Thank you General Clark, sort of...

A group that I belong to, and have great respect for, VoteVets.org, recently sent me a note asking me to thank and support General Wesley Clark. In an interview, General Clark opined that John McCain's unquestionable heroism as a prisoner of war did not translate into qualification to lead as President.

Not surprisingly, the Republican attack machine wheezed and rattled to life, sputtering, harrumphing, and gasping the usual crap.

Okay, this part is kind is kind of hard because I don't particularly like General Clark. But, all things being equal, I can thank him for this one. It isn't that he said anything profound. He stated the obvious. But he did force the Republicans' hypocrisy and double-standards out in the open for all to see.

Remember when the Republicans waxed indignant over Democrats pointing out that our draft-dodger-in-chief was, well, a draft-dodger, who lacked any imaginable qualification to lead the national security mechanisms.

And remember the history lessons we received in the 2004 campaign? Lincoln had almost no military experience when he saved the Union, we were told. FDR had never served in uniform when he saved to world from the Nazis. Who were the Kerry folks to talk about chicken-hawks? Who was this Vietnam veteran and his followers to suggest that people who avoided service in one war had little right to start another one.

But now that the Republicans have a war hero, it is all different and they think we are stupid enough to buy the hypocrisy.

So I appreciate General Clark giving the Republicans the opportunity to remind us that they think we are ignoramuses. And for reminding us that they are hypocrites.