More on the Swift Vets' New Ad
By krempasky Posted in Elections — Comments (2) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
The Washington Times has a lot of the details.
What the Times gets wrong, however, is the tone of the Swifties. To be sure, the Swift Vets are angry - and they have a right to be, not only because of John Kerry's action during and since the Vietnam war, but also because of the media's complete and utter smear job against them personally.
What the Times missed, however, is the genuine reluctance of these men. They would all rather be doing something else, spending time with their families or enjoying their retirement.
I had the great honor to meet several of these genetlemen over the weekend and I can say that the accusations leveled against them - that they're partisan operatives, that they don't have any real knowledge of John Kerry, and much worse - are categorically false. (I'll have an extended story about at least one of them shortly)
These are honorable men. I was struck by the scene - 90 decorated Vietnam vets, some still vibrant, some infirm - all standing at attention for take after take - at one point *my* twentysomething legs got tired, I cannot imagine the effort it must been for these men.
And these honorable men have already done their duty, those many years ago. But here they are again.
One thing that has stayed with me since seeing them is this: when might you ever see such a distinguished group of veterans gather together - NOT to be honored and praised - but putting themselves forward to be attacked.
They'll be smeared, slimed, and called liars. Their motives will be attacked, their credibility called into question - and you know what? It's nothing new for these men.
After all, it's exactly what John Kerry did to all of them in 1971. This time, they have the ability to stand up and be counted, to go on the record in response, and they're doing just that.
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More on the Swift Vets' New Ad 2 Comments (0 topical, 2 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
Many are quite torqued by the way he conducted himself during that 4 months. Dr. Letson, for instance - who only got involved when his wife brought him an article this spring that had a direct quote from Kerry's commanding officer who clearly said he did not put Kerry in for that first purple heart. Since Letson himself did not, it's what got him into the game.
Hence, the curiosity surrounding Kerry's records, which he still refuses to release.
they have reason to be angry with his actions after the war, but not during it.