Posted on 08/08/2004 8:01:25 AM PDT by Chi-townChief
Talk about cowardice. A group of Vietnam vets who want to defeat John Kerry in the presidential election has created a television ad impugning his war record. The ad, which began to run this week, accuses Kerry of stretching the truth about his time in Vietnam and claims he should never have won the first of his Purple Heart medals. The ad is morally indefensible and gutless and should be, as Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain says, condemned by the Bush campaign. As the headline in the Wall Street Journal noted last week, these are "Sham Charges Against a War Hero."
Whether one supports him or not as president, Kerry must be admired for his courage in Vietnam, for volunteering for duty, for commanding a swift boat, for saving the lives of the men under his command. To imply that he did not deserve all the medals he won (three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and Silver Star) is ethically bankrupt and adds more vitriol to an election battle that is already below-the-belt nasty. The people behind this ad are all good Republicans, including Bob Perry, a Houston developer, Merrie Spaeth, who was involved in ads attacking McCain during his campaign in the last Republican presidential primary, and John O'Neill, who was recruited by the Nixon administration in the 1970s to debate war-hero-turned-dove Kerry about Vietnam. They all, as the Wall Street Journal notes, "have more than a passing relationship with Bush political guru Karl Rove." But stooping this low makes the Republicans look desperate and even sleazy. If anything, they should be attacking Kerry on his record in the Senate, which is far less stellar than his exploits in Vietnam. This disparaging of Kerry's distinguished war record should make Republicans feel ashamed and sorry.
ONE MORE PING
I bet this same paper has lauded MoveOn.org ads that smear Bush and were all for investigating those trumped up charges that Bush skipped his National Guard duty.
As Smiley said: "If you want to know John Kerry's character, ask the men who served with him."
There's one way to know for sure whether these charges are a sham - JOHN KERRY SHOULD IMMEDIATELY RELEASE ALL OF HIS MILITARY AND MEDICAL RECORDS, which he has not done.
While he's at it, his wife's tax returns would clear up a lot of things as well.
Absolutely. And I'm sure that this paper was pointing out all the fabrications in mikey moore's F'n 911.
Funny how the Sun-Times editorial board doesn't seem to be upset that their candidate machinegunned a wounded VC in the back rather than taking him prisoner for interrogation. And they don't seem to be concerned about their candidate's zest for slaughtering livestock and pets in order to terrorize civilians.
It was printed in the newspaper, but to say this is the editorial position of the Journal is ridiculous.
D
The Chicago Slum-Times weighing in with a full measure of impartiality I see.
Prairie
I would like to read the editorials that were critical of McAwful calling Bush a traitor. McAwful IS associated with the Kerry campaign whereas the SwiftVets are not associagted with Bush.
As opposed to the claim that Bush was AWOL, I guess?
muck the Sun Times. How dare Republicans do WHAT THE DEMS DO EVERY FREAKING DAY OF THE WEEK! I wonder who actually penned the piece. Richard Face?
Sorry Chicago, but I disagree.
Kerry has so many people contradicting his claims, I think it is entirely appropriate to look at the record. This man wants to be Commander-in-Chief. Look how Kerry's people accused President Bush of going AWOL with no evidence that suggested so.
There is plenty of evidence and testimony to cast serious doubt not only on Kerry's record, but on HIS truthfulness.
Kerry will say whatever he needs to say to whatever group he is talking to.
He criticizes Bush for not strengthening CIA, but he voted against every funding increase there was in the past 20 years.
He is without a doubt, the most dishonest politician to run for President since uh, Clinton.
Chicago/Cook County is in the hip pocket of Democrats...and the front pockets and pants and socks.
The ad, which began to run this week, accuses Kerry of stretching the truth about his time in Vietnam and claims he should never have won the first of his Purple Heart medals. The ad is morally indefensible and gutless and should be, as Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain says, condemned by the Bush campaign. As the headline in the Wall Street Journal noted last week, these are "Sham Charges Against a War Hero."
1. Stretching the truth? No, repeatedly lying and deceiving.
2. Morally indevensible? No, it is moral turpitude for U.S. newspapers to hide the truth about John Kerry's character from the American public.
3. Condemn these ads? No let's expose the man for the snivelling coward and moral land fill he is. President George, Take the gloves off or youre going to
lose for not landing a punch.
Republicans, Take off your frilly pink shirts, lose your lisp and mix it up!
bttt
These are pretty much the same talking points Juan Williams tried to put out on Fox News Sunday this morning. Coincidence? I think not. Looks like Terry McAuliffe's FAX machine was busy...
Americans should listen to their story, and make up their minds.
Here is a video of their initial press conference
The audio of a recent interview is here:
"Kerry's Former Commanding Officer Asked Kerry To Leave Vietnam!"
If this is true, it explains why Kerry returned to the US just to knife is 'band of brothers' in the back.
All vets need to write them NOW!
letters@suntimes.com
Congressman Billybob
Latest column, "Says the Wuss: Ma, He's Touching Me"
If you haven't already joined the anti-CFR effort, please click here.
