With regard to John Eisenhower's NYT Op-Ed.

I could not disagree with this argument any stronger. Using the fact that political leaders have (or don't) children in harms way as insurance that the dire reality was considered in their decisions, is poignant yet unacceptable. We have to accept that anyone can assume the compassion and level of humanity to make such decisions. It is illogical to think direct experience is the only way to understanding. They take an oath to hold every American citizen under their responsibility. This is either completely assumable or completely unattainable.

In John Eisenhower's story, and understandably a very emotional one, the Army should never have offered him a choice in light of the oath that he took as a professional soldier. If they thought he would assume preferential treatment or created any strategic challenges because of his family, they should not have allowed him to join the service. Although soldier dedication is a concern that should be discussed, when it concerns just one or a few soldiers, service should be entirely denied.

His father should never have put a condition upon his service. He should have, and maybe for his safety, announced that in no way would he resign outside of Constitutional reasons; he would never resign because of blackmail. Family discussions about joining the services admit, in the eyes of every other parent, they are all sending their children off to die. A president would have to have that unimaginable conversation with its son or daughter that they might make decisions that lead to their death or might have to deny actions to save it. Not in spite of his father, he should have decided whether ultimate service was his to espouse.

Does he or should he, the soldier, put country or family first by joining the service? There is no universal right answer to this. The only universal right answer lies with the President – country first, no exception. The honor of the Presidency is upheld in its cost of service. A president in his position should not consider his child any different than any other father or mother's child. The president lives country first always, and it is an appropriate demand.