Gen Wesley Clark: (Kerry) A Sterling Record

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/28/opinion/28CLAR.html?pagewanted=print&position=

When John Kerry released his military records to the public last week, Americans learned a lot about Mr. Kerry's exceptional service in Vietnam. They also learned a lot about the Republican attack machine.

The evaluations were uniformly glowing. One commander wrote that Mr. Kerry ranked among "the top few" in three categories: initiative, cooperation and personal behavior. Another commander wrote, "In a combat environment often requiring independent, decisive action, Lt. j.g. Kerry was unsurpassed." The citation for Mr. Kerry's Bronze Star praises his "calmness, professionalism and great personal courage under fire."

<snip>

John Kerry was awarded three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star for his service in Vietnam. In April 1971, as part of a protest against the war, he threw some ribbons over the fence of the United States Capitol.

Republicans have tried to use this event to question his patriotism and his truthfulness, claiming he has been inconsistent in saying whether he threw away his medals or ribbons. This is no more than a political smear. After risking his life in Vietnam to save others, John Kerry earned the right to speak out against a war he believed was wrong. Make no mistake: it is that bravery these Republicans are now attacking.

Although President Bush has not engaged personally in such accusations, he has done nothing to stop others from making them. I believe those who didn't serve, or didn't show up for service, should have the decency to respect those who did serve — often under the most dangerous conditions, with bravery and, yes, with undeniable patriotism.

[madmax]

1. I love Wes Clark!!!!!

Kerry/Clark The dynamic duo.

[NMDemDist2]

3. kick eom

[Avalux]

2. WES!!!!!!!

Give 'em hell!!! :loveya:

[BeyondGeography]

4. Don't miss that last paragraph

"Although President Bush has not engaged personally in such accusations, he has done nothing to stop others from making them. I believe those who didn't serve, OR DIDN'T SHOW UP FOR SERVICE, should have the decency to respect those who did serve — often under the most dangerous conditions, with bravery and, yes, with undeniable patriotism."

Clark has no respect for Bush, and he isn't afraid to show it.

We can't get too much of Wes.

[FrenchieCat]

5. Got that right....

That's what you call a "sterling" defense! Again!

[BeyondGeography]

6. Hiya, Frenchie! This graph ain't half bad either

"After risking his life in Vietnam to save others, John Kerry earned the right to speak out against a war he believed was wrong. Make no mistake: it is that bravery these Republicans are now attacking."

A military man who understands what we're supposed to be fighting for. Go figure.

[FrenchieCat]

7. and again....

That's what Gergen said today on Deborah Norville...Kerry needed a Democratic General speaking up for him. There you go Gergen!

[AnnitaR]

8. I support Kerry 100% but....

damn I wish Wes could be my President!

I honestly still get weepy every single time I see him on TV.

I pray that Kerry realizes what an asset Clark would be to his Adm. Whether it's as VP or as Sec State. Wes must have a role.

[madmax]

9. Does it matter if all DU Clark supporters

write to Kerry and beg him to pick Wes?

[FrenchieCat]

10. Me likee.......

This part is very politically effective .....
That's why John Kerry's military records are so compelling; they measure the man before his critics or his supporters saw him through a political lens.

[Old and In the Way]

11. I'd be delighted with Kerry selecting Wes.

He'd be right on so many levels, it should be a no brainer.

[indie_voter]

12. you and me both n/t

[Iceburg]

13. For what it is worth .. we Canadians (a nation of pacifists)

hold both Kerry and Clark in the highest regard. They are the true patriots of America. My father was a WWII MIA/POW RAF tail gunner (volunteer) ... he knows only too well the ugliness of war. He will turn 90 this year and I hope that he lives long enough to see Kerry in the Whitehouse because in the summer of 2002 long before many of us realized that George had his sights set on Iraq, my father went into a ballistic rant about how "Bush was the most vile terrorist on this planet". Kerry/Clarke would be a wonderful birthday present.

[sundancekid]

14. as always, Wes is pithy and powerful!

Note to Kerry campaign communications folks: PLEASE take a page out of Wes Clark's playbook on HOW to communicate effectively -- no more sonorous senatorial droning -- when giving a message: point the punch, punch the point.

Note to Kerry campaign VP search committee: Gen. Wes Clark. Period. Also, a p.s.: what in the heck are you waiting for to announce????

:think:

[henslee]

15. Wes's plugs would not be as credible if he were already VP nom.

As it is, his statements to presss and news appearances have a nice feel to them.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

16. Damn, I love Clark.

What a guy. He's the man.

[kaitykaity]

17. He's been way too quiet for way too long.

Thanks to all for keeping this kicked, or I would
have missed it.

:hi: