The rest of the article, which is really the best part...----------------------------------
Letter to President Bush:
February 21, 2004
President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington DC 20500
Dear President Bush,
Over the last week, you and your campaign have initiated a widespread attack on my service in Vietnam, my decision to speak out to end that war, and my commitment to the defense of this nation.
[Translation: No Fairsies! My voting record is off limits – unless you represent a special interest group looking to buy access. If so, dial 1-800-PRICE-IS-RITE. Sorry, no collect calls. All sales are final.]
Just today, Saxby Chambliss-- a man elected to the US Senate on the back of one of the most despicable campaigns ever conducted against Max Cleland, a true American Hero-- was carrying this attack for you.
[Translation: Do you happen to have the phone number of Saxby’s campaign manager?]
As you well know, Vietnam was a very difficult and painful period in our nation's history, and the struggle for our veterans continues.
[Translation: Especially the ones whose integrity and character I impugned in my anti-war testimony back in the ‘70’s. You know, the testimony where I put many Vietnam Vets in further harm’s way? That’s right, those veterans.]
So, it has been hard to believe that you would choose to re-open these wounds for your personal political gain. But, that is what you have chosen to do.
[Translation: Have I mentioned that I served in Vietnam? And that you didn’t?]
I am fighting to become the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. Even before Democrats make their choice, you’ve launched a campaign of attacks against me.
[Translation: Bad form, old chum. Couldn’t you have at least waited until I sewed up the campaign? That Edwards guy is like bubble gum on my shoe – now I’ll never get rid of him.]
I am determined to run a campaign on the great challenges facing this country-- from creating jobs, to solving our health care crisis to getting our nation's ballooning deficit under control.
[Translation: Let’s get this straight, pal. The only one who is going to be doing any smearing around here is me.]
But I will not sit back and allow my patriotism to be challenged.
[Translation: That’s for suckers like you who have to defend themselves from baseless AWOL accusations.]
America deserves a better debate. If you want to debate the Vietnam era, and the impact of our experiences on our approaches to presidential leadership, I am prepared to do so.
[Translation: My friends at The New York Times can’t wait to print my next press release.]
This is not a debate to be distorted through your $100 million dollar campaign fund. This is a debate that should be conducted face to face.
[Translation: Um . . . can you be a good chap and float me $5 million or so until Super Tuesday? Dreary old Mumsy has frozen my allowance so I’m a little short this week.]
Mr. President, I hope you will conduct a campaign worthy of this nation’s future.
[Bite me, dough-boy.]
Sincerely,
John Kerry