<p>These arguments get so tiresome . . . fact of the matter is that “preferences” exist throughout life. You are selected [deselected] for jobs, opportunities, etc. on any number of criteria throughout life.</p>
<p>Athletes, legacies, major contributors all get preferences; why not women or minorities? Being appointed to a flag rank is a political process. Does the “best” person always get appointed? Doubtful. </p>
<p>Do people get appointed because of who they are or who they know? Impossible to say in some circumstances; espcially when you are a white male and your father is commander of the pacific fleet. See John McCain. Does that mean he wasn’t qualified? No. Does anybody question his qualificaitons? No. Why not? How about General Powell? Would he have been admitted in the 1930s w/out preferences? Who knows.</p>
<p>The point is, the Acadamies try to do the best they can to reflect the society they serve. If we lived in a color [substitute gender or anthing else] blind society, then all we would have to do is take a test to see who President of the United States would be. Everybody else could then be ranked accordingly; down to the person that made less than a 1,000 being automatically in line for homeless status.</p>
<p>The Acadmies exist to TRAIN leaders; if these kids alreay knew how to be leaders, they would not need the Academy. If women [minorities] don’t graduate in comparable numbers, then so what. The ones that do apparently serve ably.</p>
<p>Life isn’t fair, get over it.</p>