David, just a little etymology, a little walk down Memory Lane. The term “chickenhawk” was coined by Mark Shields, a Democratic operative, columnist, and pundit. He used it to tar Dan Quayle, Dick Cheney, John Sununu, Pat Buchanan, Vin Weber, Newt Gingrich — those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

I don’t believe he had invented the term in time to use it against Reagan.

The rule was this: If you did not serve in combat, you could not advocate American military action. You either had to oppose that action or keep silent. Only combat veterans had the right to support military action.

You heard this a lot in 2004, when John Kerry was the Democratic presidential nominee and George W. Bush was the Republican presidential nominee. Weirdly, you did not hear it in 2008 — when Barack Obama was the Democrat and John McCain was the Republican. In 2008, combat experience was not a prerequisite for the highest office. (Community organizing was just fine.)

Shields is not the worst of the Dems — if I remember correctly, he’s pro-life, or at least was — but his invention and promulgation of “chickenhawk” was low, I think.

P.S. For Democrats, some Republicans are “chickenhawks,” and some Israeli leaders are “chickenshits.” Democrats are also anti-Chick-fil-A. And the Reverend Wright said, “America’s chickens are comin’ home — to roost.”

Okay, I’m done.

P.P.S. Churchill said, “Some chicken! Some neck!”