Posted on 10/31/2004 9:38:10 PM PST by ucsd1974
Fifty-nine years ago my father set foot upon the volcanic ash of Iwo Jima and became part of the bloodiest campaign in Marine Corps history. The enemy was particularly vicious, capable of suicide attacks and dispatching its captives by beheading. Sound familiar?
In combat, my father was shot, his wounds were sutured, and he was sent back to join his buddies for more action. There was no time for fanfare or self-promotion. They knew they would soon be island hopping the remaining 660 miles to Tokyo, where it was predicted that millions would die to bring the war to its conclusion.
In the summer of 1945 the United States had a president who many felt was not up to the task of being commander in chief. This not so eloquent man, Harry Truman, proved to have a backbone of steel. Using whatever it took (the atomic bomb), he brought the enemy to its knees, not only saving a huge number of American lives but helping to convert an incorrigible enemy state into a civilized democracy.
Fifty-nine years later we are facing a wicked enemy capable of horrific deeds. As Robert Caldwell pointed out in "Kerry's real record on national defense" (Insight, Oct. 10), we also are facing a critical election that pits a plain-speaking resolute leader against a challenger who has obvious rhetorical skills but a backbone of tapioca, who is very adept at self-promotion but very poor at divulging the specifics of his numerous "plans."
For the remaining undecided in this election who wish to see their children avoid the recent fates of Russian and Israeli children, a vote for President Bush is the obvious choice.
RUSSELL HOLMES Rancho Santa Fe
Your father was a true hero and President Bush is the right choice for this time.
He is turning 90 next month and is 100% voting for George W. Bush for President , in Missouri . I talked to him today and he told me he just couldn't understand how anybody could be stupid enough to vote for 'that man' (Kerry) , that he wouldn't even vote for him as dog catcher!
From your Dad's lips to God's ears! (and the voters')
Please offer my thanks to your Dad for his service to pave the way for my freedom.
Your contribution and lifetime sacrifice (in view of your disability) is deeply appreciated by millions of us including my family and me. The only blood I ever shed in uniform was to the mosquitoes of Scott AFB IL where I did my residency.
I feel this election is a real turning point in American history. We either tell the world that the USA can do great things or we let the terrorists know that we, like Spain and France, lack the will to resist them. I hope enough voters still comprehend the concepts of duty, honor, and sacrifice. I know that you do.
Your contribution and lifetime sacrifice (in view of your disability) is deeply appreciated by millions of us including my family and me. The only blood I ever shed in uniform was to the mosquitoes of Scott AFB IL where I did my residency.
I feel this election is a real turning point in American history. We either tell the world that the USA can do great things or we let the terrorists know that we, like Spain and France, lack the will to resist them. I hope enough voters still comprehend the concepts of duty, honor, and sacrifice. I know that you do.
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