Classic no-win situation for the President

Apparently, the Pentagon has recommended that a Medal of Honor be given to a living soldier, for the first time since Viet Nam.  The Washington Post article speculates that

The presentation of a Medal of Honor to a living soldier would be an important moment for President Obama, whose relationship with the military has been complicated in recent months by controversy over the administration’s Afghan war deliberations in the fall and the recent firing of Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal for remarks that belittled senior Obama administration officials.

But I’ll make a prediction here:

(a) If the President decides to not give the Medal, the rightwing media will erupt in feigned outrage and real fury over his “snub” of our valiant troops.

(b) If the President instead decides to follow the Pentagon’s advice and give the Medal, the rightwing media will erupt in feigned outrage and real fury over his attempt to co-opt a military honor for political ends, thereby mocking the sacrifices of our valiant troops.

It’s impossible for the President to make a call that won’t be mocked, denounced, or vilified.  So here’s to hoping that he chooses whatever he thinks is right, rather than expedient, and that he allows himself to be guided by the better angels of his nature rather than shouted down by the petty demons of his detractors.