Gore’s father was a Senator. McCain’s father was an Admiral, and that could have gotten him released from a tortuous VC prison, except for his sense of honor. I am no fan of McCain but he, at least, had honor. Gore, sir, had no honor. His behavior was not as despicable as Kerry’s, but without honor all the same.
He had a cushy job, in a secure base, with a bodyguard, and got out earlier than early release.
I served 6 years 9 month and 3 days in the US Army. 4 years of that was with the Infantry in Germany. The last 3+ years was stateside at an easy desk job.
Was my service without honor?
I think there was honor in my service. My nation called and I went and I did my job. Just as there were guys who did 2 years in an “easy” stateside job and never went over seas when I was in. But they answered the call. They raised there hand and they went.
I have never heard Gore complain about his service. I have never heard him disparage those who serve. Till then, I will grant him the honors of answering this nation’s call.
I may not agree with his environmental views or his politics. But he served and unless he was discharged under something other than an “honorable discharge”, I will give him the respect for that service. Especially when so many others dodged the draft and did not go and did not answer the call.
Not everyone has the internal fortitude to be an infantry man. Not everyone has the endurance to be a hero during their captivity. Not everyone can be brave in the face of the enemy. But everyone can serve, even in some small way; in their own way and this is what Gore did.
I wish more of this nation’s citizens would have the courage to do that much today.