Kerry MUST be admired? I don't take kindly to such orders but in the same spirit I say Kerry MUST be feared. We are a country at war and John Kerry has a history in Viet Nam that sheds new light on his vote to support military action in Iraq and his vote against funding their mission.
When John Kerry strutted out at his convention, saluted and said he was reporting for duty, we should have all been frightened.
At the very least, Kerry can do a lot to blunt the claims that he is a traitor and a coward by simply releasing all his military records. Of course, he can't because that would remove any question about his deceit.
An editorial of this type makes a laughing stock of any claim of the existance on journalistic integrity and seriously undermines any claim against Fox. The editors of this paper are clear hacks on the payroll of any leftist who will instruct them what to write. This editorial does a grave disservice to anyone who reads it. And, their circulation firgures can't be trusted either.
One way to shut up the "lies" of his comrades would be to release his complete military records. Kerry refuses to do so. If he is a real hero, why would he care? He could end the criticism by proving once and for all his role as true "hero."
The truth is, releasing the records will show the bastard for what he really is.
May the wailing and gnashing of teeth fill the Dimocrat air.
The Swift Boat Vets, Alan Keyes, Senator Zel Miller, St. Paul Mayor Kelly, and the list goes on.
Ain't we got fun?
Apparently the Sun-Tymz think no Vietnam Vets have "stretched the truth" about their combat experiences. If they really believe that they should spend an evening at any American Legion hall listening to the rear echelon warriors recount their Purple Heart stories. Reminds me of the guy that won a PH for eye injuries caused by a shell fragment. Turns out it was a peice of an eggshell he got in his eye while cooking breakfast. I suspect that Kerry's Band of Brothers is a Band of Liars who bound together to support each others lies in support of their medals.
There are 2 sides to the story. Either it is true, or it is false. The media has a hard time reporting the whole truth because the reporters overlook the parts of the fact that would change the bias of the writing.
I say bring it on for debate. If the Bush presidency has to deal with the Mooron F 9-11 allegations and the daily repeated lies about his stealing the 2000 election then attacking the leftist socialist agenda is fair game in an open debate.
Re-opening the wounds of Viet Nam Vets reminds us of another shameful time in American politics where soldiers did the bidding for a political agenda rather than the real cause of fighting to win no matter the cost.
If Kerry fabricated injury, to avoid his obligation to serve a year in Nam like his comrades who fulfilled their year instead of Kerry's 4 months of duty, he should be punished and disgraced. Plain and simple. Falsifying reports is a serious crime in the military.
Do we want a commander in chief who puts personal gain over obligation?
The more they complain, the more the public is made aware of the true character of a man running for President of the United States.
These are serious allegations and it's past time for an independent investigation of John Kerry's activities during the Vietnam War.
America does not need another impeachment scandal, it is time to head this one off before it becomes reality.
Your article is the sham.
The Vietnam veterans you are using your character assassination on are the real American Hero's, They all served at least one complete 12 month term in Vietnam, many served more than one tour. Not the 4 months that John Kerry served. Most were highly decorated and were either John Kerry's peers or his commanding officers, they sat in with the planning meetings and the after action de-briefings. They would have as much or more knowledge as to Kerry's fitness for command as any man who served directly under Kerry. Plus they wouldn't have been involved in any conspiracy or cover-up.
These men paid with their blood and service and have the right and the duty to tell the American people their opinions. I'm sure you are giving as mush scruitny to the billionaire scumbags Steven Bing and George Soros (who have supported 25 million dollars worth of FALSE smear advertizements against President Bush) as these true American Heros.
It's not these real true American patriots nor President Bush which looks like the villain here, It's you and the Democratic party which will scream about the 1st Amendment unless that Amendment is used to reveal information which damages you agenda. And to hell with the rest of the country if they don't agree.
If journalism where really what your about you might ask John Kerry why in 1986 he testified in Congress how on Christmas 1968 under orders of Richard Nixon he was in Cambodia without the American peoples knowledge. There is just one little loop hole there you see the President Of the USA in December 1968 was Lyndon Johnson. That's just one of many obvious lies John Kerry has spread.
Your not journalists your partisan political hacks, which is why you and all the liberal "news organizations" can't even give there papers and magazines away anymore. People see right thru you now that the internet and cable tv have other sources of getting unfiltered and un-biased news.
You are the real losers here, you and everyone who would deprive these American soldiers their hard earned opinion.
Roy Frederick
To: the Editor of the Sun Times
From: John Armor, Esq.
re: your editorial about the Swift Boat Vets ad
Date: 8 August 2004
Here is the quick answer to your unfortunate and biased editorial today. I posted this on a discussion of your statement on the Internet.
"No, it is the Chicago Sun-Times, not the Swift Vets ad, which is 'morally indefensible' and 'gutless.' It is the business of newspapers to investigate the facts and publish the truth. This so-called newspaper seems to have no clue about that basic function it should exhibit."
