Ed Rasimus wrote:
While many posters here from both ends of the political spectrum
haven't been in the business, they also refrain from expressing
derogatory opinions about things of which they have little knowledge.

You must be new to the group. Many of the posters express derogatory
opinions about things about which they have little knowledge...like
you. Do you know how smart W is?
If he is smart in your opinion, then I'm glad you're retired.

I don't know how someone profoundly stupid can be a fighter pilot and
get elected to high office.. I only know that at least one profoundly
stupid person became a fighter pilot and has been elected to the
highest office in the land. Apparantly others, not including me, have
characterized at least one other fighter pilot as such, also. I guess
the armed services aren't as picky as I had hoped they would be.

Can you describe how someone "profoundly stupid" can be a fighter
pilot?

See above.

How do they overcome the hurdles to achieve that specialty? You
know, the degree...

Be honest, there are alot of stupid college grads, especially if they
are "legacies"

...., the commission

Again, be honest, you've known some stupid officers


...the physical requirements,

doesn't take brains


....the long and competitive training program

perseverence, while a very admirable trait, does not equal intelligence

....the technology,

while aviation technology may seem complex to you, I'm not impressed
with the need for any particular intelligence to master it. While I'm
sure many here, including myself, would like to think that the ability
to operate aviation systems equates to all around intelligence, I'm
afraid you'll find that it only applies in a rather narrow context.
After all, if W is so smart how come he was a failure at every business
he had ever been in before he became president?

....maybe even the
intestinal fortitude to climb into a machine, load it with ten tons of
jet fuel and then light the ass on fire...or, maybe you're right!

Thank you; I am right. By your logic, suicide bombers are the smartest
people on the planet!