Just what does one have to do to get the "Presidential Medal of Freedom"?

[SoCalDem]

are incredibly bad dentures a part of the requirements?





President George W. Bush presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to legendary radio personality Paul Harvey, one of 14 recipients of the 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005 in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Shealah Craighead

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Anything that the 'president' wants to count. Don't think it has any

type of standard.

[ananda]

2. That's so easy.

Just doing something completely, egregiously, and unforgivingly anti-American and..

.. either blame it on Clinton, or

.. call anyone who criticizes or disapproves anti-patriotic.

Sue

[LeftNYC]

3. I bet its hard for Bush to fasten that medal

after drinking Jack all day.

[Submariner]

4. From the recent recipients

I would say "Spew right-wing hate towards the left." We should see Hannity and Limpballs next probably.

[tularetom]

5. Teach * how to

jack off a horse (obscure reference for old Bartcop readers).

[Arkansas Granny]

6. I was surprised by this group. I thought you had to screw up

really badly to get one. You know, like George Tenet.

[yellowcanine]

7. Being of the same political persuasion as the president helps.

[leveymg]

8. Was this guy one of Dubya's (few) news sources?

I remember Harvey had a syndicated radio program. He had this folksy down home, ah shucks manner, but his message was laced with Right-wing talking points.

Bush must have eaten it up.

[EmmaP]

9. I was wondering the same thing...

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Eligibility: Awarded by the President for exceptionally meritorious contributions to national security interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other exceptionally significant public or private endeavors. It is bestowed at the sole discretion of the President. The basis for nomination must be of the most significant nature to the nation as a whole.

Criteria: Established by Executive Order 9586, "Medal of Freedom," July 6, 1945, as amended.

Process: Heads of DoD components or officials of the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the level of Assistant Secretary or above shall submit nominations with full justification to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management & Policy) (ASD(FM&P)) who will recommend to the Secretary whether the nomination should be referred to the President. ASD(FM&P) maintains records on all recommendations and their disposition.

(Version 2, 1 Jul 96)

Updated on April 20, 1998
http://www.ilru.org/html/about/Dart/criteria.html

I'm trying to figure out exactly what Andy Griffith and Aretha Franklin have done to warrant this medal. Anyone??? Ideas????

[peekaloo]

10. Andy Griffith was the country's top sheriff for years. At least to Bu$h.

It was neat seeing Goober award Andy with one of them fancy necklaces.

[funflower]

13. JFK turned it into a civilian award not necessarily related to the DoD.

Rosa Parks and Arthur Ashe were recipients under the Clinton Administration. Clinton didn't award it to a lot of entertainers, however.

[uppityperson]

11. Tell us the rest of the story Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey made me sick even when I was a youngster, listening while riding in my gramma's car.

You have to be a conservative and gain the president's love.

[funflower]

12. Paul Bremer, Tommy Franks, George Tenet, Richard Myers....

Anybody see a pattern here?

[firefox]

14. "Just say no"

Nancy Reagan got a Medal of Freedom for "Just say no".