Anecdote: Are rank and file military overseas beginning to shift?

[featherman]

Just an anecdote but thought I'd share. Could be meaningless but made me feel good. Talked to my sister on the phone today. She has worked overseas for more than 20 years in the Department of Defense school system and now oversees a number of schools on military bases around northern Europe.

In conjunction with the "Americans Oversees" primary vote, the schools also hold straw ballots. It's generally agreed that these "kids votes" tend to reflect the opinions of the parents. Anyway, every year dating back to 1984 or so that she knows about, the winner has always been a Republican (Reagan, Bush sr, Dole, Bush).

But not this year. This year a Democratic candidate won everywhere... big. (I won't say who... this isn't GD-P and that's not the point of my post)

So take it with a grain of salt but that's my anecdote.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

1. That's wonderful. And surprising since war hero McCain is in the race. nt

[featherman]

2. Maybe because McCain wants more war and military families

will do their duty when asked and will be proud and patriotic about it.

But most of these families are generally against more combat if there is a choice. They don't like seeing the husbands sent away for long periods and into harm's way. This stuff is very worrisome to them in the real day-to-day world of military families

That was my experience growing up overseas in a military family anyway

[salin]

3. Read this Salon piece, some top retired brass - very wary of a McCain president

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/03/06/commander_in_chief/print.html

[featherman]

4. The author was on Olberman last night so thanks for the link

I wanted to read it.

[lpbk2713]

5. They know who is giving their parents the shaft.

And they know they quality education they are (not) getting too.

[Stinky The Clown]

6. My neighbor is an Army Colonel .......

He says that the mood has, indeed, turned. It is his estimation that more active duty officers prefer a Democrat to a Repubic. (He, personally, favors McCain and says he's in the minority.)

[Bigmack]

7. If you can actually speak to him...

.. about this stuff, have him go to...

http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.com
and look at what the Swiftboaters - the same ones that attacked Kerry - have to say about McCain.

or
http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.com/cin_hacker_2.htm
and look at what Col Dave Hackworth said about McCain.

or
http://www.usvetdsp.com/jan08/mccain_military_record.htm
and read:
"Unfit to serve as Commander-In-Chief
The spoiled son of military privilege got a free ride throughout his military career despite repeated instances of sex scandals and screw-ups"

I'd point out that these are NOT liberals saying this stuff. You might also ask how the Swiftboaters got MSM attention when Kerry was the target, but the MSM is strangely quiet when it's McCain's turn.

[Festivito]

8. They received only Limbaugh for years, had to fight to get Ed.

Ed still scares me, but, at least the troops receive the other side of the story now. For how long is the next question along with how long will we receive it.