It was an interesting read in the New York Times about Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal who is running for a seat in the U.S. Senate to replace retiring U.S. Senator Chris Dodd.

Blumenthal has been telling people for several years he served in Vietnam. The New York Times found out he never set foot in Vietnam. He received about five deferments – mostly because he was from the right side of the tracks and had connections. He finally ended up serving in the Marine Corps Reserves stateside.

Serving in the Reserves is honorable. Lying about your military career to score political points is very dishonorable.

So Blumenthal is scum in my book. He should step down not only from his candidacy for U.S. Senate, but as Attorney General. One would think that his license to practice law might take a hit, too. One would hope so because what he did was immoral.

As I have written many times, one of the most honorable things a person can do is serve their country in the Armed Forces. It takes a special person to sign their name on the dotted line and know that you’ve just given the next few years of your life to Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam can send you at a moment’s notice far away from your family and friends, and into harm’s way.

As a veteran, my military career was not overly historical by any stretch of imagination. Joining the Armed Forces was probably the best professional decision I ever made.

Veterans before me gave more and for sure those serving today are giving more. One thing I would never do is inflate my military service, or the awards/medals I earned to further my career be it political or personal. There are thousands of people just like me who served, quietly and honorably, and we have never tried to make our military service more than it was for personal or professional gain.

Richard Blumenthal should pay a severe penalty for his lies. Let’s hope the people of Connecticut hold him accountable for his dishonesty over the years. At his press conference (campaign rally)  today, it does not appear that he feels he did anything wrong.  After that performance, I don’t feel he should ever hold another elective office.