[quidnunc]

Alberta's Child wrote: You might want to do a little research into Mr. Perle's checkered past in various positions in the U.S. government. It might go a long way toward explaining why he functioned in an "advisory" role instead of as a Defense Department employee -- which makes me question the mental stability of someone who would allow him any say in U.S. government policy.

Perle's past ic checkered only in the eyes of the lunatic fringe on the left and on the right.

[Alberta's Child]

Sure it is.

While he was serving in the Reagan administration in the 1980s, his most ardent critic was Republican Senator Jeremiah Denton of Alabama, a retired Navy admiral (the only former Navy admiral ever to be elected to the U.S. Senate, I believe) whose seven years in a North Vietnam POW camp are chronicled in his autobiography When Hell was in Session.

After doing some research on Richard Perle's career, I've speculated that he was functioning in a capacity as an "unpaid advisor" to the U.S. Defense Department because there was no way in hell he could obtain the security clearances required for an appointed position at the Pentagon. Think about the implications of that one for a minute or two.

You can call me whatever the hell you want, but I am certainly not a part of any "lunatic fringe."

[westerfield]

Perle's past ic checkered only in the eyes of the lunatic fringe on the left and on the right.

Perle was caught by an FBI wiretap on the Israeli Embassy diclosing classified information supplied by someone on the NSC. Why he was given a slap on the wrist and never prosecuted for this crime is beyond me.

[Alberta's Child]

I would also point out that in my opinion, Denton's credentials on issues of national defense were impeccable. Lest you think he was part of a "lunatic fringe," I'll offer his record of military commendations for your review:

* Defense Department Distinguished Service Medal
* Navy Cross
* Navy Distinguished Service Medal
* Silver Star (awarded three times)
* Bronze Star (awarded five times)
* Distinguished Flying Cross
* Air Medal (awarded twice)
* Purple Hearts (two)
* Combat Action Ribbon
* Navy Unit Commendation

Now compare this to the combined military credentials for all those @ssholes Westerfield listed in Post #7.