High Brow Political Question V.1

George W Bush served in the National Guard (but didn’t See conflict)

Bill Clinton Dodged Vietnam

Tony Blair has no military experience what so ever.

So the Question is.

Are the decisions made by a world leader over a potential War effected by the fact that He/ She has/has not been a combatant in a major conflict?

Discuss & Vote

No! That\'s why the President surrounds himself with qualified people. That\'s like saying you have to be a surgeon to run a hospital.

Next question please!

Ace

Hospitals use to be managed by the best surgeons Ace.

I think it does affects.

Yeah, you\'re assuming that Gov. Bush is the one making the decisions.... I don\'t think he is.    Now do the people who ARE making the decisions have any military experience?  Probably they do not either.  And yes, I think a presence or absence of experience in combat does affect the decision.

You can base a decision on THE FACTS and figure in every rational, clinical reason why some action should be taken, but if you\'ve ever been in combat and seen that sort of death close up, I would think that would give you a slightly different perspective.  It would influence your decision in an emotional way, which is probably not all bad.

Someone who has no experience in combat should not declare war...

Riiiiiight...

Just like someone who has murdered numerous civilians and supports terrorism, and is, in fact, a terrorist should not lead a country...

Maybe to a very little degree..

But as someone said, the leaders do have advicors that should help them in the areas where they lack competence/knowledge.

I miss the times when the leaders actually would fight along side his men..

Originally posted by Ashford
Someone who has no experience in combat should not declare war...

Riiiiiight...

Just like someone who has murdered numerous civilians and supports terrorism, and is, in fact, a terrorist should not lead a country...

Those two situations are not comparable.  I\'m not saying our president should not be allowed to declare war because he hasn\'t served in combat.  [BTW, he\'s not declaring war... we haven\'t declared war since WWII]  I\'m saying if he had that experience he would be better equipped to make the right decision when faced with an option such as this.

It\'s not a matter of advisors giving "competence/knowledge."  Anyone can impart rational advise.  I\'m saying that does not contribute anything to an intuitive, emotional side of the decision that I believe must be there also.  It shouldn\'t override the rational side of the decision, but I think it should be there.  Maybe someone who has not served in combat can absorb a little of it by talking to relatives or friends who have served, or by reading books... oh yeah I forgot George doensn\'t read books.  

Cheny and Powell have both seen war as for most of the people you make the military descision dont you people ever watch West Wing?

[Titan]

Military experience does affect wartime decisions. They know tactics and the limits of their military. They also will be able to make better decisions.