Most Congressmen haven't worn uniform

By JAMES W. CRAWLEY
Media General News Service
Sunday, February 4, 2007

WASHINGTON - As Congress debates the war in Iraq, the Senate and House are short on experience - military experience.

Only 29 senators and 23 percent of House members today have ever worn a uniform. Those are the lowest percentages since World War II.

Only 130 of the 535 senators and representatives in the recently-seated 110th Congress served on active duty or in the reserves of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard, a review by Media General News Service has found.

It's the lowest number since World War II, when 196 veterans served on the Hill in 1945.

The ranks of veterans in the House peaked at 317 in 1973. In the Senate, 78 senators were vets in 1977.

Of the seven Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who ran for Congress last November, only three won.

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http://journals.democraticunderground.com/bigtree

Most do not seem to even understand that and it is where I get my madness up on this group. Killing people seems to be something that does not ring a bell with them. Oh the whole I would say military people believe problems can be fixed by war. That is why they are in the military in the first place, as force is their thing. Force to get something you want seems to have always been with us. I am sure you will find the type in Congress just as high as the general pop. It is just how some people think. I do not think most of the general pop. has had a uniform on either.

If you have never been in the military and believe in diplomacy instead of shooting first and asking questions later, then it is a good thing. You can always get expert opinion from those who are to be trusted.

If you are a warmonger, then there is a problem. You like to kill from a distance, risking some other person's life. You have no idea of what being in a war is like and you really don't care, it's not you carrying a gun and being shot at. JMHO after another sleepless night.

A question: Does knowing that John McCain was in the military and is now in congress make you feel safer?

and to give all consideration to whatever effects it may have, as you have with your observation.

I would say that it does seem to be reflected in the willingness of the past Congress to keep soldiers in a political situation with a mandate far outside of any traditional use of our nation's defenders and defenses.

McCain is being transparently dishonest about his support for the occupation. Jim Webb gives me a measure of confidence. John Tester. Jack Murtha . . .

their own personal agenda. Military experience might be good to have to understand the military situation, but unless you truly care more about your country and its people than you care about your own ambitions, then it don't mean a thing. McCain has become what destroyed him.

Maybe three hrs of sleep are not enough to unscramble a brain. Hope this post makes some sense to someone.

Seems like Repugs always have "other priorities".