>>Why is "patriotic" put in quotation marks?
I assumed it was the word Alexander used, hence the author put it in quotes. I don't understand your suspicion - left-wing media?
This whole thing stinks. First, they have a guy (Eres) who earned his stars as a real estate and development attorney. He resigns in shame, and Alexander now praises him as he vies for the top job. Alexander's specialty is property management and federal funding issues.
Why do I get the idea these appointments have everything to do with land, base closures and development and little or nothing to do with choosing the best leader to react in the event of a crisis or emergency?
I share your feelings about this. Since the 1600's we've had a problem with state military positions that are filled like any other patronage jobs.
Even now, with the Guard being used more and more, state governors sometimes treat the war on terrorism like a joke.