Sons/daughters of the "rich" and politicians in military?

[Susannah]

Some liberal friends like to tell me about how the "rich" and politicians kids always escape military service/wars.

I would like some examples to disprove this.

[Mr.Clark]

So are your friends saying liberal politicians are elitist as well?

[TheDon]

Al Gore? LOL!

[Welsh Rabbit]

Since we've had an all volunteer military for quite some time, I don't even see how it's an issue now. I can understand how someone with more lucrative opportunities might not want to go into the military. Ask your lib friends why they haven't volunteered for service.

[oldironsides]

What do you want to know? Honorable service and worried parents cross all tax brackets. I know.

[Iscool]

Hmmm...Kind of a short list you've got going here...

[Servant of the Nine]

If they are Liberals, they are not really your friends.
When the chips are down they will turn on you.

So9

[JoeFromSidney]

There was a study done of people who served in Vietnam. I used to have a copy. I don't know if it's still around. In any case, the study concluded that men from "wealthy" communities served to the same extent as did those in "poor" communities.

I recall that during the Vietnam war liberal politicians condemned those like me who had college deferments. We were the alleged "rich" who were escaping the draft. Neither I nor any of my college friends were rich. Moreover, a significant number of us went on to serve full careers in the military. At my college class's 50th reunion earlier this summer, I was surprised to find how many of my classmates had entered the Air Force the same time I did, and retired about the same time I did.

It's simply not true that the "poor" are disproprtionately represented in the military. Most of the "poor" are rejected for health or education reasons.

[lilylangtree]

Al Gore, Jr., Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez for starters.

[jocon307]

Well, the only ones I can think of are JFK and his brother Joe, Jr. who was killed in service; also a descendant of Teddy Roosevelt was part of the invasion of Normandy I believe.

There was also a piece that appeared earlier this year, I think about an upper-class type fellow whose son was going into the military. I know that's not much to go on, but maybe others will remember it in more detail. It was rather good as I recall. I think the author may have been a college professor or somesuch.

[liberallarry]

The rich, famous, and well-connected can always escape military service or - more telling - dangerous military service if they want to.

They don't always want to. Some families and individuals see a need to be honorable, to test their courage, to serve their country.

Most famous are the Kennedys and Bushes during WWII...and Theodore Roosevelt a half-century earlier. Although I'm not current I'm sure the tradition continues.

Beware, though that you will not find exactly what you're looking for. Honorable behavior and strong character do not follow party lines or ideology. Take a look at which movie people exposed themselves to danger during WWII and which didn't - keeping in mind that it was their choice.

[Archangelsk]

George S. Patton III came from a wealthy California family.

[Welsh Rabbit]

His son went on to become a distinguished general as well.

[liberallarry]

I remember that piece - the son of two professors who had been anti-war activists in the Viet Nam era and were against our current policies...but they whole-heartedly supported their son's choice, despite their fears.

[liberallarry]

And there were the MacArthurs.

[Sam Cree]

Bill Clinton is an example of a non wealthy leftist who avoided military service.

[lonestar]

Well, the only ones I can think of are JFK and his brother Joe, Jr. who was killed in service; also a descendant of Teddy Roosevelt was part of the invasion of Normandy I believe.

Don't forget GHW Bush; the youngest Naval flyer in WWII.

You have named some well-known men who served in the military. There are probably thousands from "rich" families who are not celebrties or well-known.

Remember, to a Liberal a "rich" person is one who has two nickels to rub together--an entire different meaning than to conservatives.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

I heard of this guy, George Walker Bush. He was in the National Guard and flew jets. His dad became the president of the united states, and come to think of it, so did he.

[KayEyeDoubleDee]

This is very serious topic which gets to the heart of many lies perpetuated about the wealthy and conservatives. The idea that you would move it to chat is absolutely preposterous.

[CholeraJoe]

Click my profile. My family wasn't "rich" in monetary terms but for the last 7 generations we've defended this great nation. None were conscripted. All volunteered. That has translated into intangible and phenomenal wealth for the entire extended family.