CNN: Hagel's Retirement a Blow to GOP Senate Prospects
CNN: Hagel’s Retirement a Blow to GOP Senate Prospects
I have two comments to add to CNN’s analysis.
First, I am disappointed to see Hagel leave. He is a rare and valuable commodity among members of the Congress. The most obvious is that he is someone who acts based on his own belief, not on what he is told to believe (especially in the Republican Party). The Stepford Wives lockstep Republican Party discipline is part of what has this country in the difficulties it finds itself in.
More rare still is that Hagel is one of the few members of Congress who has actual military experience. The last figure I saw had the number of members with any military service at all at 24%. The number with actual combat experience is even lower than that, and Hagel is one of those few.
Now, why does this matter? Consider this. Think of the major college sports conferences in this country: Big Ten, Southeast Conference, Big XII, and PAC 10. Would you hire a head football or basketball coach at one of those schools if somewhere in their background they had not successfully played that sport at some level in their history? The answer is no, isn’t it? Why? Because you want someone leading your program who has some idea of what it’s like to be down where the rubber meets the road.
Now think about Congress. What’s different about being an elected official at the Federal level as opposed to State and Local Levels? Answer: You must supervise this nation’s National Defense. So, don’t you think that a serious consideration of a candidate’s qualifications should include their national defense experience? I’m not saying all members of Congress should have served in the military, but it should figure prominently. Keep that in mind as the primary elections come closer.
Here is the link to the article.
Oh, and don’t worry about Hagel’s future. Regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is elected, expect his name to be floated for Secretary of State or Defense in 2009.
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