Posted on 08/19/2004 3:09:04 PM PDT by AJFavish
Kerry has demanded that Bush denounce the Swiftvets' charges. I believe Bush should respond by stating something to this effect:
I am not in a position to endorse or denounce the charges made by the Swiftvets because all of the available records tht may have some bearing on the charges have not been released, including all of Sen. Kerry's military records.
The release of all such records is a minimum requirement for me to even consider denouncing the Swiftvets's charges or endorsing their charges.
This is how Kerry responded to stories about Bush's ANG service:
"I don't know what the facts are with respect to the president's service," the decorated veteran said on a Tucson tarmac. "I know issues were raised previously. It's not up to me to talk about them or question them at this point. . . . It's up to the president and the military to answer those questions
-Tucson January 2004
Seems the military (Swift Boat Vets) has done it's part with this story, now it's Jawn's turn.
He should put out the statement that because America is free...therefore any citizen is allowed to speak his mind..and that he (Pres Bush) couldn't legally or morally stop the Swift Boat Vets (who also fought for their right to speak up) any more than he could stop or would stop Michael Moore or any number of democrats from from speaking their's
imo
Just denounce all 527s and grin.
Bush has said enough.
The best possible response is a very strong offense and that is going to be the Keynote address given at the Republican Convention by Zell Miller.
That address is going to be a turning point in American history.
Bush should say nothing other than, if asked, "I have said I don't support any of these ads and that is still my position." Kerry has made a mistake by drawing so much more attention to the issue. This is between Kerry and the Swift Vets and Bush should stay out of it.
Not personal records that I am aware of, with the odd exception such as Linda Tripp, and even she settled a lawsuit with the federal government for damages.
IMO, Bush should only address it if asked directly. Then, he should say that he does not know where the truth lies and therefore has no position on the matter. He is more concerned with Kerry's performance and positions as a senator since then.
Bush has nothing to do with this ad, and the Dems attacking Bush for a long time, such as labeling him'Hitler, Liar, Traitor, Dumb, etc', and nobody said anything about that. The Vets will NOT stop, even if the president asks them to. They have the right to speak - because the country is at stake. A Kerry President would be the demise of the USA. It's also ironic, that Iran is mouthing off now - but then again, I am not surprised, since the Kerry Campaign 'E-MAILED" THE Mullahs of Iran - making promises to make 'good' as soon as Kerry is elected President. I feel that Kerry and his groonies have something to do with that as well. The e-mail was printed in the local Tehran paper, and discussed by many of the Arab leaders. You can find all this info at www.memri.org
Shove it or go eff yourself would do just fine.
Bush needs to do one of two things: Either nothing, as he is doing now, or confront Kerry with the fact that Swift Boat vets are exercising their First Amendment rights as Americans to make any claims they wish.
First Amendment rights that they also fought to protect for future generations.
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