Posted on 08/25/2004 12:54:55 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
PHILADELPHIA -- After a day in which he worked to both shine a light on his political agenda and cast doubt on the Republicans' upcoming convention, John F. Kerry last night diverted from his script and instead took on critics of his Vietnam War record.
The Democratic presidential nominee, standing before a statue of Benjamin Franklin at the Franklin Institute, recalled for a crowd attending a party fund-raiser that a local congressman had just told him he ''is hearing these commentators, Republicans, all of them, saying, 'Well, John Kerry was only in Vietnam for four months, blah, blah, blah.' "
That criticism, as well as questions about whether he deserved the three Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, and Silver Star he received, have been raised in a new book and television ad produced by members of The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, a Republican-backed organization. Its members also complain about Kerry's decision to oppose the war upon returning from Vietnam, as well as declarations at the time that, under terms of the Geneva Conventions, servicemen had committed atrocities during the war.
''Well, I was there for longer than that, number one," Kerry said, offering his rebuttal. ''Number two, I served two tours. Number three, they thought enough of my service to make me an aide to an admiral [upon leaving Vietnam], and the Navy 35 years ago made the awards that it made, through the normal process that they make, and I'm proud of them and I'm proud of my service and I'm proud that I stood up against the war when I came home, because it was the right thing to do."
Kerry labeled his critics ''so petty it's almost pathetic."
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
It is outrageous.
He is such a jacka$$. Unfortunately, he's more annoying than funny.
Did you ever read Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes? Sometimes laughter in the face of the absurd pomposity is our best weapon.
Well, we have the Swiftees too who are getting attention right now, because there's more truth out there then the MSM can sweep under the carpet.
But in any case, whatever weapon is most effective, I still maintain laughter is good for the soul and Kerry is just so pathetic right now that I feel laughter is appropriate unless you're a Kerry supporter, then sobbing might your only option, or yelling loud enough to not hear the truth.
Be on guard but also laugh, it feels good.
Imagine Kerry in his pompous operatic monotone saying:
''Well, I was there for longer than [four months], number one,"
Then imagine yourself butting in and asking:
Really Senator? And how long, exactly, where you in country?
Sometimes I hear him answer:
"Well, Little Man, I was there precisely four months and three days! And that is seared---seared into my memory!"
And then sometimes it's precisely four months and four hours...etc.
Have some fun while things are going our way. Maybe things will continue to go our way right until Nov 2. But if not, seize this moment for joy! And every moment you can right up until the end of this election cycle.
I hope this country wakes up.
OMG. Butt ugly sure runs in the family!
That sentiment is shared by all.
How many other Vietnam Vets took the 3 Purples and out option? Is there anyway to locate this information (I've googled to no avail)? If others did, it would be interesting to see if their exits were for "wounds" as superficial as Kerry's. I remember the Swiftees saying they couldn't find anyone else in their unit who had taken this option. Could Kerry be the only one?
Yeah, that is ad worthy.
If he is the only one, that is SO DAMNING!!!!
Some people never change. Smearing Veterans 30 years ago... still smearing Veterans today.
So they could keep a closer eye on a loose cannon.
Kerry is the only thing that is petty, "a petty excuse for a human being." Kerry needs to be confined permanently to a mental hospital with straight jacket accouterments. I think the reason for his failure to mention the treasonus acts, ie; has was thinking up more lies to tell the idiots who will vote for him. He would not have lasted politically here in Alabama as a US Senator or a resident. Bush/Cheney 2004
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.