Kerry vs. Bush is already negative:Letter to Editor(Veteran Barf Alert)

Spokesman-Review ^ | 2/18/04 | John Beaton

[writer33]

I have always wondered why this country has one of the lowest turnouts of any democracy when it comes to electing our governing officials. It now appears it will be Bush vs. Kerry, and I am amazed how each side will stop at nothing to get at the other.

We all know that George Bush was in the National Guard due to his father's influence. This has happened before with other political figures. There is a question that he did not serve the amount of time required regardless of the supposed proof with the paychecks.

Now we hear that after John Kerry returned from Vietnam he was at the same Vietnam War protest with Jane Fonda. There is no proof that they even communicated.

I am a veteran of the Vietnam era, and even though I did not serve over there, I can understand why Kerry developed those feelings. At least Kerry served, which is more then I can say for people such as Dick Cheney and George Nethercutt.

As someone once told me, they wish they could vote in a presidential election for someone rather then against someone.

[writer33]

My father served in Vietnam. Fifth Special Forces, U.S. Army Sniper from 1964-1965. He is a liberal. How I don't know, but he has visceral hatred for one liberal. It's Jane Fonda. Even my father has some morality meter. This guy is disgusting.

[KQQL]

McCain: Testimony by Kerry and others before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was "the most effective propaganda [my North Vietnamese captors] had to use against us."
U.S. News & World Report 05/14/1973 via newsmax.com

[CSM]

The only people allowed to be negative is us lefties! Any appearance of negativity will mean that you righties are meanspirited! WaaaaaaWaaaaaaa, where is my pacifier?

[VadeRetro]

This writer seems to start out to condemn both sides but in the text only buys off on the criticisms of Bush. Kerry gets a pass. More liberal bait and switch.

[bobjam]

Kerry and Fonda may not have talked to each other at length, but they've been seen with each other. They've been photographed with each other. Kerry even spoke right after she did at a rally. I think it's safe to assume they've spoken with each other.

[Paradox]

We all know that George Bush was in the National Guard due to his father's influence.

Is this the case? I mean, how difficult was it for the "average guy" to get into the National Guard at the time. Just wondering..

[cripplecreek]

Two of my uncles were in the national guard. My grandparents were far from rich while they were raising 5 children on my grandfathers salary as an electrical inspector and grandmothers piano lessons.

[writer33]

He obviously watches network news. Doesn't even have the lowdown on Kerry and the resume dropper. Either that, or he won't admit it anyway.

[steve50]

Is this the case? I mean, how difficult was it for the "average guy" to get into the National Guard at the time. Just wondering..

I've seen NG officials say 2 year waiting on ground forces, 5 year on air. Strings had to be pulled to get him ahead of the 500 applicants already in line ahead of him. Republicans just as well face the facts on this issue.

[cripplecreek]

I dont believe it for the reasons i stated above.

[Who dat?]

Is this the case?

It was pointed out (somewhere) that at the time GHWB was a new-ish republican in a heavily democrat area and didn’t have much “influence” to use. I didn’t take the time to investigate though…

[writer33]

I don't know, but I don't think it was all that difficult. Probably as long as you beat the draft. However, there were many that volunteered to go over there. My father was one of them.

[writer33]

He makes me sick!

[CSM]

I have read that at that time his unit was severely under manned. They had over 100 empty slots and as long as any empty slots exist, they will take volunteers. That would make it easy for anyone to get in.

[Seeking the truth]

I am a veteran of the Vietnam era, and even though I did not serve over there, I can understand why Kerry developed those feelings

[writer33]

It must be. At least my father has some intelligence left. Even he has respect for soldiers and fellow troops currently serving.

[Chi-townChief]

"I am a veteran of the Vietnam era, and even though I did not serve over there, I can understand why Kerry developed those feelings."

What a minute! If this guy didn't serve in Vietnam, he's no better than a National Guard and Kerry should find him and kick his ass!

[kevkrom]

I've seen NG officials say 2 year waiting on ground forces, 5 year on air. Strings had to be pulled to get him ahead of the 500 applicants already in line ahead of him. Republicans just as well face the facts on this issue.

For normal spots, perhaps. However, that unit had a fair number of pilot vacancies because they were difficult to qualify for, required a long committment to active service, and frankly, flying fighters is not "safe" duty, even outside of a war zone.

Those are the facts. Perhaps the basjers are the ones that need to face them?

[writer33]

That's true as well. Good point.