I agree with the Admiral

[MADem]

6. I realize the Admiral's community is small and elite, but he needs to get a grip and

understand that every promotion after 0-4 has a political element to it--the politics can happen in the wardroom, or it can happen in the selection board room. OR it can happen in the OVAL OFFICE, because there comes a point in time (flag/general at the upper echelons) where it's the POTUS picking names off a list that have been recommended to him by assorted so-and-sos from the Pentagon and the National Security apparatus, and that list goes over to Congress for their stamp.

The Commander in Chief (that would be OBAMA) can jump in. If he doesn't, there's something else going on. And defending someone who "retaliated against whistleblowers?" I think McRaven needs to get his head out of his ass.

I'm not crying for anyone who has to make do on 0-7 or 0-8 retired pay. Sorry, that's just not on my list of priorities.

I've been in those rooms during those stupid testimonies on the Hill. The whole idea behind yelling at the uniforms is for the Congressbozos to let the rubes back home think they're doing their jobs. "Look at him, wagging that finger! He's ON THE CASE!!!"

Not promoting someone who FUCKS OVER WHISTLEBLOWERS, though? I've got to say, for once in my life, that's a case of Congress DOING their job. McRaven needs to get over himself and understand that his protoge got caught doing something wrong. That's life.