Posted on 01/26/2007 7:32:41 AM PST by Lee'sGhost
Yesterday FReeper Dark Skies posted an editorial by Andy Martin from Political Gateway with the following lead comment:
“Swift boating" is a term that came into use during the 2004 presidential election to reflect Senator John Kerry’s flaccid response to attacks on his wartime record in Viet-Nam. The term, a noun, adjective and verb, has entered the political lexicon and is usually invoked when liberals and Democrats are stung trying to defend themselves against unpleasantly truthful accusations hurled by conservatives.
I took exception to that definitiion and emailed my objection to Mr. Martin as follows:
"Swift boating” is a term that is used to describe a concerted effort to get the truth out about a political candidate. You are confusing the public by defining it incorrectly. Please issue a correction.
Thank you.
Mr. Martin replied:
I am afraid your definition is not correct. I disagree. The left gave "swift boating" an odious connotation and that odor has persisted to the present day. You can't wish that your definition would prevail when it hasn't.
My response was:
I can assure you that within conservative circles swift boating is the definition I provided. YOU are allowing the left to usurp that definition. Perhaps a demonstration is in order.
Thank you."
BTW, sKerry still has not released his military records.
I realize that. The dead ones don't often run for political office, though.
;^>
I suspect we would also find a less-than-honorable discharge and the results of a Jimma Carter "correction of military records" board to give sKerry an honorable discharge.
Thx for the ping. Good letter!
I vote for Gritty's def in #30. At least that's how I've always interpreted it: it's the exposure of anybody (could be of any political persuasion) trying to self-aggrandize & score points with the electorate (or anyone FTM) by misrepresenting the circumstances of his/her military service (+ possibly an academic record,professional career et al?), when the factual historical record is publicly clarified by other people who were in a position to know the less-flattering truth of those circumstances.
"Swift boating is telling truths about Democrats that make them uncomfortable.
Scurrilous and unfounded claims against Republicans are "a search for the truth"."
Another term screaming for clarification "Refuted".
I am so tired of having some mind addled dolt tell me something (like the Swifties) have been 'refuted' simply because some approved liberal source has published a piece that disagrees.
This takes me back to the source of the communications problem.
"True" and "Fact" are defined as any idea that comes from an approved liberal source, like the Guardian or the Times, or that has been stated as true by a national liberal.
"Lie" is any idea that the left does not agree with.
It is exceptionally hard to hold a debate with folk who define stuff like this.
I am still convinced to this day that Kerry got and dishonorable discharge, but we will never know because he has not signed off to release his records.
Or you may be "Nifonged".
How would he define "Rathered"
All John Fraud Kerry ever had to do to completely discredit the Swiftees is sign Standard Form SF-180 releasing his ENTIRE military record to the public and submit it to the National Personnel Records Center. >>>>>>>>>>>>>Since he had nothing to hide anyway. /sarc
Perhaps they would change their minds if they saw it from our point of view.
Kinda like a swift kick in the ass with a jolt of reality.
Nam Vet
Brilliant! That's what it was, and that's what the liberals hate so much.
You've hit the JACKPOT! This is the meat of the whole story, in my opinion.
Nam Vet
He was in country, less than 4 months.
I regret my inaccuracy, but the point still stands:
THREE Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star in 120 days with no debilitating injuries of any kind?
That's an insult to all the fine men who gave their lives or body parts and served full tours with no thought of getting a medal for it.
Thank you for your service, sir.
May I call you a Swiftee?
I didn't have a problem with the def. I liked the "unpleasantly truthful" part.
He nails it.
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