Posted on 07/31/2004 6:26:44 AM PDT by jmstein7
Most Vietnam Vets do not support John Kerry's candidacy, but you would not know it from the news coverage. Vietnam veterans who object to Kerry, such as the Vietnam Veterans Against John Kerry (VVAJK), and Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, have been muzzled by the mainstream media. The minimal coverage they have received writes them off as right-wing activists, but that is simply not the case -- as the VVAJK has made clear that a significant portion of veterans opposed to Kerry are Democrats who would have voted Democrat if Kerry wasn't the nominee. Even a major upcoming bestseller -- Unfit for Command -- a group of bona fide Vets, has received almost no coverage, unlike the much-touted books of certifiable nutcases and liars like Joe Wilson and Richard Clarke, who wrote Bush-bashing tomes.
This is not acceptable, and there is something that can be done about it.
The New York Post, a popular New York paper, is a very "fair and balanced" outlet -- and often makes sport of ripping into bias at the New York Times and other mainstream media outlets. The New York Post, though, can only report on "spiked" or ignored stories when it receives leads -- otherwise, they may very well not be alerted to the shenanigans that are going on. So, the first step in correcting this injustice is to alert the Post. Further, enough people have to contact them such that we break through the "noise" of the thousands of news tips they receive on a daily basis. You may contact them here:
NY Post: (212) 930-8500
Chris Shaw: cshaw@nypost.com
I've learned that if enough people contact them, they do follow the story (e.g., when we barraged them with phone calls and emails about Peter Paul's release from Brazilian prison).
Second, the Public Editor at the New York Times, Daniel Okrent, happens to be a nice guy (though a flaming Dem) who does actually respond (in the paper itself) to criticisms of NYT news coverage. While his response is not always favorable, it does often "make news" -- i.e., get reported by the rest of the press. If enough of us make a stink, there is a good chance he will comment about it in the NY Times. Favorable or unfavorable, it would give the Vets more visibility than they currently have. Please contact him as well (but be nice, because he is generally responsive):
Daniel Okrent, NYT Public Editor: public@nytimes.com
Contact Number: (212) 556-7652
If we all take a few moments to do these two things, that should get the ball rolling and result in a positive step in the right direction.
Any good catalogue of excellent veterans sites must contain that maintained by the Special Forces veterans of Vietnam at: http://www.vnsfvetakerry.com/.
Your husband was courageous, brave and I just know his first and only thought was keeping his comrades safe.
The love of my life who was in Nam Aug 68-69 passed away two years ago. He told me many stories of his experience. It was very difficult for him to do so. I cried and sometimes held him tightly in my arms as he cried too.
You are a proud wife of a Vietnam Vet. I honor your husband, the love of my life and all the Vietnam Vets who have a very special place in my heart forever. However, I do not have a spec of respect or the tiniest spot in my heatt for the puke John F'n Kerry.
I'm also a Navy veteran (submarine crew member). John Kerry serves 4 months in Vietnam. I spent more time at sea submerged than he spent in his entire tour of duty.
Thanks for the inspiration. God Bless you and your family.
I agree. Please have your friends do these two things as well.
Thanks!
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