SwiftVets.com

[Anker-Klanker]

I'm not sure why I'm writing this. It probably won't be read by many, and it's not going to engender the "I'm more outraged than you" string of comments that keeps a thread visible. But in these very trying times, it might be useful for some to remember that we've seen all this before, i.e., history really does repeat itself, and that there might be some lessons to be learned from the past.

Some years ago I read a very insightful and comprehensive article (cannot for the life of me remember where) about the whole history of Richard M. Nixon and the liberal, elitist media (LEM). What many of the older members may remember is that Nixon was absolutely paranoid about the media. What most of you may not realize was that Nixon's "war" with the media started in 1960 when he ran against the favored son of the LEM - guess who? - John F. Kennedy, who was from the Northeast, and considered by the LEMs to be worldly, suave and intellectual (high virtues to them). I cannot remember what the article said about exactly how it all started, but many of the media representatives in the northeast came as close as one could get to making a blood oath to pulling Nixon down soon after 1960.

Many people seem to have forgotten that Nixon won the race for his second term with a landslide vote which infuriated the LEMs. They hounded him until Nixon was caught making that stupid blunder called Watergate. And in the history-repeating-itself theme of this note, do I need to remind you that when the LEM hit its peak of frenzy in the late 1960s, John Kerry was just becoming known as a national figure when he returned from Vietnam and began his anti-war activities.

The following article, dated 18 March 1988, reads like it could have been written last week.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_n5_v40/ai_6454871

It reminds us that the LEMs rose up again to try to influence and win the election of Ronald Reagan from the voters (again, despite their activism, Regan won by a landslide). And they tried again with George Bush, Sr. (probably less heartily since he might have been seen as a wayward son of the old Northeastern Elitists).

So in the context of 45 years of (almost) forgotten political history, the LEM(ming) press is not new. But we have not seen the vehemence of the LEM press since those early days when they were attacking Richard Nixon for all they were worth. Is it just a coincidence that their present-day vehemence arises when a Kennedy protégé, and by all appearances, a Northeastern "worldly, suave, intellectual" is again running?

I think it might be notable to point out two lessons-learned for me: 1) the LEMs will not likely go back into their holes should Kerry lose, and 2) despite all their efforts, when the LEMs were at their most strident, the candidates they opposed won by land slides. Let's hope this part of history-repeating-itself, at least, comes true.

When the emotion of this election is over, it might be an interesting exercise for the more historically-minded members to go back and review all this ancient history. I can guarantee you we will see it again.

[neverforget]

"I think it might be notable to point out two lessons-learned for me: 1) the LEMs will not likely go back into their holes should Kerry lose, and 2) despite all their efforts, when the LEMs were at their most strident, the candidates they opposed won by land slides. Let's hope this part of history-repeating-itself, at least, comes true."

Amen. Thank you for posting this.
_________________
US Army Security Agency
1965-1971

[momofthreegirls]

I guess the old saying "the more things change the more they stay the same," remains true. In other words SSDD; same stuff different day (or something like that).

[sdonions]

I was not old enough to remember Nixon or much of Viet Nam. The only thing that I have done is read and studied both. I can see where media has been doing the yellow journalism thing for a long long time.

They are the ultimate source of thinking the American people are stupid since alot of us dont bow down and worship them and take their print as gosspil. I truely believe the Ultra Left and the Elitist Media wants to ultimately turn this nation to communism, where the First Admendment and all rights are suppressed for their power to grow. Bottom line that is what is going on right now.

[coldwarvet]

However today we have the new media and the 1971 Kerry statements would never survive the scrutiny of AM radio or pajama heads of today. If we would have all been online working together like this in 1971 their never would have been a Senator Kerry running for CIC in 2004.

CWV
_________________
Defender of the honor of those in harms way keeping us out of harms way.

"Peace is our Profession"
Strategic Air Command - Motto

USAF 75-79 Security Police

[fortdixlover]

[sdonions]

[USAF66-70]

Anker-Klanker: