I have mentioned the following before. I remember Kerry saying that on a press show. I could not believe that he was going to get a way with it.-
Men like Campenni and Harmon were deeply offended when Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry equated Guard service during the Vietnam War with fleeing the country or going to jail. That was simply too much. "I'm not a Bushie," says Harmon. "The thing that got a few of us crawling out from under a rock, at no instigation from the White House, was that Guard service was being portrayed as being like a draft dodger."
The Daveman Speaks Out
Aug. 8, 2004
Kerry’s Convention Speech Insulted Guard and Reserve Members
Anyone listening to local talk radio in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, on the Monday after the Democratic National Convention, might have sensed the tone of anger coming from local Vets and Troops of the Guard and Reserve. During one segment of a morning talk show, callers voiced their anger with Kerry’s speech. The callers were angry with a statement that offended both troops, and their supporters alike.
The host had been mentioning part of the speech when the fireworks began. First, one caller who had an association with the National Guard, then others. And none seemed too pleased with the Flip Flop master. As a matter of fact, they were down right ticked off. After speaking with many who have served in the Guard and Reserves, I can assure you that the anger is wide spread.
The statement that offended so many who have served with honor?
“And we will end the backdoor draft of National Guard and Reservists.”
The line is in a portion of Kerry’s speech where he refers to the military. Not the portion in which he refers to his service in Vietnam. Although I must admit that it would be a common guess since he announced that ‘breaking information’ to us every two minutes of his droning 55 minute speech. Instead, it appeared in the portion where he suggested how he would handle current military situations.
When looking at the statement, one must wonder what, in the wide, wide world of French Euro trash, was Kerry thinking? Does part one of the John Johns not realize that the statement belittles many of those who serve and have served our great nation? Our troops of the Reserves and Guard have been much more than a “backdoor draft” in the war on terror. They have been honorable warriors who have helped protect our freedom and liberate millions from tyranny.
Kerry’s intent was obvious. He thought that he could play on the emotions and stress of our troops who have been deployed over the past few years. The fact that Kerry would have that mind set is evidence that his intent was also insulting. Kerry should understand that our troops are as mentally tough as they are brave. They are not the types who sit around trying to figure out what opportunities will get them home in four months.
It is not just the line in his convention speech that has angered Guard and Reserve troops. It has been his whole attitude towards them. Kerry and his surrogates have had nothing good to say about President Bush’s National Guard service. In statements referring to the President’s hitch in the Air Guard, Kerry’s surrogates have gone as far as to compare Vietnam era Guard service with actions some people took to avoid going to Vietnam.
Kerry’s insulting statements about the National Guard show a lack of knowledge in regards to the capabilities of the that branch of the military. For example, we know that many Air Guard pilots went to Vietnam through the Palace Alert program. There is also the issue of F-102 pilots dying state side. It shows how fighter pilots need not go overseas to sacrifice their lives in defense of their nation. Then there is the fact that the National Guard has the front line combat units.
Kerry must also realize that service members need not be in a front line combat position, or even in a war time theater, to be considered brave. The simple fact that they would sign up for a career, in which they know very well that they could be sent into a war at any time, makes them all heroes. There were many soldiers who wanted to go to Vietnam, but were sent to Germany and other stations. That does not make their service less honorable.
Kerry has insulted our National Guard and Reserve troops. He has done this while playing politics and that is telling. What’s even more telling is Kerry’s lack of knowledge in regards to America’s Active, Reserve, and National Guard military missions. Just more evidence of why John Kerry is unfit to be Commander in Chief.
Another good point. I am sure that we will need to reference these facts in the coming weeks as I keep hearing the dem talking heads like Carville and others throwing the word "AWOL" out there like it's been accepted fact.
nick