrates does it guarantee patriotism, or good judgement. (Murtha has EARNED the title EX-marine, which is not awarded easily.)
So, why should Military Service be considered when looking at Candidates for Political Office? Those that serve honorably have done more in 4 years than most of their civilian peers do in 16. They (generally) come away with a "Can Do" attitude that looks for Solutions rather than someone else to blame. The Military builds the values of Selfless Service, Integrity, and Resolve. It creates the realization that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.
One generally does not have to look far to find Successful Veterans. Though Veterans are a shrinking portion of our population, they continue to excel in post military life. Military Life demonstrates a willingness to stand up for Honor and those weaker than ourselves.
Not every Veteran has been afforded to prove themselves in a Medal of Honor situation, but they've proven that they're willing to put themselves into that situation. Whether a Clerk during Peacetime or a US Navy Seal in years of Close Combat, our Veterans have proven that they are willing to risk all in a greater cause than themselves.
But, no, Veteran Status alone is not sufficient to prove them worthy of Office. It is however a good indicator of the type of person they have become. The Military also has within it whiners and complainers, lazy bums that see political expediency in dishonoring their name and those that are more interested in getting by and getting out than serving their Nation. We've seen them in the likes of the IVAW and VVAW but the numbers demonstrate their minority. They are outnumbered 20:1 by the Honorable.
And while I'm more impressed with a Steve Russell type that served in combat, leading Men in life and death to Victory than a Kent Greenough that served honorably during peacetime, I recognize that each has done more than 85% of our Nation's Citizens.
No one can ever take away the Honor proven by Marcus Luttrell, David Bellavia, John McCain or Steve Russell, but Kent Greenough has also demonstrated his willingness to be proven, even if he weren't asked to do so in Combat. And his post Military record proves my point of why it benefits businesses to hire our Veterans! And when combined with his Military record demonstrates why we should lean towards our Veterans when they run for Congress.
Stumble It!
