Replies

Yes, Dole's war record was heroic, but it could have been distored in the same way Kerry's is

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2004/08/22/big_lies_for_bush

"Big lies for Bush

IMAGINE IF supporters of Bill Clinton had tried in 1996 to besmirch the military record of his opponent, Bob Dole. After all, Dole was given a Purple Heart for a leg scratch probably caused, according to one biographer, when a hand grenade thrown by one of his own men bounced off a tree. And while the serious injuries Dole sustained later surely came from German fire, did the episode demonstrate heroism on Dole's part or a reckless move that ended up killing his radioman and endangering the sergeant who dragged Dole off the field?

The truth, according to many accounts, is that Dole fought with exceptional bravery and deserves the nation's gratitude. No one in 1996 questioned that record. Any such attack on behalf of Clinton, an admitted Vietnam draft dodger, would have been preposterous.

Yet amazingly, something quite similar is happening today as supporters of President Bush attack the Vietnam record of Senator John Kerry.

The situations are not completely parallel. Bush was not a draft dodger, but he certainly was a Vietnam avoider, having joined the Texas Air National Guard rather than serving in the regular military..."

After all, Dole was given a Purple Heart for a leg scratch probably caused, according to one biographer, when a hand grenade thrown by one of his own men bounced off a tree. And while the serious injuries Dole sustained later surely came from German fire, did the episode demonstrate heroism on Dole's part or a reckless move that ended up killing his radioman and endangering the sergeant who dragged Dole off the field?

Unless the man threw the grenade when not in contact with the enemy, unlikely but possible, the situations are not all that analogous. For another thing Dole didn't throw the grenade, Kerry did fire the grenade launcher round that resulted in his first injury, and he did throw the grenade that ended up with "rice" embedded in his buttocks. In both cases there was no enemy contact at the time. Friendly fire injuries count, but only if the friends are shooting at the enemy at the time.

Yes, Dole's war record was heroic, but it could have been distored in the same way Kerry's is

Are you claiming the Swift Vets are distorting Kerry's record?

It says much that over 150 men would band together to say in one voice that Kerry is UNFIT to be commander-in-chief. It seems farfetched to think that over 250 men from across the political spectrum would conspire to "distort" Kerry's record.

It is notable that none of the men that served with Bob Dole felt moved to contradict his record, whether because they truly questioned any claims he made or because they maliciously sought to "distort" his record.

No, not one who served with Dole felt the need to speak in such a manner.

The difference should tell you everything you need to know and it should illustrate the Swift Vets are engaged in no frivolous "distortion".

Oh, and I don't think Bob Dole, who did not brag about his service in an unseemly manner, would refuse to release any records had he been questioned at all. Kerry has refused to release his records (a pattern he has, as he also won't authorize the release of his attendance--or not--at the closed door Intelligence Committee meetings).