[proud American in Canada]

talking about the ludicrous McAuliffe AWOL charge.

I wouldn't denigrate service to the NG... there are a lot of really fine people who served and are serving in Iraq.

YOu don't just say I did something without there being verification--I got an honorable discharge, with I wouldn't have gotten if I didn't show up.

People have been looking for these files... The records are kept in Colorado, as I understand. I'm telling you, I did my duty... what I don't like (angry) is saying that serving in NG is not serving the country.

I flew fighters, I was part of the air defense command system. The thing about Vietname--we had politicians making military decisions. Lesson for president--set the goal, but allow the military to achieve that goal.

[proud American in Canada]

talking about the economy--

the recession showed up when I got in office. 9/11 had a huge effect on the economy. Corporate scandals had an effect.

I acted by cutting taxes, and that has led to this recovery. I'm not suggesting you're only showing bad numbers, Tim, but how about the good numbers? The economic stimulus plan is having a good difference.

It is happening... This economy has been thruogh a lot, and that's why I'm so optimistic.

This economy is coming around just right, quite frankly.

[elbucko]

"I flew fighters, I was part of the air defense command system....."

Had Bush been in the TX Air National Guard now, he would be one of the fighter pilots that are flying F-16's in Combat Air Patrols (CAP) around the US and escorting suspect airliners onto the ground. Whether Bush was POTUS or in the TX, ANG, on Sept 11th. 2001, he would still have been airborne in defense of the country.