Eisenhower's Kid Speaks

John S.D. Eisenhower, Dwight Eisenhower's son, notes that he is the only son of a president or vice-president who served in combat while their parents were serving, and he notes that Sarah Palin's, Joe Biden's, and John McCain's sons should not be serving in Iraq:

As the time for my deployment approached, I discussed my intentions with my father. We met at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, just after the Republican convention, and I explained my position. My father, as a professional officer himself, understood and accepted it. However, he had a firm condition: Under no circumstances must I ever be captured. He would accept the risk of my being killed or wounded, but if the Chinese Communists or North Koreans ever took me prisoner, and threatened blackmail, he could be forced to resign the presidency. I agreed to that condition wholeheartedly. I would take my life before being captured.

On looking back, however, I now feel that I was being unfair and selfish, and that my father was being far too conciliatory in giving me such permission. On the other hand, I don't think that the army should ever have given me an option in the matter.

(emphasis mine)

This argument also applies to Prince Harry, by the way.