Posted on 08/26/2004 11:12:12 PM PDT by ambrose
Cole Wants John Kerry Vietnam Debate Ended
Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 11:42am
Oklahoma Republican Congressman Tom Cole says it's time to end the political debate over John Kerry's Vietnam ilitary service and worry about the war going on in Iraq.
Fresh from his second visit to Iraq and Afghanistan, Republican U-S Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma says the nation would worry more about American soldiers in those two countries than spending time debating John Kerry's military record in Vietnam.
Interviewed by Newsradio 1000 KTOK, Congressman Cole said he also sees progress in the two countries.
About the flap over Kerry's record in Vietnam, "I wish we would quit talking about the war that was 30 years ago and talk about the one right now where we have young Americans in harm's way," said Cole.
"With all due respect," he continued, "I think the Vietnam thing is my generation being a little bit self indulgent and self centered. We want to fight out the war that was going on when we were 20. Let's worry about the war that's gon on with kids that are 20 today."
Cole visited with American troops and new leaders in the two countries and came away, he said, with a perception there has been real progress.
"We saw many more Iraqis directly involved in security activity. Much more upbeat about the training and equipping of those troops. That's good," he said.
Cole says American soldiers told him they also see progresss.
"I see progress on the political front. Progress on the security front in terms of the Iraqis doing more." He also admits he has a great deal of admiration for the two leaders in the two countries.
"They risk their lives. When you step into those jobs, American politicians worry about losing the next election. Iraqi politicians worry about losing their lives the next morning. They're brave." (JB)
Washington DC Office: U.S. House of Representatives 501 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 202.225.6165 Fax: 202.225.3512
District Offices:
Norman Office: 2420 Springer Dr., Ste. 120 Norman, OK 73069 405.329.6500 Fax: 405.321.7369
Lawton Office: 711 SW D Ave., Ste. 201 Lawton, OK 73501 580.357.2131 Fax: 580.357.7477
Ada Office: 104 E. 12th Ada, OK 74820 580.436.5375 Fax: 580.436.5451
The discussions of Vietnam have had their effect, the idea that Kerry may have exaggerated his record will stick. Time to look at what he did after and then what he has not accomplished as a Politician.
I agree - but the media remains fixated on the medal issue. They have thus far refused to cover Kerry's treasonous activities after he went AWOL and deserted his unit in 'Nam.
Don't worry, the Swift Vets will continue doing the MSM's job for them. The VVAW stuff is coming....
To an extent I agree. This election has to be about economic policy, foreign policy, leadership.
But this is not Bush's debate. He didn't open this can of worms, Kerry did by A.) questioning Bush's national guard service and B.) raising such a big stink about Vietnam. The Vietnam record is not in the Bush vs. Kerry debate, it is in the Kerry vs. the Swifties debate, and only one person can end it, and it's Kerry.
Robert Novak has solved the riddle of Kerry's first purple heart fantasy in his latest column.
Amen. This isn't even about the Presidency. This is about a man that wants to be Commander In Chief of our armed forces. A man that has a 30 year record of betraying our armed forces.
If nothing else, the going to Nam and then coming back and opposing it fits in with Kerry's image as a flip flopper.
I agree that Kerry's 20 year Senate record of doing nothing has to be pointed out. Also, his very liberal voting record. But now that Kerry has opened up the Viet Nam wounds, a lot of Vets deserve the opportunity to fight back. He stepped all over them once, he cannot be allowed to do this to them again. The President can debate Kerry on his awful Senate record. The SBV need to continue with their campaign. It's a matter of pride.
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Ahh, but the end IS in sight,,,,circa 11/02/04!!!!!!
There's one man responsible for Vietnam being a central issue, and he'll never work in the Oval Office
Yep...another pu&&y pubbie that needs to do precisely as you said. Let the Vets have their day...they earned it.
Yeah Congressman, and I want to hit the lottery. Doesn't mean it's going to happen.
ping
What a spoil sport.
Does Tom think voters can't talk and chew gum at the same time.
Does he think voters can't handle two ongoing debates at the same time?
The electorate can surely pay attention to SwiftVet ads and talk about Kerry's Vietnam deception while at the same time debate issues such as taxes, terror, education, etc.
Sometimes I wonder about people who make statements like Congressman Tom what's is name.
Now that this Republican representative has tasted the catnip and received the media attention for turning against his party's interest, he will, like a rogue tiger, want to kill again.
Can't we move on (dot org?) We have been down this road before and learned it wasn't just about sex, it was about character. It is not about Viet Nam, it is about integrity and moral courage - the most important unwritten qualifications for the office of the Commander-in-Chief in time of war.
Congressman, this is about picking a leader with the sand to get us through the next four years of World War IV. You might not care if my kids' fate is entrusted to a self promoting poser, a liar, a gamer, a man who steals the honor of others to advance his own ambition, but, by God, I do.
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