John Kerry, Democratic congressional campaigner in the Fifth District, speaks at a news conference Sept. 18, 1972 in Boston. During the Vietnam era, Kerry opposed a volunteer Army because it would be dominated by the underprivileged, be less accountable and be more prone to 'the perpetuation of war crimes.' (AP Photo/Bill Chaplis)
thank you!!!! GREAT post
"Still crazy after all these years"
THIS is why Freerepublic is the site to go. We are the smartest wolves in the woods. I am sure this will be picked up by talkers on radio and it will keep this story on it's legs.
Respect For Our Fighting Men and Women
By John E. Carey
Peace and Freedom
November 2, 2006
The morning after Senator Kerry slurred Americas fighting men and women with a clumsy insult, and then refused to immediately apologize to them, we attended a ceremony in Northern, Virginia.
Juxtaposed to Senator Kerry explaining lamely that he was only attacking the Commander In Chief in wartime (apparently Senator Kerry thinks it funny to make fun of the presidents intelligence); we witnessed this: A U.S. Army Colonel seated and waiting for the event.
Another U.S. Army Colonel of a different race came upon the scene and the two shook hands and then gleefully embraced.
This image of teamwork, camaraderie and loyalty so moved me that at the end of the ceremony we stopped to talk.
One Colonel told me the other was his sons Godfather. These two have traveled some miles together in peace and war. And each has dedicated his life to the service of others. Twice. Both are Medical Doctors and also career U.S. Army officers.
These must be the people that Senator Kerry thinks are stupid.
I stopped another young officer, a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. I noticed he wore the ribbons of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart on his chest.
The first is for valor. The second means he was wounded.
I asked him what happened.
Some terrorist got lucky, sir he explained. Hit close to me with an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade). Ill set off airport metal detectors the rest of my life.Indeed, the Captain had many scars on one side of his face.
Oh, this whole side of my body looks like I got penetrated by 1,000 pieces of metal, he said. But Ill go back to Iraq. As soon as theyll let me.
He didnt seem stupid to me. He seemed honorable, dedicated, professional and proud. And eager to do more for his country.
I asked about his family.They understand my commitment. It is difficult. But it is what we were called to do, the Marine Captain said to us.
He didnt want his name in the newspaper. He said, There are plenty of people that are doing more than me. Why should I deserve special mention?
I stopped a Navy Captain who had with him his two small sons and his wife. His wife is obviously Chinese, and I noticed because I spent a few years living among the Chinese. And my bride is Vietnamese. I have a developed eye for Asian faces.
They thought Senator Kerrys remarks didnt matter much.
Nobody should listen to politicians when they lose their cool in the heat of a political squabble. They stop thinking, generally, said the Captain.
A one star U.S. Army General passed us wearing the wings of a helicopter pilot. We have a tremendous number of young uniformed men and women fighting, dying and otherwise making sacrifices or giving their all. I have the utmost respect for them. In fact, I love them all and their families too.
His remarks did not sound practiced. These words were heartfelt.
There is a special breed of men and women in our country that dedicate their lives, their careers and their families to duty, honor and country. You can see their sterling character in the gleam in their eye when you ask them about their service.
Only about 1 percent of the American population is involved in this thing
.One percent of the population is shouldering the burden, said Retired Maj. Gen. John R. S. Batiste on September 25, 2006 while speaking before the Democratic Policy Committee of the United States Senate.
That makes every man and woman in uniform pretty special, Id say. And maybe we Americans from the Senators and the members of the House of representatives on down owe them all a terrific debt of gratitude. Most of us live our lives in peaceful splendor and almost limitless weath while about 1 percent sacrifice for us. Every day.
On the way home from the ceremony my wife and I stopped at Americas newest monument: the U.S. Air Force Memorial. Four Air Force Blackhawk helicopters passed over head, reminding us of the airmen all over the world who protect us and keep the peace.
A Lieutenant Colonel wearing the wings of a command pilot sopped us.Id rather be in Iraq than here flying a desk at the Pentagon. But we all have our jobs to do. We all have our duty. I dont complain. But I do sneak up here from time to time to reflect upon all the airmen lost in our nations wars, he said.
To reflect upon and thank them for their service and for giving the ultimate sacrifice I thought.
Nothing stupid about this man. He seemed to have his life and his commitments in perfect order.
And I wish I could say the same about many of our politicians.
John E. Carey is a retired U.S. military officer and former president of International Defense Consultants, Inc.
Ping.
It didn't happen nearly enough in 2004; This week I see more of it happening. I think he apologized yesterday because he realized the Pandora's box from the past was beginning to open and he thought the apology might slam the lid shut.
Surprised to see this in the AP today. Looks like some are tired of defending him.
Kerry can be a doddering old fool of a Senator like Ted Kennedy. It is not like Massachuetts would elect anything else.
WOW! I need to send this to my son. He must have volunteered for the wrong army - he is white, college educated, morally grounded, loyal and devoted to serving his country.
Excellent find. In that picture he looks like an evil marionnette from "Team America".
bump
Kerry's credibility, zero.
BTTT
Bump
Sounds racist to me.
those comments in this article made by jon cary, are racist and hateful implying only black and brown people would be volunteering?
there is our true racist, the democrat party. they hold down the minorities while they lie to them and tell them fables of their greatness, pointing the fingers at the republicans.
Deceitful B!@%A$#@.
Wow, even in his youth he was uglyyyyyyy.