I have to disagree with you, MeanDog. I don't accept the fact that you must read every single word of an author before you can criticise specific instances of sexism, racism and paedophilic filth. Context doesn't enter into this. How does a father committing an act of paedophilia, felating a four-year-old boy, add to the context of a war novel? It was put in there for salacious titillation.
Your second point about Allen's service is specious. Military services is not a requirement for holding high public office.
Thank you.
I'm getting pretty tired of the false argument that military service is an automatic qualifier for higher office. If that were true, then John F'n would be president now.