I finally got it. I'm shocked I didn't get it before, but I've been a touch busy, so I can be forgiven, I suppose. I'm also remembering McCain's political career and tend to think of the military as "something he did once," much like it is for... you know, every veteran I know.
McCain is a soldier. He's not a statesman, he's not a politician, he's a soldier. He can follow orders and he REALLY wants to get promoted, as well wanting to complete the mission, That's his primary skillset. On top of that, he's an old soldier. Iraq is Vietnam, Afghanistan has no equivalent so it doesn't exist, and the Cold War with the Russians is still ongoing -- oh, and let's not forget the impending Israeli Holocaust he's determined to prevent.
There's a lot to be learned from the past, but the most valuable lesson is how to evaluate a situation, apply it to the present, and then leave the battles -- lost or won -- in the past. You don't relive them. You evaluate each enemy on their own merit (or threat). Listening to him, it was like the Berlin Wall never fell -- and having grown up in those years, I won't make my kids go back to them.
Besides, McCain Godwin'd the debate. That means Obama wins by default, right? :)
McCain is a soldier. He's not a statesman, he's not a politician, he's a soldier. He can follow orders and he REALLY wants to get promoted, as well wanting to complete the mission, That's his primary skillset. On top of that, he's an old soldier. Iraq is Vietnam, Afghanistan has no equivalent so it doesn't exist, and the Cold War with the Russians is still ongoing -- oh, and let's not forget the impending Israeli Holocaust he's determined to prevent.
There's a lot to be learned from the past, but the most valuable lesson is how to evaluate a situation, apply it to the present, and then leave the battles -- lost or won -- in the past. You don't relive them. You evaluate each enemy on their own merit (or threat). Listening to him, it was like the Berlin Wall never fell -- and having grown up in those years, I won't make my kids go back to them.
Besides, McCain Godwin'd the debate. That means Obama wins by default, right? :)
no subject
Date: 2008-09-27 04:38 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2008-09-27 05:48 am (UTC)From:And there I was afraid I was going to lose that bet and McCain pulls it out at the last second. SCORE!
Mostest favorite part, post debate: Brian Williams interviews Joe Biden, then explains that they invited the Republican VP candidate to also speak, but the GOP declined. They're terrified to let her speak in an uncontrolled situation. SCORE!
no subject
Date: 2008-09-28 01:54 am (UTC)From:Didja notice that McCain consistantly told "good ol' boy" stories instead of really discussing issues? Stories and stories....in the past. Not the future of of what he'd do in the future.