Bottom Line on the Swift Boat v. Memo controversy . . .

[beaconess]

There is a key difference between the Swift Boat Veterans allegations and the Killian memos:

The Swift Boat Veterans' claims were a direct contradiction of all of the evidence showing that Kerry performed exemplary and heroic service in Vietnam.

On the other hand, the Killian memos are but a small fraction of the substantial evidence proving that George Bush received special favors and did not complete his commitment to the Air National Guard. These memos do not contradict the public record, nor are they the sole source of any information about the nature and extent of Bush's "service." In fact, everything in the memos is fully supported by other, independent evidence.

So, why is the press treating these two things as co-equal? Wait - I take that back. They are treating the Swift Boat Veterans' claims as MORE credible.

It took weeks for the mainstream press to begin looking critically at these accusations, long after they had been cemented into the public discourse, thereby doing damage to Kerry. On the other hand, the media didn't wait a day before pulling out all the stops - investigative pieces, hiring document experts, interviewing witnesses, etc. - in trying to debunk the memos and, nearly one week later, the press CONTINUES focusing on the validity of the memos, and completely ignoring the substantial weight of the evidence.

Bottom line - we can toss out the memos and there is STILL substantial evidence that George W. Bush failed to fulfill his military commitment and that he has been dishonest about it ever since. The only "evidence" countering that is Bush's repetition that "I served! I got an honorable discharge!"

On the other hand, if we toss out the Swift Boat Veterans' claims, ALL of the evidence available proves, virtually uncontested, that John Kerry went above, and beyond the call of duty and that he performed with superior skill, commitment, and heroism.

So, why are we still being subjected to "are they real or fake" stories?

Well, I think I know. But it's time to call the press on this.

[Cary]

1. They employ a strategy.

We need an effective counter-strategy. If we have an effective counter-strategy, I haven't seen it yet.

I hope I just haven't seen it yet, but that it is there.

[KC21304]

2. You have it absolutely right ! Even the Bush

boozos should be able to understand your explanation. Right on.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

3. I am now convinced of the media bias in favor of Bush/conservatives

The contrast in these 2 instances could not be more glaring.
This is worth a 60 minutes program in itself. Speaking of which- Dan?.....

[mbali]

4. You broke it down so let's kick it up!