Posted on 08/06/2004 3:23:53 PM PDT by jdege
Anti-Kerry Vietnam Veterans Hold Strong |
The following statement from Swift Boat Veterans for Truth is in response to an article appearing in the morning edition of the Boston Globe ("Veteran Retracts Criticism of Kerry") which implies that one Vietnam Veteran wishes to retract an affidavit he signed regarding John Kerry's actions during and after Kerry's time in Vietnam. The signed affidavit can be seen below.
"Captain George Elliott describes an article appearing in today's edition of the Boston Globe by Mike Kranish as extremely inaccurate and highly misstating his actual views. He reaffirms his statement in the current advertisement paid for by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, Captain Elliott reaffirms his affidavit in support of that advertisement, and he reaffirms his request that the ad be played. [See both affidavits below.] "Additional documentation will follow. The article by Mr. Kranish is particularly surprising given page 102 of Mr. Kranish's own book quoting John Kerry as acknowledging that he killed a single, wounded, fleeing Viet Cong soldier whom he was afraid would turn around. "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth has more than 250 supporters who are revealing first hand, eyewitness accounts of numerous incidents concerning John Kerry's military service record. The organization will continue to discuss much of what John Kerry has reported as fact concerning his four-month tour of duty in Vietnam." |
Human Events Exclusive:
Affidavit from July 21, 2004
Click here to view the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ad
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Affadavits don't accomplish much in this situation. They don't appear in mass media. Elliot cannot effectively counter a media story by going to a notary and signing a statement. Different audiences. Who knows, who cares?
His rebuttal to the Globe story will have to have the same play as the story or his information is going nowhere.
Screaming "the media is lying" on message boards will accomplish about as much -- nothing.
Behold the power of the propaganda ministry.
We've seen enough good lives ruined by this kind of thing before.
Elliot is going to have to give as good as he gets. Or get a spokesman who can do the job. Otherwise the headlines will make the story for him.
There are two related stories here. One is the contents of the affidavits and the veracity thereof, the other is the contents of the Boston Globe's original stroy, and it's story since Elliott's August 6th affidavit was published. Anybody who cares can read all of that material in a matter of less than 15 minutes. IMO, the case is clear enough from those writings that the vast majority of readers will come to appropriate conclusions, without having to have the matter analyzed by some self-appointed "expert."
"The people" have come to expect the media will do this chore for them, and can only comprehend short, sweet sound-bites. That's the way it is.
In short, I loathe the media, but sure don't expect them to do my homework. I do expect they will do all in their power to further whatever agenda they may have (which I think is simply to sell hotdogs and beer).
If Elliott, or a spokesman, gives as good as he gets, but the media ignores him, is he really able to make the story?
Don't blame Elliott, or the Swift Boat Veterans, for the actions of the media. The Swift Boat Veterans were out with this material in May. The affidavits in July were prepared to knock the legs out from media outlets that refused to run their paid advertisment. These men are putting their money where their mouths are. The media is the "bad guy" here. Although, I'm sure you knew, and know that.
The other one who has to be a bit pained about this whole thing is Bob Kerrey - he was a Vietnam Vet but the press decided to hound him about accusations of committing war crimes during Vietnam and he had to let go of all hopes of running for President yet John Frickin' Kerry admits committing war crimes and he's treated like hero.
The MEDIA IS SO DISGUSTING ON THIS ONE...and that's all of them, FNC included. Especialy O'Reilly and his take that the ad is immoral and shouldn't be run. Says who Bill? You the almighty? These guys served their country and they at least deserve some RESPECT. Instead they get nothing.
GOD, I HATE THE PRESS!!
I'm not blaming Elliot or the vets. But they have to meet and deal with the reality of deceit and treachery, even if it's ugly and dishonest.
You and I may know the truth of events, but we bother to make a study of it. That is not mass media.
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