Regardless of how it happened, it seems likely it was a favor. The question is: could a reaonsable person assume that Bush went into the Guard because he wanted to serve, wanted a career in the military, or wanted to avoid Vietnam? This question also divides us. Given Bush's checkered youth, I believe it slants to the latter.
Was draft dodging a bad thing? Obviously, Democrats don't think so; many think it was a legitimate means of protest. Republicans seem to see it as avoidance of service. So, as a Democrat, my problem is not that Bush may have avoided service; it is that he is attempting to hide it, to appease his base. It is hypocritical, and a sign of a moral liar. Same as Clinton? Maybe, in different areas. But, as Clinton has admitted his weakness, I think Bush should also... |
