Military leaders

Watching the GOP Convention I was struck by the emphasis on military connections. McCain of course, a military hero from generations of soldiers. But also Palin; her ties to the military were emphasized.



Now, I am not opposed to the military -- I signed on to the Reserve myself out of a sense of duty (and yes adventure).



But civil leadership is a central feature of America's government and while a military background is not bad it's hard to see why it's necessary.



Unless, perhaps, a military background will give a sense of what force cannot do.



Maybe a nation at war needs a Commander in Chief who knows the military first hand.



Perhaps President Bush believed in 'Mission Accomplished' because he didn't have the first hand experience needed to know when, and when not, a situation is in hand?



If this is true then whither Canada? We are at war as well. And a nasty war too -- I support the mission but Afghanistan is no picnic. Perhaps we have been lucky in having leaders (of both Parties) who are modest and recognize, even without military background, the limits on force.