When does being a war hero count?

[ShelleyAa]

When does being a war hero count?

In the 1992 elections, when Republican candidate President George H. Bush ran against Clinton for United States presidency, many may recall how the media was less than impressed with Bush’s military credentials. The fact that he was only 18 when he joined the services and was the youngest pilot in the Navy when he received his wings really was of little concern. In addition, flying 58 combat missions during World War II, one mission over the Pacific as a torpedo bomber pilot, where he was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire, rescued from the water by a U. S. submarine, appeared to be just ho-hum to those reporting. Finally, what could be more boring to a journalist than reporting he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action?

For most reporters, Senator Robert Dole’s military experience as the 1996 Republican presidential candidate when running against Democrat candidate President Clinton was just a footnote to most reporting. Joining the army to fight in World War II, in April of 1945, fighting Nazis in the hills of Italy, after he was hit by Nazi machine-gun fire as he attempted to help a wounded soldier, was not expected to live, a story of honor, but many concluded it was so long ago.

Republican Senator John McCain military action, reported during his attempt to become the Republican candidate in the 2000 primary elections, but not touted. McCain’s US Navy jet shot down during the Vietnam War in a bombing raid on Hanoi in October 1967. His father was an admiral and Commander in Chief of Pacific forces. The North Vietnamese offered the young pilot early release as a propaganda tool. However, McCain, refused to break the military code that states prisoners of war are released in the order that they are captured. Again, to most reporting, it was a nice story.

Now enter, one Democrat with military experience, John Kerry. Massachusetts Senator is covering himself in his war-hero background, as the sole combat-hardened candidate. Reporters are rightly noting that he was a decorated Vietnam War hero, but will they also point out how he was later a leader of veterans protesting that war. As Senator Kerry is allowed by enthusiastic media to flaunt his military experience, will the reporters return to thirty years ago when he led anti-military protests, marched with communist revolutionaries and figuratively speaking, was in bed with Hanoi Jane? Time will tell. However, the fact a D is in front of his name instead of an R will more than likely make all the difference in the world.

[Peach]

You have made an excellent point. Several excellent points.

[ShelleyAa]

Thanks. Well, will the media ask Kerry the war hero, what he did after the war or will they conclude it is old news?

[lormand]

I spoke of that very point to my co-workers here.

However, John Kerry's pro-appeasement, partisan politics after he served, more than counter-balances his heroics in Vietnam.

[1john2 3and4]

"flyboys", by james bradley (the author of "flags of our fathers") should be required reading, and includes the story of ghwb's missions and rescue....that being said, i appreciate your posting this thread. mainstream media has ZERO credibility, as is illustrated here at FR on a continual basis.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Don't you know military service doesn't matter unless you're a Dem?

[ShelleyAa]

Drudge is reporting today that Kerry is insinuating hat George W. Bush was a deserter; let us see how far he gets. Perhaps, he has gone over the line and the press will not give him a pass on this one.

[Enterprise]

I give deference to all these men and none of them should have their suffering as a result of injuries in combat, or their overall service diminished by anyone. However, I have seen this type of cynical behavior before. When someone who is not a favorite of the powers that be (PTB) does something spectacular, the PTB takes little note of it. But - when someone who is in favor with the PTB does something even mildly noteworthy, they will make a great noise to call attention to their little pet.

[Steel Wolf]

Kerry was in Vietnam?

[Enterprise]

I think the press will give Kerry a pass, because he is looking like the favorite now. It reminds me of the Limbaugh observation of liberal politicians, media behavior and Larry King. Some liberal wingnut politician will say something like "Bob Dole wants to starve the elderly." Larry King will interview Bob Dole and ask him why he wants to starve the elderly. If the media runs true to form, they will ask President Bush why he is a deserter.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Maybe they might read this George magazine article?

[Momaw Nadon]

[jimkress]

Benedict Arnold was an American war hero. According to the Kerry and Clark criteria he would have made a great president.

[Batrachian]

Hey! You've discovered the double standard! Very good. You make good points, and we've known this. There are others, such as how the news media was enchanted by Lieberman's religious faith but had nothing but suspicion and, dare I say it, contempt for Bush's. It goes on and on.

We know they're biased, more so all the time. They constantly prove it.

[birdsman]

When Clinton was in office, Kerry said that military service, or lack of, was irrelevent for the Presidency. Should Kerry win the nomination and make military experience an issue, look for Bush ads showing tapes of Kerry saying this. In all fairness, Kerry's military record deserves more respect than GWB's, although Kerry's pro Communism activities afterward more than offsets any Kerry edge on this issue. Perhaps Kerry can pick Hanoi Jane as his running mate.

[ShelleyAa]

Thanks for the link. I am glad to have the info.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

You're welcome. I'd better bookmark for quick reference, I guess.

[bolobaby]

When Clinton was in office, Kerry said that military service, or lack of, was irrelevent for the Presidency.

Do you have an exact quote on this? That would be killer...

[fightu4it]

You could have been working with a real war hero or attending church with one. Chances are you may never find out who amongst you they are.

Real war heros do not seek the public eye. They know they did something important, and they know that a lot of men did more important things and were never recognized. They know that EVERY man who gave his life for his Country is a hero.

Anyone who actively trades on his status as a hero is repugnant to a true hero.

[ShelleyAa]

Great point!