My response to freeper letter ridiculing Clark and Kerry

[chookie]

Some a**h*** wrote a Letter to the Lditor published in today's Pittsburgh Post Gazette in which he ridiculed Wesley Clark and John Kerry's service records, saying the former had been "sacked for being unable to understand the Pentagon's war strategy" and called the latter merely "a peon who did what he was told." In contrast, George W, although he was in the National Guard, "could have been called up at any time" presumably to be a heroic warrior on the battlefield. (Letter has not been published at their web site yet)

Okay, if the the Silver Star winning Kerry was merely a "peon," that means that most vets are mere "peons" -- right? Now, there's a real moral-booster for our vets and active service men and women!!

Is that tacky or what?

My response, which I hope will bet published:
"It is interesting that Mr William R Casey would find it easy to denigrate the service record of decorated four-star general Wesley Clark, and call Silver Star award winner John Kerry merely “a peon who did what he was told”, and glorify the non-service of George W, who chose to stay behind in Texas while these men served in active duty in the jungles of Viet Nam.

Mr Casey seems to honor more the fantasies of What Might Have Been had George W checked the “Will Volunteer For Active Service” box on his service record -- perhaps visions of a barechested young George W charging the Viet Cong with an M-16 blazing from each hip, and surely changing the outcome of that long war -- than the authentic service of actual soldiers.

If John Kerry was merely a “peon” during his active military service, then according to Mr Casey’s standards of martial conduct, the majority of young men and women currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the majority of those who fought in Viet Nam -- even the vast majority members of the Greatest Generation who have left their limbs, eyes, or lives behind on battlesfields in Europe and Asia serving their nation in WWII are also such "peons.”

Perhaps Mr Casey would like to take his moral-boosting theories on martial honor from the Letter to the Editor into the local VFW, or to a local support group for familes with loved ones currently in the field, and see what the “peons” and their loved ones there have to say in response."

[acmavm]

1. You have to admit that it's always fascinating to read the many ways

these lunatics can find to fudge the issue about Shrubs military record.

[chookie]

6. What got me angry

I know that General Wesley Clark and Senator Kerry are prepared to handle such absurd accusations, and faced far worse perils exploding around them in Nam than some idiot's malignant words sputtering vehemously on the pages of the local paper. And I know that hypocritical nutcases somehow find ways to turn George W's non-service into military glory.

But what incensed me was the notion that a man who was awarded a Purple Heart (and other honors) in Nam, and one who was awarded the Silver Star, are ridiculed as laughable "peons". If guys like this are "peons", then most people who troubled themselves to serve in battle for their country are also such "peons" who do what they are told. How dare anyone reduce the active service of the majority of serving men and women in this fashion -- especially when we have men and women in harm's way at this very moment? It boggles the mind!

To elevate the non-service of George W above American "peons" is more than any decent person can suffer. Shame on those who minimalize the true sacrifice of our serving men and women! The writer deserves the scorn of all vets and their families.

Imagine stooping to such a level in order to praise Boy Awol!

[DrFunkenstein]

9. Bush Could Not Have Been Called Up At Any Time

He was completely missing in inaction. He also had his flying privileges revoked for refusing to take a drug test.

<>

[DS1]

14. more importantly

He was specifically chosen to learn to fly a jet fighter already deeemed obsolete for warfighting by the pentagon, therefore his unit was never in any danger whatsoever of being called up.

[jumptheshadow]

2. Good for you

It is a constant source of amusement for me how the RW contorts itself in its support of that indolent scion of the privileged class, George W. Bush.

I hope that the paper's website publishes that letter and that the link is posted to Internet boards aimed at military families and veterans.

[Spirochete]

3. "Any schmuck can go fight in a war and earn medals"

"but it takes an exceptional being to weasel his way into the Air National guard, training on obsolete aircraft, and then blow off his whole last year of service..."
Sheesh, what a concept!

[FrenchieCat]

4. so true.....

unless you've got a Daddy that can do for you....Then you don't even get credit for that special set of skills!

[Mz Pip]

5. Super letter

This freeper letter reveals the same kind of mental gymnastics used by Rush supporters. What twisted logic!

I hope your letter is published. It's a super zinger. Cha-ching!

I'm gonna bookmark this thread. It may come in handy if I ever need some imspiration to reply to some similar BS. :-)

MzPip
:dem:

[DrFunkenstein]

7. The Truth of Kerry's Silver Star

"When Kerry came back from the well-publicized action where he beached his boat in middle of ambush and chased a VC around a hootch and ended his life, when Kerry came back and I heard his debrief, I said, `John, I don't know whether you should be court-martialed or given a medal, court-martialed for leaving your ship, your post,"' Elliott recalled in an interview.

Asked why he had raised the issue of a court-martial, Elliott said he did so "half tongue-in-cheek, because there was never any question I wanted him to realize I didn't want him to leave his boat unattended. That was in context of big-ship Navy -- my background. A C.O. (commanding officer) never leaves his ship in battle or anything else.

The Silver Star citation makes clear that Kerry's performance on that day was both extraordinary and risky. "With utter disregard for his own safety and the enemy rockets," the citation says, Kerry "again ordered a charge on the enemy, beached his boat only 10 feet from the Viet Cong rocket position and personally led a landing party ashore in pursuit of the enemy. ... The extraordinary daring and personal courage of Lt. Kerry in attacking a numerically superior force in the face of intense fire were responsible for the highly successful mission."

Michael Bernique, who was revered as one of the gutsiest swift boat commanders, marveled at Kerry's brazen approach to battle. Bernique recalled how Kerry one day "went ashore in an area that I thought might be mined. I said, `Get the blankety-blank out of there.' John just shrugged his shoulders and left. John just was fearless.'

<>

http://www.boston.com/globe/nation/packages/kerry/061603.shtml

Silver Star: For distinguished gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing enemy force.

The Silver Star is the third highest military award designated soley for heroism in combat.

[Bread and Circus]

8. Send this link next time:

http://www.clark04.com/records/quotes/

[XanaDUer]

10. Thanks!

Goes to show, there is no end to their delusions.

[Composed Thinker]

11. Two things:

1. Why didn't you mention the fact that Bush went AWOL?

2. That's one reason why I want Clark and Kerry to join forces. Not only do their messages seem to be similar, but they present a very appealing soundbite: their military records. No, they shouldn't exploit their records just to gain points, but they could use them to beat back the absurd, pathetic, and shameful criticisms from assholes like that guy above and people like Ann Coulter.

[Loyal]

12. Here's the shitty thing, that you all know:

GEORGE W BUSH DIDN'T EVEN BOTHER TO SHOW UP FOR A YEAR OF FUCKING SERVICE. HE ALREADY CONNED HIS WAY OUT OF THE DRAFT, BUT DIDN'T EVEN BOTHER TO PERFORM HIS FULL OBLIGATION TO HIS COUNTRY. AND DICK CHENEY MANAGED TO RACK UP 4 DUIs WHILE DODGING THE DRAFT, ALSO.

[DieboldMustDie]

13. Wesley Clark was also awarded the Silver Star...

Bronze Star & Purple Heart.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/16/politics/campaigns/16CLAR.html?ex=1066881600