Free Republic

This morning, 02 Sep 04, I went to a Kerry-Edwards event in Parkersburg, W.Va., which featured James Rassman, Kerry's main Swift Boat supporter. They've been doing this around W. Va. this week. I spoke to Rassman shortly after he arrived at the site (Veterans' Memorial in the City Park) and before the event began. I stood next to a couple of media attendees - one print, one radio - and had my trusty tape-recorder with me. I know the drill from my newspaper work. At an appropriate point, I asked Rassman why Kerry would not sign a Standard Form 180...

I do not doubt the sincerity of James Rassman. However, my own experience and review of such part of the record as is available for review convinces me that Mr. Rassman is right about then Lieutenant John Kerry pulling him out of the water but wrong about Kerry heroically saving his life. I was an Operations Officer for 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment during the first Gulf War. I was on active duty U.S. Marine Corps Officer for over a decade. I have watched how men behave under fire. snip………………………. Here are my findings: .................