Richard Blumenthal: Reflections on Yellow Elephants [Democrats as well as Republicans]

The media is swarming with commentary, observations and interpretations of Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal [D], now running for Senate, who, on numerous occasions, falsely claimed in public to have served in Vietnam. [He served in the Marine Corps Reserve, exclusively in the U.S., during the Vietnam era and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.] Since he's too old to serve now, our topic does not concern him, except as follows:

Our Message to the Yellow Elephants:

This applies to politically ambitious young men [especially if single and childless] with Democratic or Republican political ambitions: Don't become Richard Blumenthal. Be A Man! Enlist!

If you are in your twenties or early thirties, you're still young enough to serve in our military, including as an officer. [The "maximum age" to enlist in the Army Reserve without prior service is still 41-or-under, and age waivers remain available, but only based on service need.]

You are at a stage of life where you can take a chance, try something different, and be a part of something greater than yourself.

Think a few years down the road, when you're seeking public office or even running for Congress: Did you Man Up? Did you at least try to, by contacting a recruiter? Did you seek to give of yourself first, before asking people to do the same for you?

In the end, and looking back, if our military did not want you, at least you gave them the opportunity, and let them decide. You can move on with your life, hold your head high, and be proud of your future accomplishments, whatever they may be. There are many ways to serve our country, including in war zones, even if you can't wear the uniform yourself.

And if you are accepted by our military, it will change your life, and you will be proud that you served. And nobody can call you Daddy's Girl or Mommy's Girl, because you did it yourself.

Be A Man! Enlist!