Vidal grew up in a political family .
A longtime critic of American militarism , Vidal was , ironically , born at the United States Military Academy in West Point , New York , his father 's alma mater .
alma mater grew up in a political family .
A longtime critic of American militarism , Vidal was , ironically , born at the United States Military Academy in West Point , New York , his father 's alma mater .