Posted on 05/17/2004 11:16:21 AM PDT by jmstein7
Twelve out of a group of nineteen Vietnam swift boat veterans pictured in Sen. John Kerry's presidential campaign literature demanded on Monday that he stop misrepresenting them as supporters.
"Many of us don't want to be included in that picture because we have a rather unsavory feeling about this fellow," Kerry swift boatmate Bob Elder told nationally syndicated radio host Linda Chavez.
Citing the top Democrat's anti-war activities after he returned from Vietnam, Elder told Chavez, "We regard the fact that he rallied the American public against his fellow comrades in arms as basically a betrayal of all of us."
Swift boat veteran Bill Shumadine, who's also pictured in the campaign literature, told the Liberty Broadcasting host that he didn't want to be associated with Kerry in any way, calling his conduct after the war "very offensive."
"Having my picture there it appears that I somehow support his cause," Shumadine explained, adding, "It's not something that I'm proud to be associated with."
Elder, Shumadine and ten others have banded together in a group they call "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth," which includes more than 220 Vietnam veterans who served in Kerry's unit.
Of the remaining six veterans pictured in the photograph, "one is deceased and three do not wish to be involved in any manner; only two of the 19 are believed to support Kerry," the group said in a Monday press release.
"His use of a photograph with his 18 comrades with knowledge that 12 of them condemn him . . . is a complete misrepresentation to the public and a total fraud," Shumadine added.
Elder told Chavez that the group of twelve included not only Kerry's boat mates, but two of his superior officers who joined in condemning Democratic presidential candidate.
He noted also that at a press conference Friday in Washington, the group was joined by Jim Zumwalt, son of the late Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, former chief of naval operations during the Vietnam war.
"Even Jim Zumwalt, on his father's behalf, joined us in condemning the activities of John, saying they do not make this man a fit candidate for Commander in Chief," Elder told Chavez.
In an open letter to Kerry included with the press release, the group said, "We did not give permission for you to use a photo including our image, nor do we support you. . . We join our fellow Swiftees who believe that someone who heaped scorn and lies on his own unit for his personal political gain is not fit to be Commander in Chief."
They don't have the hoonas to do that ad. Yes, it would be great. Don't want to be mean spirited now, do we. What bs.
Ok, I'm waiting. When's it gonna be on CNNABCNBCC-BS and on the cover of Newsweek?
I nearly had a stroke today in the grocery store when there was Newsweek with Rummy and headlines that it's all his fault. The young guy cashier and I ranted over it and I learned he may be shipped out soon. The older guy behind me started humming like a little kid who hums when he doesn't want to hear mom telling him to mind. Too bad I didn't have RAT poison in my buggy.
BTTT
Exactly! I only heard two guys support him - in his ads. Swift Boat Guys that served with him are denouncing his service with them. It's taking awhile, but I DO think their message will be heard. It's slow, though. Mainstream media is so ****** you know.
Good job on the pic! Hope it spreads - with wings!
Why would the CommiecRATs spend money on signs and stickers for their throwaway candidate?
John F'n Kerry will withdraw, (as ordered,) during the week before the commiecRAT convention.
Hillary, the savior, of the commiecRATs will take her rightful place at the convention.
Hopefully President Bush knows their plan and is preparing to waste the ________ (insert profanity of choice.)
Good post jmstein7.
Thanks for the ping ntnychik.
Thanks, I had to hunt for that photo. Take a look below - aftershot of his two buddies still standing. LOL.
Hey - thanks alot for fixing my faux pas message where I said look below - so now it actually IS below. Glad you knew I 'meant' above and combined the two photos - good job. Also, don't miss this thread - on TV tonight. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1139333/posts
BTTT..
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