Democrats not promoted!

[Blessmag]

Rock Island Weekly Argus, a democratic paper prints the following. Politics in the army-shudder to think of it (LOL)

.

 

[sf46]

There's always something that someone complains of in not getting promotions or other privileges in any organization. Perhaps it is smarter to just not reveal one's political persuasion to others in such a unit?

 

[jenkingish]

Seems like for awhile in the AoP, the likelihood of an officers promotion was probably due to politics rather that competance and ability. How else do you explain Banks and Freemont?

 

[Bob Owen]

I wouldn't promote democrates either!:laugh1:

 

[unionblue]

There's always something that someone complains of in not getting promotions or other privileges in any organization.

True. Every time the promotion list came out, there was always bi**hing by someone who complained a "favorite" or "lifer" was promoted. The article sounds more like an excuse than a reason.

Perhaps it is smarter to just not reveal one's political persuasion to others in such a unit?

Each organization has cycles, some good, some bad, just as a nation does.

Be a liberial during the McCarthy era or a German, Italian, or Japanese-American during WWII, and see just how low that cycle can go. We live in a great country, but we ARE learning all the time.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

 

[Rob9641]

We live in a great country, but we ARE learning all the time.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

You, sir, are an optimist. I tend to think as a culture, we've given up on learning, especially when it comes to how we interact politically.

 

[Dave Hull]

I wouldn't promote democrates either!:laugh1:

There are Democrats in the military? Must be a very rare creature, I never met one and based on what both of my sons have told me, they have not either.

Granted, my experience with non combat MOS' is limited to the work I have done as a defense contractor, but even among the modern day REMF's, I cannot say I ever saw one.

Maybe they are in the Navy or the Air Force

 

[rhp6033]

The Volunteer Army was a very political organization. In the beginning every attempt was made to include as many Democrats and influential politicians as possible, in order to make it a "Union" army not an army of the "Republican Party". General's commissions were given out to those who could supply as much political support as possible to the war effort, with a special emphasis on those who could use their political standing to raise large numbers of troops from their constituency. That's how Banks and Butler gaines such high rank, so quickly. The military situation called for professional soldiers (i.e., West Point graduates) to be retained, regardless of prior political affiliation. Hence McClellan was retained in service despite his setbacks, and even his well-known disloyalty towards Lincoln and open disagreement with the administration's political aims for the war.

But as things went badly in the Eastern Theatre during the first years of the war, scapegoats were needed. With the departure of so many Democrats from the southern states from Congress, the Republicans settled in with a comfortable majority, and the support of northern Democrats wasn't deemed quite as necessary. (Support from influential Republicans, like Banks and Butler, was another matter, ensuring their continuance in command long after their incompetence was proven). Democratic generals were blamed for disasters such as 2nd Bull Run (Fitz Porter), and the commander at Ball's Bluff (I forget his name off the top of my head). Since commissions had to be approved by Congress, a good Republican resume' eventually became as important as military success on the field, since many Republican congressmen considered a Democrat to be part of the "McClellan cabal" and therefore untrustworthy.

 

[unionblue]

You, sir, are an optimist.

I am, as I live in the greatest country in the world.

I tend to think as a culture, we've given up on learning, especially when it comes to how we interact politically.

I tend to think the American people, on the whole, tend to mind to our own business, work, rasing a family, tending to our own until something comes along that smacks us in the face and knocks us down. It takes a lot for an American to feel the need to look beyond his own four walls of his own home and concerns.

But God help the man, the group, the political party or power that GETS our attention by permitting such a knock down. While I am sometimes exasperated at my fellow citizens for their self-centeredness and lack of attention, I am very proud to be counted amongst them when they do look up, look around and the light of understanding begins flashing in their eyes.

Even if a majority of them would rather watch "Wheel-of-Fortune" or the WWF on television, there always seems to be just enough of them who is concerned about their nation and their children's futures. Optimist? Yes, pin the label on me where all can see. I can't help it.

You see, like you, I am sure, I am an American.

Until our next post, good friend,
Unionblue

 

[Hannah]

I remember my Dad telling me once that the first thing he learned in the navy was not to talk about politics or say what political side you were on.

We live in a great country, but we ARE learning all the time.

I agree with you. We all learn new things each day of the week.

 

[J_Man0507]

I would view this little incident as isolated. While I am sure that there was political motivations in some companies, regiments, brigades, etc., there were plenty of Democrats who attained high rank. In fact, Lincoln gave them those ranks to try and bring more unity to the country by offering the opposing party high ranking volunteer positions. McClellan, Butler, McClernand, John "Black Jack" Logan were all prominent Democrats who received their stars aside from their political party. Most of them turned out to be useless, the exception here being Logan, who actually performed well in combat, though suffering from a severe case of swollen ego. But this guy who complained in the paper was not seeing the larger picture of the whole Union army. Many democrats were successful. He was just blowing hot air.