Should CinC and politicians be veterans who have been deployed?

As much as I'd like to say yes, you can't. They are called civilian leaders for a reason. My personal feelings are if you want to have the authority to send a SM potentially to their death, then you should have some experience in military leadership. I can't say that having a congress with more veterans in it would make that much of a difference with party polarization so deeply rooted in the past decade or so and congressmen more afraid of losing votes than voting for what's right.

It seems that many politicians are put of touch with their constituents primarily based on the problems that never seem to be fully resolved. These include but are not limited to unemployment, poverty, hunger, homelessness, health care and the military life.

Many people feel that someone who hasn't served in the military isn't worthy of a political office. I think what this country needs is more leadership in Congress and in the White House that understands the people...the ordinary Joes in society. I'm not saying it would be perfect, but maybe if securing votes was all about a person's authenticity, compassion and motivation to strengthen our nation instead of securing a fat donation, perhaps we could get on the right track.

Of course, this is just wishful thinking.

Not necessarily deployed but the President should have served in the military. The act of signing on the dotted line and saying my life is yours to do with what you will would be enough for me.