Dean Rebuked for Statement Implying Brother Served in Military

New York Times ^ | December 23, 2003 | JODI WILGOREN

[Nachum]

EMBROKE, N.H., Dec. 22 — Howard Dean came under criticism from an Iowa newspaper last weekend for an answer to a questionnaire in which he implied that his brother was serving in the military when he disappeared in Laos 29 years ago. His brother had been traveling in Southeast Asia as a tourist.

Asked by The Quad-City Times, which is based in Davenport, Iowa, to complete the sentence "My closest living relative in the armed services is," Dr. Dean wrote in August, "My brother is a POW/MIA in Laos, but is almost certainly dead."

The brother, 23-year-old Charles Dean, whose apparent remains were recovered by a military search team last month in Laos, was classified as missing in action, along with other civilians captured or killed in the area during the Vietnam War. But Charles Dean never wore a uniform, and while some family members at times suspected that he was working as a spy, Dr. Dean said he never believed that.

[Nachum]

He must be Clinton's ugly cousin...

[expatpat]

I think Dean may be getting a bum rap, here, in a way. There are indications to suggest that his brother may have been working for the Feds when he was caught.

[U S Army EOD]

I wonder what kind of wares a civilian might be involved in in Southeast Asia during the 60's and 70's?

[george wythe]

"My closest living relative in the armed services is," Dr. Dean wrote in August, "My brother is a POW/MIA in Laos, but is almost certainly dead."

My favorite fruit juice is... New England clam chowder, but the chowder is almost certainly too thick.

What a non-sequitor?

Did Dean write this answer all my himself?

[presidio9]

Posted here

and here

[Nachum]

The is the second time this has happened. I did not one, but several searches for this story and nothing came up. Only then did I post. I hate it when this happens... aaaaarggggghhh.

[Davis]

Pissants at the Picnic

[presidio9]

...happens to the best of us my good man.

[Conspiracy Guy]

AGAIN!

[luvbach1]

Dean obviously wasm trying to get some military experience by association. He should have picked a relative who actually served in the military. Reminds me of my stint in the US Army during which GIs who had served overseas would often tell a new private to: "Sit on my foot locker and get yourself some overseas time."

[GreenHornet]

I think Dean may be getting a bum rap, here, in a way. There are indications to suggest that his brother may have been working for the Feds when he was caught.

I'm inclined to feel the same way. I don't know what, as a civilian, Dean's brother could have been doing in Southeast Asia at that particular point in time that wouldn't be connected to the military. I think those of us on the right should avoid trying to make an issue out of this situation. There are plenty of other aspects of Dean's campaign, and his views on a number of issues, that are fair game. I'd tread lightly on this one, however.

[chesty_puller]

I don't know what, as a civilian, Dean's brother could have been doing in Southeast Asia at that particular point in time that wouldn't be connected to the military.

He was a war protester.

[Go Gordon]

I don't know what, as a civilian, Dean's brother could have been doing in Southeast Asia at that particular point in time that wouldn't be connected to the military.

The rumor mill had Charlie going over there in a similar fashion to Hanoi Jane. He was a war protestor.

[chainsaw]

Dean: "My brother is a POW/MIA in Laos,

Dean: I've always acknowledged my brother's a civilian,

A lie is a lie. It cannot be covered up.

[ol' hoghead]

Me thinks the man lacks "GRAVITAS".

[Sonny M]

I'm inclined to feel the same way. I don't know what, as a civilian, Dean's brother could have been doing in Southeast Asia at that particular point in time that wouldn't be connected to the military.

Deans brother was an anti-war protester, so were his friends. They were college radical hippies, I hate to say this, but more likely he was going there for purposes more related to treason then anything honorable.

[Sonny M]

There are indications to suggest that his brother may have been working for the Feds when he was caught.

The "indications" are greatly exagerrated and basically just one thing. When he went missing, the government listed him as MIA, possible POW. Thats it. There was absolutly no proof that he ever trained with, or did anything, in any way, for the government. There are more indications that he may have been going there to commit treason.

[Mr. Lucky]

Do you believe the same would be true about Jane Fonda?

[truth_seeker]

"I don't know what, as a civilian, Dean's brother could have been doing in Southeast Asia at that particular point in time that wouldn't be connected to the military."

He was doing roughly what Jane Fonda was doing. It is a Dean family trait. Giving aid and confort.

[Steel Wolf]

Dean's brother may never have served in the military, but he got a first hand demonstration of what kind of people we were there fighting. It's too bad he didn't survive his trip, I think he would have come back a changed man.