Obviously, Ebbie, the guidelines were loosened up a bit in George W.'s case... ;-)

Why? Good family connections. You know as well as anyone else, Ebbie, that in this world the first thing that counts is not WHAT you know, but WHO you know. And how much money you have. The more stringent requirements are generally applied to those who are somewhat more lacking in the necessary good connections and money.

As is typical everywhere.

George W. got to play combat pilot too, when he was on the aircraft carrier. Remember? Some heros are actually made on the field of battle. Others are just invented for the occasion.