Judging from my email, there are many, many people (especially Texans) out there who endorse the Certsian Philosophy of the documents controversy: the memos are forgeries AND George Bush got preferential treatment in getting into the Air National Guard. Reader…

[Via Dynamist Blog] This episode has been kind of funny to me. I am almost the same age as the presidential candidates and as a result I dealt with these questions at a personal level. My father graduated from West Point and my godfather was a general in the army at that time. Although my father and I did not discuss this subject at length, it was my understanding that he and his friends were willing and able to do their best to see that I got a good assignment if drafted. If I desired to enlist or enroll in the military academy they could do much more. Since the war was winding down at that time the appropiate strategy was to take your chances in the draft lottery. The odds were in my favor that I would not be drafted. Still when I look back at these events I know that I would not turn down my father's help. I might be a little embarrassed about it but I am a pragmatic guy. I would be a reluctant warrior. So it is not hard for me to believe Bush and Kerry were also reluctant warriors. They each tried to work the system to their advantage. I find no shame in their actions. Actually I would be more concerned if they were gung ho. The penalties for those who do not respect war are severe.