Real leaders stand by those who serve (Excellent)

[kskiska]

SUMMARY: President Bush could send an important message to veterans and those currently serving in the military. In a way, he is.

Does the commander in chief honor the service and sacrifice of those who answer their nation's call to military duty? Or is it only the men and women fighting his war - Iraq - who have President Bush's respect and support? And how deep does that support run, anyway? These are questions arising as the president pointedly declined opportunities this past week to denounce an advertising blitz on his behalf attacking his Democratic challenger John Kerry's service in Vietnam.

As you no doubt have read or heard, a well-financed group calling itself Swift Boat Veterans for Truth has launched advertising attacks on Kerry's military service, alleging that his combat wounds and heroics weren't sufficient to justify the Silver and Bronze stars and one of the three Purple Hearts awarded him. These ads are the work of an "independent" campaign group not directly affiliated with the Bush re-election campaign or the Republican Party. The Bush campaign does not and legally cannot control advertising commissioned by Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.

But nothing should prevent him from denouncing the group's dishonorable tactics. They're shameful. Their political motive is transparent and the claims have been convincingly refuted by those who served alongside Kerry. Republican Sen. John McCain aptly calls them "dishonest and deplorable." Bush last week offered Kerry faint praise, calling him "honorable," but he couldn't muster the kind of forthright denunciation of Kerry's character assassins that McCain did. Perhaps Bush doesn't understand that his own image as a leader would improve were he to demand from his supporters respect for Kerry's military service.

(snip)

Today Bush shrugs while political hacks attack a decorated political opponent. Does he suppose the men and women serving in Iraq won't notice? Won't they wonder if they, too, might return to America only to have their service, integrity and patriotism questioned? If three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star aren't enough to protect a respected U.S. senator and presidential candidate from sleazy attacks, what might the future hold for less-distinguished veterans? Will military service only count if you swear allegiance to the political party in power?

more…
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2004/08/15/opinion/opinion1.txt

[the Kelly Gang]

1. I've been saying this..it's an attack on all Vets, not just Kerry

and it's as low as you can get.

[Tsiyu]

Republicans Prove Their Inferiority With This Tactic

Once again, Republicans prove that they are without class or grace. Attacking a Vet's record, simply to "score points" is reprehensible, cheap and the sign of a desperate party, unable to discern that they are out of touch with the majority of Americans.

Remember when Clinton ran against Dole? The Republicans attacked Clinton's lack of military service ( though that lack was forgiveable in a Republican - Cheney - which shows they really don't believe their own words.) Did Clinton EVER attack Dole's service to this nation? Did any Democrats form smear groups to discredit Dole's military record?

The answer, of course, is no.

Just as Democrats have the class and grace not to be obsessed with what their fellow Americans are doing in the privacy of their bedrooms, Democrats also have the grace and the class not to attack a Veteran of one of this nation's wars for pure political gain.

I believe Americans know from this vicious attack on Kerry that Republicans believe they can try to destroy anyone at any time and that there is no depth to which they will not sink to attempt to win - whether that is outing a CIA agent, claiming "God" told them Georgie is just like Jesus, sending their bully, Karl Rove to strongarm the media, or destroying the Contstitution - in order to make it easier to harm their perceived enemies.

They are frantic people, folks. And they have proved once again how paranoid, mean-spirited and low class they truly are. Every Veteran in this country should be OUTRAGED that a President (who was AWOL during a time when thousands of his fellow soldiers were dying) has the audacity and poor breeding to attack a man who served with honor and courage. A man who chose to serve and SAVE soldiers.

I would be ashamed to call myself a Republican.

[Tsiyu]

2. Republicans Prove Their Inferiority With This Tactic

See Above

[Green Lantern]

3. Excellent post

Attack and demean on vet and you attack and demean us all.

[Cha]

4. This is soooo important and true.

Kick!