I've heard a lot of vets expressing a different viewpoint though (mostly on talk radio call in shows here in town, both conservative and liberal). Many seem to feel that he was too generic in his criticisms, lumping too many soldiers in with the few who were committing the atrocities.
They were also upset that the criticisms occurred while hostilities were still going on. They feel the criticisms gave aid and comfort to the enemy, putting Americans at greater risk.
I've heard this argument a lot, and i'm not really sure how much credence i lend it. However, when it comes to matters of war, just as i've given the complete benefit of the doubt to the soldiers speaking positively about their expriences serving under Kerry, i must extend the same credence to these vets who are adamant on this issue.
If they felt their lives were in greater danger, then I have to believe them.
----- Original Message -----
From: Howie Hamlin
To: CF-Community
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 11:47 AM
Subject: Re: Naval Records dispute claims by anti Kerry Vets
Excellent summation. I would like to add, however, that Kerry criticized some soldiers - not soldiers in general. A lot of nasty things were done in Viet Nam by some soldiers and you can't condemn all of the guys who were over there just like you can't condemn all soldiers in Iraq because of Abu Ghraib.
Howie
----- Original Message -----
From: G
To: CF-Community
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 12:38 PM
Subject: Re: Naval Records dispute claims by anti Kerry Vets
All this uproar over military record....here is what i've gathered so far:
1) Kerry spent 4 months of his life in a foreign country, getting shot at
2) Kerry was responsible for the lives of several men during that time, all of whom are HUGE supporters of his
3) Kerry performed so well under these circumstances, he was given several prestigious awards
4) After the war, he became a harsh critic of not only the war, but the soldiers fighting it
I just simply cannot see any possible way that you could attack the man's service. Period. You just CANT!
Now, his behavior upon his return to the US is most certainly up for debate and scrutiny. But the right wingers trying to mar his actual service to the country are really, really starting to piss me off.
Brian
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