Why not make it that only Veterans can run for any office?

There are a number of newly elected Veterans coming into congress. There are enough women in the forces now to represent their views. Why not simply make it a rule that only Vets can nominate, proving that you have already given your country real service seems a damned good way to improve the breed to me.
(I can't claim this as my idea. Robert Heinlein proposed "Federal Service"as a prerequisite for politics in "Starship Troopers")

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plaguewatcher · M

so the guy that shot up that nightclub in 1000 oaks.
he'd be able to run
Nor would Ron Helus the deputy killed that night.

and yr president would not be able to be president,

I served, as did my entire family for generations leading back to the colonial time.

the military is as full of idoits and assholes as the rest of our world

this is a terrible idea.

id rather we just chose at random, from law abiding people

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@plaguewatcher I agree. Just as many idiots and assholes. But fewer cowards and each with the courage of their convictions. Maybe thats all it takes. I suppose I could be pedantic and insist of wounded Veterans.

plaguewatcher · M

so people who have served entire lives in civilian service to the country,, they are all tossed out!

@whowasthatmaskedman yeah we all read Robert Heinlein
so no thomas jefferson either.

and think of all the good wise and decent people that would e left out

why not just make it only White Men
or Christians
or people not from the south.

just more restriction on American freedom

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@plaguewatcher I dont remember case where a person qualified for anything By "becoming white" although some do convert religions. And I wouldnt advocate revoving any current member (no matter how tempting) Just require all nominees to show an honourable discharge. Call it a character reference to their willingness to serve.

plaguewatcher · M

@whowasthatmaskedman that shooter had an honorable discharge
so hows that proof?

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@plaguewatcher I also believe that shooter had issues he tried to get help for but couldnt. (I stand to be corrected on that) If that is so. Maybe having a congressman who had some empathy might have turned the whole thing.