At least one Senate Republican seem to have an odd understanding the importance of the military in these troubled times,
Senator Larry E. Craig of Idaho is blocking the promotions of more than 850 Air Force officers, including young pilots who fought in Iraq and the general nominated to bail out the scandal-plagued United States Air Force Academy, in a rare clash between the Pentagon and a senior Republican lawmaker.
Mr. Craig’s price to free the frozen promotions now awaiting final Senate approval? Four C-130 cargo planes for the Idaho Air National Guard.
. . .
Mr. Craig’s action has been felt throughout the Air Force, from young captains and majors to its senior ranks, where the promotions or new-job nominations for more than two dozen generals are in a holding pattern with no end in sight.
Thank goodness we’re not involved in any recent wars or a global effort against terrorism — that sort of idiotic obstructionism might have serious consequences otherwise.
Source:
Senator Blocks 850 Air Force Promotions. Eric Schmitt, New York Times, June 9, 2003.