Kerry Redefined by Post-Vietnam Efforts

[Karmadillo]

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http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-kerryprofile16jan16,1,1939981.story?coll=la-home-headlines

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It is other landings in Vietnam that have come to dominate the Kerry biography — dangerous river forays as commander of a Navy swift boat. Those stories recount the young lieutenant's willingness to charge enemy positions; the daring and courage that brought him the Bronze and Silver Stars. And, then, on coming home, the turnabout that made him into an outspoken opponent of the war.

But those close to Kerry say the man running for the Democratic presidential nomination is more precisely defined by his return visits to Vietnam in the 1990s and, especially, the year he spent leading a Senate committee in the wrenching task of pursuing answers to the question: Were American soldiers left behind as captives in Vietnam?

Kerry doggedly questioned onetime enemies, visited once supersecure prisons and fought for consensus on a deeply divided investigative committee.

His willingness to take on that thankless task helped pave the way for the normalization of U.S. relations with Vietnam in 1995.

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[adadem]

1. Thanks for posting this

few people realize how instrumental Kerry was in 1995 in opening the door to normalization with Viet Nam. That is Kerry's way, though...quietly bringing justice or opening doors...I get really irked when folks charge him with self aggrandizement.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

2. If Kerry beats Bush

John McCain will secretly smile. :)