Name:   Talullahhound - Subject:   no... not yet Date:   9/28/2014 8:49:32 PM

Didn't work on Capitol Hill or in the WH, so I really can't say I played a meaningful role in the debacle in Washington.  And I retired during the GWB debacle, otherwise known as the Iraq War. I wasn't involved in it's planning, but had a place to observe it.  And I didn't lose my soul - it is still very much intact as well as my integrity.  

The thing is this - if we were talking about plumbing, would you deride the professional observations of a plumber with 30 years of experience?  If we were talking about war planning and someone with years of military planning offered an observation, would you say that they were just showing off?  In the course of a career, people gain experience. Would you complain that the Major, who is a published writer was showing off, if he offered an opinion or observation about publishing?  It's not different. 

And whether you like Washington, the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, etc doesn't much matter.  It's the only government you have.  It's got good things about it and bad things about it.  And whether you like it when Democats or Republicans are in charge, the government processes and structure remain the same.  Even the problems and the successes are the same.  It's just reality.