Posted on 09/15/2004 6:47:46 AM PDT by areafiftyone
LAS VEGAS - The controversy over President Bush's National Guard service was dismissed as irrelevant yesterday at a convention of Guardsmen who gave him a standing ovation. "You've had many famous Americans in your ranks, including men named Jefferson, Madison, Lincoln and Truman," Bush reminded the National Guard Association annual conference. "Nineteen individuals have served both in the Guard and as President of the United States, and I'm proud to be one of 'em." It was his only reference to the argument that he got preferential treatment to get into the Texas Air Guard during the Vietnam War and whether he fulfilled his commitment to the Guard. Instead, he got repeated ovations as he praised the Guard for its role in Iraq and Afghanistan and told them, "America is safer because of your service, and we are grateful." The Democrats, however, continued to make an issue of Bush's Guard service. A new Democratic National Committee ad called "Fortunate Son" demanded that Bush tell the truth about his service. And the group "Texans for Truth" announced a $50,000 reward to anyone who can prove Bush did his National Guard service. Sen. John Kerry, who speaks to the convention tomorrow, avoided criticizing Bush over his Guard record, accusing him instead of "distortions" about the situation in Iraq. "George W. Bush keeps saying that things are getting better even when we all know that's just not true. ... So I'll be straight with you: things are getting worse," he said. But many Guardsmen at the convention said they were more concerned with issues other than the President's service record, like benefits and pay parity with active duty servicemen and helping cash-strapped families while Guardsmen are called up to serve in Iraq. Retired Army Guardsman Samuel Manniello of upstate Greenwich, said Bush "covered all the bases for going to war." "He's my kind of guy," said Manniello, 69, who predicted Kerry would get "a luke-cool reception."
Originally published on September 15, 2004
Jeers and Boos.... Let him start talking and then boo him out of the place on national TV.... He and his campaign have made a mockery of the National Guard and the US reserve forces... The guy makes me sick.... George W Bush served this country with honor and he serves it with honor now...... John Kerry is a liar and a traitor and he panders his lies even now...
Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) Compares Guard Service To Draft-Dodging. “‘If people went to Canada, if people opposed the war, if people chose to be in the Guard, that’s their choice, and I’ve never raised that in an issue,’ he said.” (Noelle Straub, “Kerry Presents Himself As GOP’s Worst Nightmare,” Boston Herald, 2/3/04)
Kerry Repeats Insult Of Guard. “‘I’ve never made any judgments about any choice somebody made about avoiding the draft, about going to Canada, going to jail, being a conscientious objector, going into the National Guard,’ Kerry, a decorated Vietnam veteran, told Fox News Channel. ‘Those are choices people make.’” (Nick Anderson, “Buoyant Kerry Embraces Role Of Frontrunner,” Los Angeles Times, 2/4/04)
DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe Says National Guard Service Not Part Of Military. “George Bush never served in our military and our country.” (ABC’s “This Week,” 2/1/04)
"a luke-cool reception."
Maybe Kerry should get a "Cool Hand Luke" reception.
i sincerly hope that these gaurds people remember what kerry said about them. yeah, i hope he gets a few boos during the reception. that would really dampen things for him.
perhaps the most damning thing would be if he simply gets no applause during his lines or if a good number turn their backs on him.
after all, that is what kerry did to the military for 20+ years.
Did you see the recent article about Canada honoring all the U.S. citizens who went to Canada to avoid the draft?
i hope they stand up and turn their backs to him. but even if they did, the news wouldn't show it. just like he was in toledo, oh. yesterday aft and there were 300 supporters in that old folks home, captive audience, they had no choice, where could they go, and there were 200 to 300 protesters outside, and the local network here did not report it at all.
Sheesh, are they finally starting to get the message? That the stupid "controversy" over Bush's service is something of interest only to Bush-haters in the media and DNC?
They should have figured out sooner: after all, they manufactured said "controversy" -- again Sheesh
HMMMM let me think how old is Terri MCAuliff and did he serve at all in the armed forces? If he didn't he has absolutely NO RIGHT to criticize anyone else.
Comparing Guard service to draft-dodging will win about as many votes as Red Sox fans would at a Yankee convention.
Kerry is a moron... He should be in prison for treason right now rather than running for President.
POOR Terry, he forgets he's a stooge for a draft-dodger named Clintoon, he's a joke and doesn't even seem to realise it, LOL
I wouldn't boo. I wouldn't hold up signs. I wouldn't flip him off. I would jutst stand up and turn my back for the whole speach.
Kerry turned his back on them and the U.S. Now it's his turn.
:)
...read my tagline...
what about fair-hair lawyer boy. did HE serve in the military? yet if somthing happened to kerry, he would be just a heartbeat away.
cheney at least was secretary of defense.
I wouldn't boo either. I just wouldn't clap at anything he says. Silence is just as deadly as boos!
Should be a VERY telling moment. Wonder if he'll take along old Frits Hollings with him?
Bump for truth
Link please
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