SwiftVets.com

toast · Seaman Recruit Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 17

I am highly suspicious of the website for a number of reasons:

1. Why was the domain just created on April 14, 2004? If you are for the "truth", why have you only come out since Kerry has become a candidate?

2. Why is the site lead by veteran corporate media consultant and Texas Republican activist Merrie Spaeth, who is listed as the group's media contact; eternal Kerry antagonist and Dallas attorney John E. O'Neill, law partner of Spaeth's late husband, Tex Lezar; and retired Rear Adm. Roy Hoffman, a cigar-chomping former Vietnam commander once described as "the classic body-count guy" who "wanted hooches destroyed and people killed."?

3. It would seem to me that not many people know of the history and valuable contributions of the Swift Boats and the brave veterans that served on them. Other than the Hollywood version through Apocalypse Now, many people have not even seen one. Yet many people on this board are angry at Kerry, who is giving these brave veterans some overdue media attention.

4. Many people on this board would rather support a "fortunate son" who can't account for all his time while in the Boy Scouts errr Air National Guard, over the first Vietnam veteran to win a major party nomination.

5. Lastly, there are a lot of internet heroes hiding anonymously behind screen names. While sitting at home at your computer watching Halliburton stock reports, it is easy to throw stones.

If you are truly a Vietnam vet, like my Dad, then I have all the respect in the world for you.

If you are using this board to promote the right wing religiously fanatical ideals of the Republican Party, then have your fun while it lasts. Bush's days are numbered.

hist/student · Lieutenant Joined: 09 May 2004 Posts: 243

unabashed comprehensive retraction

LewWaters · Posted: Sun May 23, 2004 3:32 pm Post subject:

Toast, I can only answer for myself. For me, it's been pretty much a life of low profile. Vietnam vets have been categorized as deranged, walking time bombs, drug addicts, not true veterans, you name it. You can thank people such as John Kerry and a proliferation of movies such as Apocalypse Now showing just how bad we all are.

Many of us have wanted to speak out for all this time, but who really wanted to listen? Very few actually wish to hear the truth about us or what went on over there, Hollywood especially.

My impression of this group is that the time has come for them to speak up and try to keep a charlatan from getting any higher in public office. Instead of being critical, try listening to the majority of Vietnam Veterans who wish only to set the record straight and stop the many myths about us that have been circulating for so long.

Personally, I am very glad to lend my voice to these guys in exposing the myths and try to get the truth out.

toast · Seaman Recruit Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 17

I like how you avoid my questions with more questions.

Not that it is any of your damn business, but my Dad was drafted, not some West Point "educated" soldier.

He served in country 1966-68.

I was born after he came back.

My Dad is a self-made man and not some "fortunate son" who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and given everything due to his last name. He did what he was asked to do, and didn't claim to "have better things to do".

He sacrificed for me, and I do the same for my sons. I also know that he wants my sons to grow up with the same rights and freedoms that I enjoyed. But 4 more years of the religious right in office, and that will not be the case.

When will you address my original questions?

toast · Seaman Recruit Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 17

Hey Lew, thanks for the post.

I am just amazed that any true veterans would choose someone who could barely spell "Vietnam" over someone who actually served.

LewWaters · Posted: Sun May 23, 2004 4:16 pm Post subject:

Odd position to take, Toast, after those complaining about the President's National Guard service supporting an admitted draft dodger for 8 years. But, your privilege.

As for spelling errors, we all make them and constantly pointing out others reduces the one pointing them out to nit picking and lessens any message they may have. But, since our education system seems to be more concerned about how we "feel" than how we properly spell (another subject for another time), it's somewhat expected.

You do bring up an interesting thought, though. Just what is it, in Kerry's just under 4 months service as a junior grade officer commanding maybe 4 to 5 men, that qualifies him to be President?

Does his conduct after that just under 4 months of Vietnam service play any role in his qualifications for President?

Does all the votes he missed during his 19 years in Congress play any role at all?

If we are really going to hinge this election on Vietnam service or not, shouldn't Vietnam Veterans voices be at the forefront of those being heard?

Not really trying to divert attention from your questions, just some additional food for thought.

toast · Seaman Recruit Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 17

Thanks Lew,

With regards to a draft dodger, I didn't mention Cheney at all.

Secondly, the questions still stand unanswered.

And this year I will once again vote WITH the majority and AGAINST Bush. We'll see what job Daddy lines up for him next. Maybe President of the NRA?

Jack Mclaughlin · PO3 Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 280

Toast, I am confused. You accuse others of " hiding anonymously behind screen names " but is your real name toast? Also, your dad would be proud and happy for you to provide his name, rank and serial number and where he served. Just ask him.

Big Kahuna · Posted: Sun May 23, 2004 4:34 pm Post subject:

Richard

Big Kahuna · Posted: Sun May 23, 2004 4:45 pm Post subject:

BTW (after thought)

What branch were you in? I am amazed with the number of people without the heuvos to serve in any branch (Active Duty, Active Reserves, or National Guard) are quick to bad-mouth someone who did serve.

Where were you for that coward, William the Impeached's military record? Or algore serving a couple of months with bodyguards while his father was running for re-election, and coming home early (happens a lot for those with political ambitions) when his father lost?

Gun Safety by algore

Personally, those who never served don't have the right to open their piehole about anyone's service.

Yes, I did serve my country. I enlisted at 17.
_________________
Top 10 Weasels.com is where Kerry is Weasel #1

LewWaters · Posted: Sun May 23, 2004 4:57 pm Post subject:

I’ll tackle your “questions,” Toast. However, like I have told many others over the years, you may not like my answers. In that case, if my answers are unsatisfactory, don’t ask me the questions.

toast · Seaman Recruit Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 17

Wow BigKahuna, I don't know how I lived all these years without your SW Texas knowledge.

Where are the facts that support your belief that "Kerry is a gigolo"?

Bush is "honest"? Hardly! Bush has lied to the American people while in office. Or did you forget the "weapons of mass destruction" reason for killing our soldiers in Iraq. Did you forget the ficticious link of 9/11 to Iraq they he tried to sell us.

And where did you get my voting record? How do you know if I voted for Clinton or not? Back then, I seem to remember that military service was an issue, and it should be now.

Fact: Kerry served, Bush didn't. Bush's Dad pulled some strings so Jr could got to Maine and drink & drive.

Maybe that is how they do things in SW Texas, don't know, don't ever want to know.

Big Kahuna · Posted: Sun May 23, 2004 5:13 pm Post subject:

Greenhat · LCDR Joined: 09 May 2004 Posts: 405