All responses I have heard, except one WSJ editorial by Jim Rassmassan (sp?), has been ad-hominum, not factual refutations. Even J. Rass. did not refute the substance of the SBV's charges.
Personally, I agree with other writers ("moderates"). Though it's likely that Kerry dummied up documentation for his metals, the Navy bought it, and it's a settled issue. The Cambodia issue is a straw dog, i.e. it won't matter either way. The issue Kerry cannot overcome, the primary issue is why he left a hot-combat theator 8 months early. No man of character could walk away from his command, his crew, in the middle of a combat situation. He might be carried away (i.e. dead or wounded), but he would say "got my three medals.. bye boys, good luck, keep your heads down". That was the action of a coward and/or opportunist, not a hero, and not a man qualified to be CIC.
His post-war anti-American activities were that of a free American. I disagree with them, but they do not disqualify him for high office. Absent direct evidence of collaboration with enemy agents, his war protests were legal and Constitutional.
J.F. Kerry made himself forever unfit for command when he walked away from his during combat in 1968.
SFS
Kerry is absolutely not qualified to be President because he trashed the troops when they were still fighting the war in Vietnam. His actions were demoralizing for the fighting troops and it provided aid and comfort for the enemy. You know that there is picture of John Kerry in the "Vietnam War Museum" as an attribute for his anti-war actions that they considered helpful for them.
I'm pretty sure that Kerry went to France and participated in round-table discussions with the commies. That would qualify as collaboration with enemy agents. Those talks weren't just war protests. He was protesting in the company of the enemy. The commies loved John Kerry then, and they love him now.
Your point about the hot combat theater is valid. Even more important is that he, in effect, deserted his post. That's because he falsified the records to get two of his three PHs. If he didn't have 3 PHs, he couldn't have deserted his men when he did.
Uh, except he was in the Naval Reserve when those actions occured. John Kerry committed high treason after he arrived back here.
I meant that when he protested the war and met with the North Viets and the Cong, he was still in the military technically.
Damn, all I was trying to do is make PT109-2/ the sequel....WHAT WENT WRONG?