Cornyn gumming up the works

After reading the Aug. 1 article “Air Force brass welcome new USAFE chief,” I couldn’t help but wonder what Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, was thinking when he blocked the confirmation of Gen. Mark A. Welsh III from becoming the next Air Force chief of staff because he says the Air Force should take “corrective steps to reform” the training program at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. What has one thing got to do with the other?

The Air Force has taken (and is still taking) corrective action based on the sexual-assault scandal there; one perpetrator has already been sentenced to 20 years in prison; others are slated for upcoming judicial procedures; and steps are currently in progress to reform the training program. What does Cornyn think will happen by blocking Welsh’s confirmation?

Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, the current Air Force chief of staff is scheduled to retire Aug. 10. Is Cornyn going to block Schwartz’s retirement in addition to delaying Welsh’s confirmation as Schwartz’s replacement, leaving the position vacant? It Looks like the senator is dealing in oranges and apples.

I suggest he find something more positive to concentrate on — such as taking care of his constituents in Texas — instead of blocking the conformation of our next Air Force chief of staff for absolutely no justifiable reason.