Kerry slams 'refusal to serve'

http://www.theaustralian.news.com ^ | 04sep04 = 07 October 2004 rerun reprint ? | AP, AFP old status quo {ghost author}

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

Kerry slams 'refusal to serve'
AP, AFP
04sep04

NEW YORK: Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry declared he had taken enough "incoming" yesterday and blasted back at his Republican antagonists by suggesting George W. Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney were draft dodgers.

In his toughest counter-punch of the campaign, the decorated war hero said he was not going to have his military qualifications questioned by "those who refused to serve" in the Vietnam War.

"For the past week, they attacked my patriotism and my fitness to serve as commander in chief ... well, here's my answer," Senator Kerry said in Ohio.

"I'm not going to have my commitment to defend this country questioned by those who refused to serve when they could have and by those who have misled the nation into Iraq.

"Let me tell you in no uncertain terms what makes someone unfit for office and unfit for duty. Misleading our nation into war in Iraq makes you unfit to lead our country.

"Doing nothing while this nation loses millions of jobs makes you unfit to lead this country. Letting 45 million Americans go without health care for four years makes you unfit to lead this country.

"Letting the Saudi royal family control the price of oil for Americans makes you unfit to lead this country."

Mr Bush spent the Vietnam War in the Texas Air National Guard, and had faced accusations that even then he was absent without leave for long periods. Mr Cheney received five deferments and once explained that he had "other priorities".

[Prophet in the wilderness]

thats because,,,, GOD IS ON OUR SIDE.

[Casloy]

In Vietnam? I didn't think any National Guard units got called up in Vietnam.

[Arrowhead1952]

Ain’t no use in looking down,
Ain’t no discharge on the ground
How will I get out of Nam?

[Casloy]

In Vietnam? I didn't think any National Guard units got called up in Vietnam.

[mvpel]

So Kerry's saying that Cheney and Bush should have gone in and risked death for what he called a "mistake?"

Sure, makes sense to me.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

yup

[MeekOneGOP]

Memo to John Kerry: So when did John Edwards serve in VietNam? Huh? What do you mean, he DIDN'T?

You could put this fire out if you'd do the same as President Bush has - SIGN FORM 180 to release your military records !!

[Allegra]

But I'm sure he'll replace them with french contractors.

Good point.

If sKerry gets in (God forbid), I'll shoot Schulumberger a resume.

[Conservatrix]

"Definitely worse than Sleaseball #42; and that's saying something."

Indeed. Clinton was happier and more open about his scoundrel nature. After all, he was probably born that way.

[RetSignman]

In the movie "Life is Beautiful", I seem to remember the main character doing the same 'goose step', while being led away by the Germans.

Do you think you could post that along side of this moronic picture of highsteppin' kerry?

[LZ_Bayonet]

Kerry TRIED NOT TO SERVE, which the President never did.

Also interesting that he seems to approve of a volunteer army only if it is under the control of the UN. I hope any member of the military who is thinking of voting for him understands his view.

http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=352185"/

"When he approached his draft board for permission to study for a year in Paris, the draft board refused and Kerry decided to enlist in the Navy."

"He supports a volunteer Army, "if and only if we can create the controls for it. You're going to have to prepare for the possibility of a national emergency, however." Kerry said that the United Nations should have control over most of our foreign military operations. "I'm an internationalist. I'd like to see our troops dispersed through the world only at the directive of the United Nations.""

[Salamander]

I'm not familiar with that movie so here's a subsitute:

....:)

[unspun]

Yes, it's much better to serve in a war, then call your fellow combatants "war criminals" and discuss anti-American psy-ops with the enemy as you protest the war.

[niteowl77]

Notice the limited range of motion due to the horrible shrapnel wounds to his legs. Poor guy.

Well, he DOES have a painful expression.

Yet.

Now I know where I've seen it... John Cleese- Ministry of Silly Walks!

[Conservatrix]

I am waiting for the AP and Reuters headlines that read:

"Kerry Still Not Released War Records"

[kabar]

Kerry is reverting to form. He has used Vietnam to win every contested election he has ever been in. He used it in 1984 and 1996. He used it the primaries with Rassmann being dropped into the Iowa primaries at the last minute. Vietnam is now back on the table after Kerry hid for over a month after the SBVFT ads and Unfit for Command. Kerry is getting desperate.

[cajungirl]

Dang, he looks like a ballet dancer!

[MeekOneGOP]

I am waiting for the AP and Reuters headlines that read:

"Kerry Still Not Released War Records"

Just don't hold your breath (too long) .....

[johnb838]

John Kerry enlisted in the Naval Reserves.

[cajungirl]

Now don't flame me but,,,Clinton and Kerry are horses of different colors. Clinton, hate him if we like, was genuine, a genuine con artist. He could do or say anything to win a vote and was unapologetic about who he was.

Kerry is different. He is an empty man in a way who aspires to be better than he is. So he prevaricates to himself, he believes his lies. He deep down knows he is a poseur and is shamed of it.

Clinton is a happy man, a happy con artist, and Kerry is a sad human being full of bloated ego. I do believe Clinton had transcended his ego.

Maybe I am not clear, but I am struggling to define Kerry, lately he is fascinating me as I can see the sadness in him.