LTE to Fayetteville Observer - Ft. Bragg

Both political parties have explaining to do

I heard Sen. John Kerry’s misstatement in California concerning the education of some of our brave military personal. He should issue an explanation, before an apology, so as to understand his comments in context.

But during the interim, the Republicans have some issues they need to address. What about the distribution of those “Purple Heart Band-Aids” at the 2004 Republican Convention. The distributor (Republican Morton Blackwell of Virginia) opted to never serve in the military.

Those Republicans’ calloused actions were much more disrespectful to our brave military. Those Republicans’ despicable humor came at the expense of all of those who earned Purple Hearts. Where’s the outrage?

On Jan. 19, 1973, I was standing at the MAC Terminal Desk at Travis Air Force Base in California, headed for the USS Inchon (LPH-12), cruising the Gulf of Tonkin as a certified air traffic controller (visual flight control and ground control approach units). Where were the Republican leaders Frist, McConnell, Santorum, Hastert, Boehner or Blunt? What about Bush (43), who has a questionable military history? Shouldn’t he fully explain where he was during that “lost period”?

I remember Republican attacks on Clinton as a draft dodger, who received two deferments to evade Vietnam. Based on that Republican theory, how should we label Cheney, who received five?

I’m waiting for the Republican explanation(s) while I wait for Kerry’s.

I sent a similar to them and the Charlotte Observer, it wasn't printed, didn't expect so from the CO, but the one above hit's same points. This is what I sent:

First, I'm an In-Country Vietnam Veteran '70-'71, having been in the U.S. Navy '67-'71! Kerry's attempt at the 'joke' was not a slam on the Military Troops, others I know will disagree.

To them I ask, where is the Apology for the Republican Convention 'Purple Heart Bandages', from the Republican Party or President Bush, I never heard one, Especially coming from Hayes.

Where is the 'Apology', from President Bush on his very lame, and sick, WMD joke, with video, given in front of a Room Full of People at I believe the Washington Press Club a few years back while the Troops were dying in Iraq? Never heard any 'Apology', Especially from Hayes!

Where is the 'Apology', from President Bush, for his statement that Iraq will be remembered as a 'Coma' in the future, or is that what our Troops are fighting and Dying, getting Maimed, for?

Why the pass on these and oh so many more, and where is Hayes responses?


James Starowicz