To: JoJo Gunn
I had hoped I wasn't writing in a vacuum and didn't have to re-invent the wheel (to mix mets) since I provided the link in the first paragraph where Kerry's involvment is more spelled out.
But for you let me explain. Kerry was seen within the VVAW as either the number one or number two man during 1971. Al Hubbard was the other top leader. (The media saw him as the number one man.)
There is considerable controversy as to when Kerry left the VVAW leadership and when he left the VVAW entirely. But even Nicosia's account talks about the leadership changing AFTER the Kansas City meeting in November--where these events described occurred.
Kerry's close involvement with this the people involved in these discussion is incontrovertible. He is still closely involved with many of these same VVAW. (A former VVAW member, John Hurley, is the head of Veterans For Kerry.) It is also reported that Camil had brought up this idea during Dewey Canyon III, in April 1971.
It is not in the least bit sensational to ask what Kerry's involvement was. In fact, the current headline is far more misleading than mine was, for there is no question whatsoever about the VVAW being involved. We have their admissions in black and white.
23 posted on
03/10/2004 8:42:50 PM PST by
Hon
To: All
Scott Camil and the Gainesville Eight
oral history analysis
Throughout the interview, Landers is able to remain calm and somewhat detached, and avoids getting emotionally involved to the extent of sacrificing objectivity as a result of the shocking nature of Camils often graphic testimony. This skill is epitomized by his reaction to Camils explanation of an alternative to symbolically throwing away medals during a march on Washington [Dewey Canyon III, in April 1971].
Camil prefaces the plan by saying that it is something he has never told anyone before, and I did not think it was terrible at the time. My plan was that, on the last day
we would go into the [congressional] offices
we would schedule the most hard-core hawks for last-and we would shoot them all.
http://innerspace-unltd.net/writing/camil.html
There is NO doubt about Kerry's position within the VVAW in April, 1971.
25 posted on
03/10/2004 8:53:36 PM PST by
Hon
To: Hon
How nice of you to explain. Changes nothing.
32 posted on
03/10/2004 9:04:13 PM PST by
JoJo Gunn
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