A centrist trend to note on Memorial Day.
In the '70s, about half of U.S. military officers were Republican. Through the '80s and '90s they became increasingly Republican, reaching about two-thirds by the end of the decade.
During the George W. Bush administration, however, the trend started to reverse. Today, among newly commissioned officers, there is about an even split between the Republican and Democratic Parties.
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2 comments:
Of course, you are talking apples and oranges. "Newly commissioned" officers, e.g., recent college grads, may well be split, but give them a while and ask again. The officers of then 70's and 80's were young lieutenants/ensigns during and shortly after the Vietnam War. The betrayal led by the Democtatic controlled Congress was deeply felt. Carter's attempt to close the deficit on the backs of the armed forces (civilian govt pay went up considerably more than did military pay)didn't increase any lover for the Dems, and his refusal to launch the raid on Tehran until he could be guaranteed that nor Iranians would be hurt was the final straw. Ronald Reagan was truly loved by most members of the military because he truly loved and respected us. Read Timberg's "The Nightingale's Song."
I am interested in the content of their character, not their political leanings.
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