Did Bush Go AWOL From Guard During Vietnam War?

[Bruzilla]

I'm an Independent who leans to the right, who was recently booted off Democratic Underground.com for making some critical comments about Bill Clinton. When I complaigned about being banned, a very Liberal member of the DU community sent me the following: "Try signing up at http://freerepublic.com and posting that George W. Bush went AWOL from the guard during a war and see how long your post and account lasts at the "free" republican." So I thought I would take him up on his challenge.

What little I know of GWB's absences from his National Guard duty tells me that he did what a lot of guardsmen and reserve folks that I know have done. They skip drills on a regular basis. As I recall, Senator Chuck Robb (D-Va) missed almost all of his drills in the USMCR for two years prior to being promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel.

As a long time member of the United States Navy, I know many guys in the reserves who missed drills for a wide range of valid and invalid reasons. I've never heard what Mr. Bush's reasons were for missing his drills, does anyone know? Does anyone care? To the best of my knowledge, if you don't drill, you don't get paid, so no money is being lost. This, to me anyway, is the main reason that people who miss drills aren't disciplined.

I for one am not bothered by the fact that Mr. Bush missed drills.

There you go Fred. I'll wait to see if FR bans me.

[The G Man]

I hope you brought a Snickers Bar ... 'cause you ain't going anywhere for awhile. :D

[techcor]

Welcome to FR bump. I don't think you'll be banned for asking the question but I don't know the answer.

[3k9pm]

BAN THE NEWBIE!!!!


Just kidding. Welcome aboard!

[cricket]

This story has been posted often here at FR; go tell DU to stick it their ear; they are only about 'party line'; nothing else.

That IS the way of the 'Left' where there is, in fact, no such thing as 'free speech'.

[Kenton]

As an ex-member of the US Navy myself ('66-'70) I must admit that my shipmates and I goofed off every chance we got. There ya go, the truth is out.

Welcome to FR.

[dighton]

Welcome to FreeRepublic.

Asking the question in good faith is unlikely to get you banned, and I see no reason why it should.

Had you charged in, like some, exclaiming "Bush went AWOL! Democrats rule!", you'd have been nuked in a second -- and properly so.

[Wphile]

I don't know the answer for sure but I thought several magazines (National Review) and I think some newspapers (WP, etc) looked into this and it was determined that whatever time he missed while in the Guard didn't affect his status and that he legitimately fulfilled his obligation.

[rhombus]

Welcome to the land of free thought but beware you may have to defend your opinions here.

As to the AWOL charge, much was made of this during the election -- it was yet another "revelation". I did read through it but honestly don't remember too many of the details. I believe W was involved with his father's election to some office or the other and the actual details were somewhat vague. I am sure some other Freepers can update you on the details.

[lowbridge]

BAN THE NEWBIE!!!!

Ignore him.

We dont ban newbies here.

We pants them. :-)

[Trickyguy]

What I wonder is how anyone in his or her right mind
could defend Bill Clinton on anything. And I, too, have
heard the story about Dubya deserting.

[Cannon6]

Old news, let's move on.

[finnman69]

The reason this should be pulled is it is unsupported, not linked to any legitmate newssource, so it is really a vanity post.

[Hodar]

2 questions.

1) Did he indeed 'skip' obligations? If so, when, where and why.

2) Is that action illegal, or was he allowed to be 'above the law' where others were punished?

Republicans allow NO ONE exemptions from the law, regardless of politics or the economy.

[upchuck]

Welcome to FR, Bru. There's plenty of Bush doubters and bashers here that don't get tossed. So I doubt you will either.

Wish I could answer your question, but I can't. Have you tried Dubya@whitehouse.gov? :)

[smokinleroy]

Wow, you found a "very Liberal member of the DU community".
That describes pretty much everyone there. Plus, they lie a lot and lack any reasoning skills.

[RLK]

Technically, he was probably AWOL. In all honesty it wasn't a serious military organization and probably nobody kept much track or gave a damn. Dis Owlgore have bodyguards to keep a powerful senator's sun from accidentally wandering into trouble in Viet Nam? Yes. Children of the connected and powerful have privileges.

[rintense]

You just need the facts. You will get them here, unbiased and true.

[I still care]

Did you see the warning when you came in that Free Republic is addictive? My kids have to PRY me away from my keyboard...

Welcome to the best site on the internet. If you want to be informed and meet intelligent people of moral principle, FR is the only place to be.

[jjm2111]

HaHA! DU banned me too once. Oh well. Welcome.