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Colorado Springs Gazette<\/em> says is “better known as the ‘Cadet Bible.'”\u00a0 The small tome is a collection of history, facts, and miscellaneous details that fourthclass (first year) cadets are often required to memorize.<\/p>\nIt is not unusual to see pictures of cadets braced at attention with the small book gripped firmly a few inches in front of their face.\u00a0 They’re supposed to be reading it and learning.<\/p>\n
Apparently, the US Constitution — which had been routinely included in Contrails for decades — was removed, though supposedly it wasn’t done for malicious reasons:<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes it has to do with space, flat out,\u201d said Air Force Academy spokesman Master Sgt. Chris Dewitt. \u201cEveryone has things they want in \u2018Contrails\u2019 and it has the potential to grow to the size of \u2018War and Peace\u2019.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Like the other USAFA grad often in the news, Palmer is a former lawyer, but he isn’t suing the Academy to force them to put the founding American document back in.<\/p>\n
In 2007, he began writing to fellow alumni and top academy brass, asking that the Constitution be reinstated.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was my own modest insurrection,\u201d said the Harvard-educated lawyer.<\/p>\n
He contacted the academy\u2019s Association of Graduates, which funds \u2018Contrails,\u2019 and offered to pay for printing of the next edition (an estimated $20,000) if it would include the document.<\/p>\n
They said content was dictated by the academy. So Palmer leveled his letter-writing sights on the academy\u2019s top general.<\/p>\n
In 2008, he wrote Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni about the omission. Regni agreed the \u201cimportant document\u201d was essential to \u2018Contrails\u2019 and would be included in 2009.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
It was, but it didn’t include the Bill of Rights or other amendments.\u00a0 Late last year, Palmer wrote a lengthy letter to General Gould, which doesn’t appear to have criticized his leadership, questioned his ideology, or called for his ouster:<\/p>\n
\u201cGeneral, I\u2019m very worried about the future of our democratic republic . . . many Constitutional limitations on our military are now defunct or badly frayed. With good intentions and plans for perfect security, our republic may be dissolving.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
USAFA replied by saying it would give every cadet a copy of the Constitution.<\/p>\n
The Gazette<\/em> now reports the Academy is saying<\/p>\n
it would restore the full document to \u2018Contrails.\u2019<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Palmer was “overjoyed,” though like any good military man knows nothing is certain until after it is executed (and even then…).\u00a0 So he waits.<\/p>\n
Palmer is right.\u00a0 Every cadet needs to have a great understanding of, and respect for, the US Constitution they have already sworn to “uphold and protect.”<\/p>\n
It is admirable that Palmer apparently had\u00a0the determination and respect to positively influence his alma mater — without, say, demeaning and degrading them in the press.<\/p>\n