Posted on 11/09/2004 7:26:12 PM PST by CHARLITE
RE: Nov. 7 - The largest grassroots effort I've ever seen.
Newt,
I'm an old constituent of yours and active in county politics. I also worked extensively with Vietnam Veterans for the Truth, as my father was KIA in Vietnam and I'm a USMC widow and engaged to an active duty Marine.
I've watched commentary since last week on the election and agree with many points in your recent piece in the San Diego Union Tribune on what "won" this election, but I'm dismayed that one of the greatest stories in American politics is not being told because of the successful marginalization and demonization of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.
The overall grassroots effort in this country, by military families including veterans from ALL wars (not just Vietnam) and family members such as myself who are part of the "warrior class" in this country, in organizing against John Kerry and getting democrat voters to crossover and vote for GWB, is being missed by too many pundits. The webloggers who covered the story should be commended as well.
Newt, I'm a huge fan of yours and a defender. You of all people should know there is always the "story beyond the story" -- and this cycle, while the hostile media was busy villifying John O'Neill and going to Vietnam to interview Viet Cong, the internet and e-mails were LIT UP by activists with more passion and more heart, despite less political savvy, than has been seen to date in our nation.
The Swiftees were the ones who "broke out" with their advertising buy, but the immense magnitude of the veteran and active duty military vote has been consistently underplayed and underreported (no one has even tried to measure it, to my knowledge). While it is completely understandable to me that Carl Rove and the President wanted this election to be about the future of our country, it is beyond me why other influential republicans could not or would not support or validate the questions we had about Kerry's military records being released.
When Wingmen for Bush (the guys who stepped forward wanting to defend our president's record as a fighter pilot) could not even get a media interview for the two months prior to the election...when the WWII "Band of Brothers" could not even get press on their disapproval of Kerry using their moniker...something is wrong.
Newt, you're a history guy, and a darned good one. Please consider this grassroots movement and please consider having the American Enterprise Institute or other reputable individuals look into the story behind it.
As a former journalist, I know for a fact the story is noteworthy and should be told. But breaking through the barriers has been time consuming for all of us, who are only volunteers. We all need to get back to our lives, and don't have the resources to continue our efforts in the way the subject matter deserves.
All over the U.S. last week, groups of veterans as well as active duty military (my fiance for one) gathered together to toast the re-election of their commander in chief. They also toasted truth and the honor of their fallen buddies (or brothers or fathers, as in my case). WE know we did a good thing Newt, and a Bush victory should be enough for us (and for some of us, it is). But I'm finding it hard to take the cover-up by hostile media and the sheer lack of understanding by some of our media "friends" on the subject.
Additionally, the news this week that Hillary will be the key speaker for the Special Operations Warfare Foundation's fundraiser is ringing the alarm bells. We know she hates the military, yet she's savvy enough to be positioning herself as a friend of the military (in this case, helping the kids of fallen warriors). My husband was a special forces Marine Newt, and this makes me SICK. Please do what you can to explain to Republicans that our huge grassroots group is remaining organized...we're online...connected...and what you have here are military folks who've never been political until now -- but now they're enthusiastic for the process and ready for the next political fight. Kerry's treasonous actions towards our nation galvanized and mobilized these men of honor like nothing ever before, and they're concerned about our guys fighting today and stand awaiting their "next mission" ...to tell Americans the TRUTH behind the headlines.
I believe Hillary is already planning to capitalize on this constituency, as evidenced by her posturing...and our Republican leadership has missed understanding this amazing grassroots effort.
Thanks Newt. Sincerely, Laura Armstrong Atlanta
Good post if it's for real. If so I will help.
God bless the Swift Boat Vets and all of our veterans. Thanks to all of you for your sacrifices and for helping to keep Kerry out of the White House.
Kerry's Treason must be brought to the light. We cannot let this go away.
I'm on this site every day and I never heard this ... can anyone help me find a source? I'm going to search for this one.
FANTASTIC post! Thanks for saying out loud what so many of us are thinking.
The President has had to distance himself from the Swift Boat Vets for Truth. As a leader, he must remain above the political fray in a situation that may taint him as one that signed a bill to limit spending money for political campaigns. 527 groups have found a loophole to support the candidates they prefer or to expose those that shouldn't be elected.
Newt is in no different a situation. If the president has made his position clear about 527 groups while being interviewed on FOX's The O'Reilly Factor, then those who are the closest supporters of President Bush must also stand with his decission about the same.
The Swift Boat Vets for Truth should already have received their reward--Kerry was not elected. God bless all those that made President Bush's re-election possible. Historians will reward such groups like the Swift Boat Vets, Freepers, and other bloggers.
In this sort of fight winners get to rest easy at night knowing that America remains safe under God. We shouldn't want too much more than that. It's nice to have medals, ribbons, or personal awards hanging on the wall, but I'm happier having a real president in the White House. So, let all Glory be returned to God in Heaven while us voters keep the deserving President.
I agree with the President's position on this but don't stop seeking the truth about Kerry. The reward is not just the defeat of Kerry this time. If this isn't exposed further, he will get away with it again when he comes up for re-election or for a cabinet postion in Hillary's White House. Can you see him in Rummy's job in 2008?
It seems like many things are dropped by Republicans after a win. I will support Swiftvets for as long as is possible.
Laura, dear Laura,
It's not necessary, forty years ago, when I put up my hand a swore to uphold and defend...I knew it was for life, not just two years... All of us did it for the very same reason expressed in 59 million different ways...........
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
God Bless America.
That's where I sent most of my contribution dollars this election cycle. The RNC got some of it ... but I felt in terms of bang for the buck (my buck) it would be better spent withe "Swiftees".
It was ...
I heard on a talk show that Hillary intentionally and with malice drenched an Air Force steward with iced tea aboard Air Force One.
I understand that there are many such stories of outright hatred toward our wonderful men and women in uniform on the part of Hillary Rodham.
Question for the board, is there a way that we could catalog and archive Hillary's words and acts of hatred and spite regarding the United States military? This could come in quite useful in a few years.
It is definitely "for real." I've been corresponding with Laura Armstrong for 6 months, and have watched as she wore herself out as a young widow and mother of 2 young children, working so hard to bring the Swifties' message out. She gave tirelessly of her time to the preparations for the big September 12th demonstration in Washington, D.C......and, if you happened to watch it on C-Span, you saw Laura address the audience at the end of the roster of speakers on that day. She is a true American patriot. I hope that her letter gains Newt's attention.
I did much the same. I split mine between the Swiftees and John Thune.
This is an almost unnoticed and very powerful side effect of the internet and new media. People from all over the country can target their contributions where we think they will do the most good. Even four years ago, this type of contribution was not a factor. Today, I like to think it was.
I may not be as wealthy as the big RAT donors, but I can choose my battles and make a difference.
Think back to Linda Tripp's leaked files.
I keep thinking that somewhere in DoD there is a Patriot with access to those records and a copy machine. I wouldn't doubt that someone close to retirement might have a set in his safe-deposit box...
I agree....good post.
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