kerry making promises to our troops now

[deadshot]

Kerry Says He Offers Veterans More
Associated Press
May 14, 2004


LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - 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."

Speaking at a care center for the aging that is affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Kerry drew a receptive audience. "It feels great to have somebody who has been to Vietnam, who has been to war," said David Smith, a veteran. "I've never had that before."

Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, a fellow Vietnam veteran and once a rival for the Democratic nomination, contrasted Kerry's decorated Navy service with Bush's service in the National Guard as they campaigned in his hometown.

"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.

In another reference to Bush, Clark said Kerry "could have chosen an easy life. Some people who went to Yale did." Both Bush and Kerry graduated from Yale University during the Vietnam era.

When asked whether he would choose Clark as his running mate, Kerry praised the former NATO commander but declined to commit himself.

"I have huge respect for General Clark. I have affection for him," Kerry said. "I have promised I'm not going to discuss publicly the how, why, where. I'm going to pick somebody before the convention."

The Bush campaign said the president has nothing to apologize for regarding veterans funding and noted that former Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas and 49 Medal of Honor recipients had endorsed Bush "because of his steady leadership and winning the war on terror."

"John Kerry's attack on the president's strong record of providing for our nation's veterans is at odds with reality," Bush spokesman Steve Schmidt said. "While the president has increased the VA health care budget by over 40 percent since taking office, John Kerry offers nothing but personal attacks."

Kerry told television affiliate KTHB in Little Rock he had spoken to the father of Nicholas Berg, an American civilian who was beheaded in Iraq, but he declined to discuss details of the conversation with reporters.

"I know as a father how I would feel if it were one of my daughters or my stepson," Kerry said.

Berg traveled to Iraq looking for work as a civilian contractor and was captured by militants who said killing him was retribution for the U.S. abuse of Iraqi prisoners. His headless body was found Saturday in western Baghdad. Three days later, a videotape posted on an al-Qaida-related Web site showed him decapitated by hooded, armed men.

Kerry said he welcomed Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld's trip to Baghdad, but that it didn't change his fundamental view that Rumsfeld should resign.

"I'm glad the secretary of defense went there. The troop morale needs, I think, that kind of visit," Kerry said in an interview of Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes" program. "I don't think it changes the dynamics of of what America still needs to do to get to the bottom of this."

Sound Off...What do you think? Join the discussion.



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[kenton6]

If all Kerry has to talk about is his military service that is in question, then he needs some help.
One thing I will say for Kerry is his commercials here in Florida have changed from Bush bashing to him bragging about what a hero he was in Vietnam and his "obligation" to serve his country.

[driftrider]

"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."

Oh, now this is a good one coming from the man who weaseled his way out of Vietnam to launch a political career by making blanket accusations against all his fellow servicemen of warcrimes and atrocities in Vietnam. The only vets he was keeping faith with then were the veterans of the NVA and VC.

I'd be less surprised to see John Kerry burn a flag than wrap himself in it...but if he's going to do the former, I wish he'd also do the latter.

As for patriotism, all John Kerry does is talk about it...he sure can talk the talk, but everytime he's tried to walk the walk he's fallen flat on his face.

Here's one vet who dreads the thought of John Kerry in the White House. Like the dyed in the wool liberal he is he's just using the Veterans Benefits thing to try to buy votes with promised government handouts, but the promises are as empty as John Kerry's skull.

Mike

[8x8bull]

i appreciate that kerry was brave enought to go into vietnam but i dont admire that the guy uses VIETNAM as an answer for every question he is asked. what about healthcare kerry? "oh well i served in vietnam". kerry what will you do about osama? " well i served in vietnam". well thats all he has and he will lose if he keeps doing the vietnam routine.

[kevin1]

ORIGINAL: driftrider



I'd be less surprised to see John Kerry burn a flag than wrap himself in it...but if he's going to do the former, I wish he'd also do the latter.

Here's one vet who dreads the thought of John Kerry in the White House. Like the dyed in the wool liberal he is he's just using the Veterans Benefits thing to try to buy votes with promised government handouts, but the promises are as empty as John Kerry's skull.

Mike

I doubt that any vet on this board , including myself , could have put it more eloquently .
Thanks Mike .

[Aught Six]

Basically what he's saying is "Well, I've screwed our military on defense spending before, so our troops are not always properly equipped when the enemy is trying to kill them. But if you make it out, I'll take care of you all!"

What a joke.

Actually, it's not. It is the antithesis of humor.