[Gumby]

Dear Milton and TBPu:

Opinions, even those of Sir Winston, are not evidence.

I suppose that a proper answer to the question would require a longitudinal study of the success of military academy graduates versus the success of graduates from the "elite" universities. Unfortunately, I do not believe such data currently exist, and it would be a very difficult study to undertake, if it were possible at all. We are therefore left to the realm of anecdote. I could list the names of many graduates of my own alma mater, the United States Naval Academy, who have been extremely successful in a wide variety of fields other than the military, including specifically science, business and technology (and many others). I will forbear, however, as you can find the information yourselves if you care to look.

My own opinion arises from direct personal experience in both worlds. I am a graduate of the Yale Law School, which is considered by most to be the best law school in the U.S. (It is certainly the most selective). I found that my undergraduate preparation was equal or superior to that of my law school classmates who had attended the most elite colleges and universities, in this country and abroad.

I do not know where either one of you went to university, but I suspect that it was not a military academy. You will forgive me, but I find it difficult to credit your opinions when they appear unsupported by either personal experience or objective evidence.

That said, Gentlemen, you are welcome to your own opinions on the subject. I will not trouble you with any further argument.

Best wishes,

Gumby