Kerry Criticizes Bush on Iraq, Treatment of U.S. Veterans

[papau]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAJSS7JSJD.html

Kerry Criticizes Bush on Iraq, Treatment of U.S. Veterans Will Lead With 10:30 A.m. EST Kerry Address; Rumsfeld, Rice and Dean S By Ron Fournier The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry is telling fellow veterans that the Bush administration has failed U.S. troops in Iraq while neglecting soldiers who served in past wars...., said as president he would get more allies involved in Iraq, improve pay for U.S. soldiers and ensure veterans the benefits they were long ago promised."If I am commander in chief, I won't just bring to that profound responsibility the perspective of sitting in the Situation Room. I'll also bring the perspective of someone who's fought on the front lines," the Massachusetts senator said in a draft of his Monday address to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in San Antonio, Texas."And I will ensure that America always is the best equipped, best trained and most powerful fighting force in the world," Kerry said. <snip>

In his address, Kerry suggested that the Bush administration has not heeded the lessons of Vietnam in its planning on Iraq. "Above all, we learned that the interests of the grunts on the ground come before all politics and all ideology. And what we urgently need now to protect our young men and women in uniform - and America's role in the world - are decisions based on professional military judgments and strategic vision, not politics and pride," Kerry said. "I believe a lack of planning and the lack of candor with the American people have placed our men and women in uniform in increased harm's way." He said the Bush administration has "stubbornly refused' to allow other nations to assume risks in Iraq. Kerry urged wider involvement of the United Nations.

On veterans issues, Kerry criticized the GOP-led House for seeking to cut $1.8 billion from Veterans Administration health care programs that he said are already in poor shape. More than 130,0000 veterans are waiting for care at VA facilities, Kerry said, and more than 50,000 wait longer than six months for their first doctor's visit. "We shouldn't be neglecting to care for our troops and their families before, during and after the war," Kerry said. He criticized the Pentagon for opposing legislation that would extend an increase in combat pay for troops in Iraq and other war zones. <snip>

[Changenow]

1. Well that's an important first step.

He even references the chickenhawk issue. But veiled references won’t get the message across. He needs to challenge Bush outright to compare Chimp’s military service to his own, demand Chimp answer questions about his military career.

The first candidate to do that gets my vote.

[styersc]

2. Right on the issue- wrong on the implementation.

If Kerry gets "in your face" with the issue of Bush's AWOL, lack of true military experience- it will be a flash in the pan, one news cycle story. The best that one will hear are some quips on Sunday shows.

He should stress Bush's screwing the vets as this is a contemporary and real issue. vets (my father included) are fed up with the way that Bush struts around in a flight suit but then screws them oin policy.

Kerry should allude to Bush's AWOL but let others do the nasty work.

[JI7]

5. agree

the treatment of veterans by this administration is disgusting.

[alfredo]

6. No, it won't be a flash in the pan.

bush will stonewall, then that will give an opportunity to point out that most of those around him that are pushing for war without end, are also chickenhawks.

[Frances]

7. It's best to keep hammering on current treatment

because that is something that veterans really CARE about and will vote on.

Hopefully the veterans will be more receptive to the facts about Bush's military service after they realize that Bush is screwing them NOW.

Remember, a lot of Americans don't get their news online and a majority of Americans still like Bush as a person. I HATE that fact, but it is a fact.

[JI7]

9. yes, and kerry knows this

most people aren't going to vote based only on the awol thing. but they will vote on current issues which affect people. go after him on treatment of vets. and when they see the awol thing after this they will see what a fraud he is. but if he is attacked on the awol thing first they will refuse to believe it and the chimp will just make some last minute photo op , and sign some bill they think will help them and they will support him. but kerry knows how to get into the details of the issues, and he does a good job of explaining it to people who have no idea why things are the way they are.

[Frances]

8. It's best to keep hammering on current treatment

because that is something that veterans really CARE about and will vote on.

Hopefully the veterans will be more receptive to the facts about Bush's military service after they realize that Bush is screwing them NOW.

Remember, a lot of Americans don't get their news online and a majority of Americans still like Bush as a person. I HATE that fact, but it is a fact.

[onehandle]

4. No candidate will do that. nt

nt

[blm]

3. Attacking Bush in Texas on military matters. HAH!

Kerry is already making this election about HIM and BUSHIT.

[symbolman]

10. Show them THIS

http://www.takebackthemedia.com/onearmy.html

We're looking for funding as we produce this for TV to get it on Nationally..