Kerry says he offers veterans more than 'wrapping yourself in the flag'

[JI7]

<Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said Thursday he offers more to military veterans than "wrapping yourself in the flag," pledging to mandate funding for veterans health care in response to what he said were broken promises by President Bush.

Kerry said that while Bush talks tough about patriotism and honor, he shortchanges veterans by cutting their programs. Concluding a four-day campaign focus on health care, the Massachusetts senator proposed a series of cost-cutting measures to assist veterans and their families.

"I will see to it that the first definition of patriotism is not talking about it, not wrapping yourself in the flag," he said. "It is keeping faith with those who have worn the uniform."

Kerry said Bush is quick to send soldiers in harm's way but slow to offer them help when they return.

"Here we are with an administration that is busy creating a whole new generation of veterans," he said. "They don't seem to understand that today's soldiers are tomorrow's veterans." >

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2004/05/13/politics1524EDT0697.DTL

[truthisfreedom]

1. man, that's a great picture to go with a great statement.

i love it.

[truthisfreedom]

2. bump!

[NNN0LHI]

3. kick em up there

[struggle4progress]

4. Nice Clark quote too

"John Kerry has been in the company of heroes his whole life. He saw real action, he was in combat virtually every day. When you've done this, you don't have to go around saying you're a leader," Clark said.

:kick: