Academic

Colonel Ripley

By Calvin Massey

As you go vote today, you might recall the life of Colonel John Ripley, who was a real-life Robert Jordan, the favorite literary figure of each of Barack Obama and John McCain.  His heroism is more fully recounted in John Grider Miller's The Bridge at Dong Ha .   Another account of the bridge is here.  Our military does what our Presidents and Congresses tell them to do, so let's hope we elect sensible and thoughtful representatives.  But it's the John Ripleys who actually do the dirty jobs of national defense.  A final salute to Colonel Ripley, and taps, as we cast those votes.    

Full post as published by The Faculty Lounge on November 04, 2008 (boomark / email).