LIVE: Trump delivers commencement speech at West Point | NBC News [ What American author Gore Vidal had to say about West Point is still relevant today ]

@ronruggieri9817 0 seconds ago What American leftist author Gore Vidal had to say about West Point is still very relevant today [ Vidal was one of the few " respectable " American writers to routinely refer to " our ruling class " ] From GOOGLE : [ "Gore Vidal, despite being born at West Point and having a family history tied to the institution, expressed a complex and often critical view of West Point graduates and their role in American society. Here's a breakdown of his views: 1. Acknowledging Personal Connection & Tradition: Vidal was born at West Point, and both his father and stepbrothers were graduates, so he acknowledged being 'very much a part of the tradition' . 2. Critiques of West Point's Impact: Loyalty and National Interest: He questioned the primary loyalty of West Pointers, arguing that their dedication to each other and the institution sometimes outweighed their commitment to the nation's broader interests and well-being, according to The New York Review of Books. Potential for Harm: He asserted that the harm caused by West Pointers, in terms of their military actions and policies, could surpass their individual merits and sense of duty. Critique of Military Culture: Vidal, known for his anti-establishment views, was often critical of the military culture and the potential for its graduates to blindly follow orders or prioritize military solutions over diplomacy. " ]