THE EMERGING "ISSUE" – AT 8:36 A.M. ET:  We've been following the reaction of "elite" colleges to the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell."  The existence of DADT has been the reason most cited by the elites for not permitting ROTC programs back on their overpriced campuses.

So far, we've had good statements from the presidents of Harvard, Columbia, and Yale.  Whether those positive responses will lead to positive action is another matter entirely, for a new "issue" is emerging, which may give the decidedly left-wing elites a way out – so called "academic" concerns.

Simply stated, the "issue" involves the question of whether ROTC courses meet the academic standards of the schools involved.

The issue is absurd.  The purpose of ROTC is to train military officers.  We assume that the college or university will handle the major academics.  ROTC is still present at many colleges, including some of our finest state universities, and we haven't seen an academic crisis yet.  But don't be shocked if schools like Stanford and Brown, whose spokesmen are already hinting at it, attempt to still bar ROTC, despite the repeal of DADT, citing academic concerns.  The left is very creative at coming up with gimmicks. 

We wait, with hope, but with realism and skepticism. 

Fox has a well-done story on the subject here.

December 22, 2010