New On The Job At West Point

I don't know about you, but I am ready for a break on all of the mosque brouhaha (e.g., are they building it or aren't they, will they consider a different location, or won't they?), Obama's "incoherent message," the continuing economic woes, and all the rest.

So about that new person at West Point. He may be new there, but he is definitely not a "newbie." That would be Lt. Gen. David Huntoon, the new Superintendent of West Point, the prestigious military academy. How refreshing to see someone so accomplished, especially these days (talking about you, Obama).
Below Lt. Gen. Huntoon gives his first interview as Superintendent to Fox & Friends Brian Kilmeade:



The General is an impressive man, to be sure. His three sons, all currently in service to our country, are chips off the old block, apparently. Wow.

I admit, Kilmeade is not my favorite, but he is right - the courage these young people demonstrate by their sheer desire to attend not just West Point, but any military academy, knowing they will see combat, speaks volumes.

One last thing, speaking of West Point. One of their best, and brightest, Katherine Miller, ranked #9 in her class, has decided to tender her resignation to West Point. Why? Because she is a lesbian, and can no longer abide hiding who she is as a result of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." While she has had a stellar career at West Point, she has also endured some hardships as a result of her sexual orientation. That is disturbing. It is one thing to abolish a poorly conceived (though way better than what they had before) law, but it is another thing to change attitudes.

Certainly, I hope for both to happen - DADT abolished, and attitudes changed, but we are not there yet. That is sad for Ms. Miller, and sad for both West Point and the Army in losing such a tremendous young woman.

I wonder how Lt. Gen. Huntoon's tenure will change the environment at West Point, or will it? Time will tell.

The following video, about which I learned from my oldest niece, also speaks volumes. Her husband, a Marine, is about to re-deploy, leaving his four young children. My niece suggested people get a box of Kleenex, and I concur with that suggestion. Get some tissues before you watch:



Finally, you know I was not a fan of George W. Bush, to put it mildly. But, I have to hand it to him for what he and his wife, Laura, did the other day:



Thank you, indeed...