One of the reason's Napoleon was so successful at first was he invented the national army. Before Napoleon, armies were feudal and pledged to a Lord. You fought where the Lord or the Lord's Lord, told you. During this time our warriors formed an elite class ; the Knight's. They has special right's and responsibilities in the Feudal order. Napoleon raised an army for France, not out of feudal obligations. These men fighting for their nation instead of for a feudal quarrel proved more motivated. The kerfuffle about veteran's health care illustrates how far we have gone back to having a warrior elite in today's USA. I have heard one mention that waiting longer than 14 days is common in the rest of the medical system, especially if you have to wait for prior approval and PA's from the primary care doctor before the insurance with authorize payment. The horrendous performance of the VA must be placed in the context of the US' failed health care non system. The posturing by the Republicans rings false except in the context that our veteran's are much more deserving than the rest of our population. Said Republican's probably would take that stance to be self evident. I agree that veteran's need a lot of care but how many other inhabitants of the US died while waiting for care. Of course, some people will die even if they have an appointment.
Speaker Boehner's insistence that Obama's head needs to roll should be put in the context of every statement our Speaker makes; purely partisan strategy. But, calling a conservative a hypocrite is like accusing a liberal of tolerance.