As a First Amendment practitioner in the US Supreme Court for four decades, I appreciate the central role of a free press in the American system. As a published author and columnist for roughly the same period (including being published in your newspaper), I understand the central role of reporters and editors in maintaining an effective free press.
It is possible, just possible, that 254 Swift Boat Vets who sponsored this ad are speaking with greater truth and accuracy than the eight of them who support John Kerry. I have known John Kerry since I met him in college, 41 years ago. His basic character has been consistent, and unattractive, since then. I wrote about that this week. You can find "The Last Nail in the Coffin of the Kerry Campaign" by running a Google News search on my name.
If you have your facts right, you might justify your editorial. But you obviously have not investigated the package of affidavits from everyone up to the Rear Admiral in charge, before publishing your editorial. If you have your facts wrong, you owe a huge apology to the Swift Boat Vets, to your readers, and to every honest editor of every American newspaper from John Peter Zenger on down.
If you are honorable and respect your own profession, you will reply to this letter.
-----------------------------------
If I get any reply to this, I will post it on the thread.
John / Billybob
McCain and kerry the truth hurts.
Not only that, it has been posted to the Internet where children might see it! Do not — I repeat, do not — type www.swiftvets.com into your web browser.
I have provided this link so you can be sure that you don't accidentally type it in and see this horrendous advertisement.
Time to seriously question McCain's loyalties. He's a little too chummy with Kerry the Ketchup Kommie.
I have written more emails this year than the previous 3 years put together. It is past time for all of us to get more involved. I know that sometimes they are not taken seriously but maybe they will get some idea that people out here are not happy with the lies being told that pass as news.
If anyone has a right to criticize Kerry's claims of self-serving Vietnam braggadocio, it would be those Vets who served with him.
Kerry is the one who has staked his entire campaign bragging about Vietnam , ignoring his ignominious claims of atrocities upon returning to the States, turning his back on these same Vets.
He has also ignored his association with false vets denouncing the Vietnam war and his association with communist sympathizers against that war.
He conveniently forgets his service with Michael Dukaksis as his Lt. Governor, and his years in the Senate voting against weapons that have protected our troops, and funding for the equipment needed by those very same troops.
Where was the denunciation from the Sun-Times when Terry McAuliffe was bringing up bogus claims against President Bush and his service in the National Guard? Where was the Sun-Times denouncing MoveOn.org and other George Soros-funded groups calling Bush a Nazi, that he lied to the American people?
My,my - how terrible it is when 527s are used against Kerry, and how loudly you shout at how terrible these ads are.
What you have not addressed is the verified truth supporting the Swift Vets and the fact they have nothing to gain by honestly coming out with their facts.
Instead of whining about the ad, you should be calling for Kerry to release his medical and military records, and his wife to release her tax returns.
Admired? He volunteered to avoid getting drafted and signed up for Swift Boats ONLY because at the time he signed up for them they weren't being used for combat action. That changed directly after he was assigned to them.
Many or Kerry's fellow veterans state that Kerry and his reckless actions actually endangered his men and those serving near him.
Bump for excellent letter to Slum Times
The more reporters/commentators/pundits rant the better it is. The swift-boat vets have a good message for us disgruntled conservatives who need to reconsider either abstaining or throwing our votes away. No better way to do that than to reaffirm what Kerry has done and will do to achieve his goals. Thanks to Sean, we at least got to see this ad but maybe they need to consider running it in other states.
It would be a lot easier for the public to discuss the facts if Sen. Kerry himself would answer the specific charges. Of course, like Bill Clinton, he doesn't want to go on the record when he doesn't know what documents might be produced.
To digress, that's another reason to vote against Kerry; that smiling, phony creep that he chose for Vice President.
(Not in order of appearance.)
1) Seated before the Senate committee in his fatigues and messy hair; this is where he testified BEFORE THE SENATE about his knowledge of war crimes and commission of them.
2)Dramatically posing with his hands behind his head at some or another war protest. In this picture, is Kerry being placed under arrest, or merely engaging in drama for the cameras?
3) Unloading off the protest bus keeping company with hippies and other unsavory characters.
4) Running around loose in WHITEFACE, of all things, with mock weapons in hand.
Dates, places, basic information about the events depicted, and names of other creeps in the pictures will help to place all this in better context.
Of all the pictures I've seen of Kerry, the most telling one is the still taken at his testimony before the Senate, with his right index finger curled up to his temple as if he's making a calculation. A picture is worth a thousand words, and the eyes are the window to the soul.
Thanks.
Shame on the Leftist news hacks. Kerry has had this coming for thirty years. The Left's attempt to silence these brave men is a sequel to their shameful, hateful acts to marginalize and stigmatize the Vietnam Veterans thrity years ago. We need to do more. These men need our help. We can't let them harm these men again. Kerry and his Leftwing, anti-American cohort have caused the brave men who served in Vietnam enough pain. We must end their treason now. We have to fight back.
I think I now see the reason for McCain's condemnation of the ad.
Bookmark bump - That press conference was seriously under-reported. :-(
It's another hi tech lynching from the anti-American Left. What's new?
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