I have been shot at by real bullets

 

I knew when I signed on to be an advisor to Justin Trudeau that I would be subject to partisan attacks and scrutiny very different than other soldiers.  I can take it.  I have been shot at by real bullets.

 

Andrew Leslie just gained himself a host of fans with that statement, while also hopefully bringing some clarity to the discussion. 

 

All partisans over-inflate their strengths and their opponents weaknesses.  Whether it's tanks in your streets or illegal coalitions, we make mountains out of molehills, making war games out of politics.

 

We have no appreciation of how good we have it here - nor, apparently, do too many of our leaders.  We call for elections here in Canada - not heads.

 

But Leslie goes on:

 

What is disappointing is that this particular attack may raise questions over a military retirement benefit and I do not think veterans deserve to have another measure called into question.

 

Anyone can complain when they're fired upon.  That's not exceptional.  The tough might be able to take a hit and then hit back with equal or greater force.

 

What makes a leader, though, is the ability to turn everything into an opportunity to support the people, especially those in greatest need.

 

We keep saying we want our politics rough and bloody, because it's under fire that you see the true measure of a person.  Leslie is under fire now - and if he continues in this vein, he's going to bring into clarity just what we've been missing.