SwiftVets.com

Billman · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 4:29 am Post subject: the draft letter

Chief, I especially like the explaining you've done on the spot report acronyms and date/time codes. Cleared up some things for me.

I would say respectfully though that the section on the rice/shrapnel/arm wound is overly long and confusing and may distract from the Swiftee's powerfully concise point: that Kerry conflated the two wounds into one event (the alleged mine explosion while under alleged fire) to get the Purple Heart.

You state "The Spot Report written by Ltjg Kerry does not give an accounting of the wounds he received in his left buttock as being from the destruction of rice. He clearly states the wounds as being from shrapnel. This is a BIG inconsistency." It's probably not. The man got a shrapnel wound from blowing up rice (witnesses state they made a hole, dropped in grenades, but didn't run far enough away) - the inconsistency is that everyone including Kerry has stated it did NOT occur coincident with the later ambush on the river, yet his records imply it did.

Nearly all accounts agree that Kerry received two injuries that day:
1) shrapnel wound while blowing up rice (not under fire at time)
2) later that day, contusion on arm ("minor" per spot report) from being thrown against wheelhouse, allegedly while under fire

#1 does not qualify for Purple Heart, account not under "heat of battle" per the medal's requirements for a friendly-fire award (look it up). #2 does not qualify EVEN IF under hostile fire because it was trivial. True, the Bronze Star (not PH) citation states his arm was "bleeding" but this is inconsistent with all other reports I've seen.

This needs to be hammered to the Post, because their article actually summarizes the evidence but they failed to state the obvious conclusion - even if his arm was bleeding vs. contused.

Thanks again, Chief.

(editorial comment: I am ashamed we are even debating this PH with the knowledge that good vets are out there missing arms and legs)
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-- Bill in Seattle

NavyChief · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 4:43 am Post subject:

deleted

d19thdoc · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 4:54 am Post subject:

Beldar wrote:

frankenwil · Former Member Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 15

[Removed by moderator: as explained multiple times now, the purpose of this forum is to discuss John Kerry, not George Bush. SBVT as a group do not endorse George Bush for President. Kerry's unfitness for command is the purpose of this forum. If you wish to discuss George Bush, there are several other forums set up just for that.]

Polaris · Rear Admiral Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 626

frankwil,

No he wasn't although the Dems like to claim this. President Bush signed an excutive order that released his records. Not technically an SF 180, but effectively the same thing. Kerry promised to release his records too just a day or two before...but never did.
_________________
-Polaris

Truth is Beauty

cipher · Vice Admiral Joined: 10 Aug 2004 Posts: 902

Beldar · Seaman Apprentice Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 77

From the WaPo ( http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/zforum/04/politics_dobbs082304.htm ):

NavyChief · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 1:46 pm Post subject:

deleted

MassInd · Seaman Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 157

Excellent letter!! You absolutely must send this. Somebody beat me to it, but I agree that you should copy this to others in the media as well. If not, it will surely be ignored.

If you send it Hannity, I'm sure you'll be hearing parts of it on H&C tonight. Joe S. certainly needs to get up to speed on his facts. Brit Hume would love it. If Matthews sees it, he might have to extend his 'vacation' for a day or so.

Your analysis and writing skills are superb. This is what I think is sorely needed here. There is much info, but it scattered throughout so many posts. You pull it all together very well. If the media did as well(not just MSM), we'd be much further along. Keep up the good work.

You say you need a gut check. If you drink, have a few beers before hitting the SEND button. Wink

Billman · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 4:43 pm Post subject:

Chief, thanks for the reply. I *agree* with you the issue is conflating the two events. I disagree that Kerry has ever said he got shrapnel from the alleged mine on the Bay Hap river. If I'm wrong about that, please do post it - I'm always glad to be corrected - facts matter! Kerry's definitely on record (as is Rassmann) describing getting shrapnel in his ass from the rice explosion.

I'm saying the key issue is conflating two separate events - not "where the shrapnel came from". And it needs to be made concisely because it's devastating.
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-- Bill in Seattle

Wing Wiper · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 4:09 am Post subject:

If I was going to use a fishing weir to form a chokpoint on a narrow canal like that for a mechanical ambush, I'd mine both ends of it, either with separate triggers (if I had the guts to hang around) or daisy-chain both ends with a wire down the weir. Put that in your scenario and see if it explains Rassmann and Kerry's version any better, Chief. It sounds like a daisy-chain that triggered on the 3 boat after Kerry was ahead of the second mine, if I'm reading everything right. I wish we had a picture of the ambush sight. Sad

ASPB · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 4:14 am Post subject:

Stevie · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 4:22 am Post subject:

wow Chief!

That was awesome! Can you still think after all that thought process? I have to admit I didn't understand every little bit of it (but then I'm not a military person and I have a medical condition that fogs my thought process - I do miss having a clear thought process).

I think you should also send it to Brit Hume or Tony Snow - or both!

Way to go!

Wing Wiper · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 4:25 am Post subject:

ASPB:

Of course it's speculation,

Stevie · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 4:59 am Post subject:

Chief,

If you have access to the records, don't worry about remembering it all... just stuff the pages down your pants and socks!

Kerry still isn't working.... spect he's still drawing his pay for being a Senator? Edwards too!

that's another way they rip us off!

by the way, did anyone hear on tv this a.m. - a kerry liar saying that republicans are behind all the protestors in NY .... just so they can blame it on the Damorats!!