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Oh dear. Honestly, WP I am getting tired of correcting you and wonder if you have ever bothered to read the US Code under which all mishipmen are to be selected - yes, even Senator McCain’s son.</p>
<p>Let me help you - US Code Title 10 Subtitle C Part III Chapter 603 Sec 6954: Midshipmen, Number:
a) determines the authorized strength of Midshipmen to be 4400. Under this the allocation of that strength is clearly spelled out.
The FIRST part - #1 clearly and succinctly allows the Academy to select 65 (total at one time) by order of merit from children of 100% service disabled or death as determined by the Dept of VA.</p>
<p>There is NO nomination here. They are simply selected. If the number of midshipmen who qualifies for this approaches the 65 mark - they would select via MERIT (not cronyism). In fact, if you are eligible to be selected for an appointment via this clause you may not receive a Presidenial Nomination or other service selected nomination.</p>
<p>Similarly for those who qualify for an appointment because of their birth to a MOH awardee - there is no number limitation or other qualification other than that deemed by academy admissions. Their is no MOH nomination.</p>
<p>None of this ‘cronyism’ or ‘favoritism’ of which you espouse has anything to do with politics, Republican or Democrat. It has to do with having a military legacy. This is not uncommon and the McCain’s are not special in this regard.
I am sure that when your great-grandchild applies you will be glad he has a Admiral for a Grandpa and a Captain as a Daddy.</p>