children of presidents

Three days ago an op ed by John S. D. Eisenhower in the New York Times revealed that he’d agreed to commit suicide if he was in danger of being captured during the time he was deployed in the Korean Conflict. His father, almost president at the time they had the conversation where this agreement took place, said he’d accept the risk of his son being wounded or killed, but the prospect of his capture brought visions of presidential blackmail.

Eisenhower, now 86, wrote that he didn’t believe the children of world leaders should serve in war zones. “No matter what the young person’s desires or career needs are, they are of little importance compared with ensuring that our leaders are able to stay focused on the important business of the nation — and not worrying about the fate of a child a world away.” I don’t object to the thrust of the piece – it’s true that soldiers with politically powerful parents can be used as pawns. I agree that Prince Harry put his unit in danger while serving in Afghanistan, and that’s why he had to be pulled out the moment his presence became public.

What I find almost sensationally odd was the agreement the Eisenhowers – father and son – made with one another. If something bad is about to happen to you, kill yourself. That’s strange enough. But how can a person possibly predict how he will react in that situation? Even a soldier, trained to do as he’s ordered? The possibility of capture won’t come in a calm moment, nor will there be much time to contemplate what’s happening. And what if he’s with his men? Will he announce, like a Roman soldier, that all is lost, whip his blade from his toga, and make a dramatic exit leaving his soldiers stunned and wondering what just happened…and how they’re supposed to deal with the Korean troops advancing on their position? The entire setup is fraught with insane pitfalls.

A fascinating revelation from a grown presidential child as both vice presidential candidate's sons prepare to ship out to war. Of course the Vice Presidency is not really a positions of political power.