2008 Woodie Awards
Bush attacks Kerry's Vietnam record
What cuts? Kerry deserves them!
Diana Lesperance
Issue date: 9/23/04 Section: Opinions
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John Kerry began his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention with the words, "I'm John Kerry, reporting for duty." He was obviously using his military background as a positive characteristic in his battle for presidency. His "Band of Brothers" speech helped to emphasize his military heroism.
Because of the political atmosphere of the spring primaries, with national security being one of the public's main concerns, the grassroots Democratic base chose to put forward a military candidate, thinking that a hawkish Democrat would have a greater chance to win against George Bush in this age of terrorism. Even though Kerry's military experience occurred over 35 years ago, he chose to put it forth as one of his strongest assets.
But since the Swiftboat Veterans reminded the world that Kerry accused American soldiers of war crimes in "a fashion reminiscent of Ghengis Khan," embarrassed Democrats were asking, "Why does it matter what happened 35 years ago? Why not look at present-day issues face, instead of focusing on the past?" It seems a little disingenuous and utilitarian to have this response, but if this is where the Democrats would like to shift the parameters of the debate, then here goes.
John Kerry says that George W. Bush "cut the Veterans Administration budget and [has] not kept faith with veterans across the country. And one of the first definitions of patriotism is keeping faith with those who wore the uniform of our country." But, according to the website www.factcheck.org, a non-partisan group that monitors the truthfulness of political speeches, since Bush took office, "funding for the Veterans Administration increased 27%. And if Bush's 2005 budget is approved, funding for his full four year term will amount to an increase of 37.6%." But Democrats keep repeating that it's a cut! Even if Democratic National Committee website claims "Bush Cuts Funds for Veterans' Health Care." Factcheck.org says the claim continues to be made by Democrats "despite what the numbers show."
Because of the political atmosphere of the spring primaries, with national security being one of the public's main concerns, the grassroots Democratic base chose to put forward a military candidate, thinking that a hawkish Democrat would have a greater chance to win against George Bush in this age of terrorism. Even though Kerry's military experience occurred over 35 years ago, he chose to put it forth as one of his strongest assets.
But since the Swiftboat Veterans reminded the world that Kerry accused American soldiers of war crimes in "a fashion reminiscent of Ghengis Khan," embarrassed Democrats were asking, "Why does it matter what happened 35 years ago? Why not look at present-day issues face, instead of focusing on the past?" It seems a little disingenuous and utilitarian to have this response, but if this is where the Democrats would like to shift the parameters of the debate, then here goes.
John Kerry says that George W. Bush "cut the Veterans Administration budget and [has] not kept faith with veterans across the country. And one of the first definitions of patriotism is keeping faith with those who wore the uniform of our country." But, according to the website www.factcheck.org, a non-partisan group that monitors the truthfulness of political speeches, since Bush took office, "funding for the Veterans Administration increased 27%. And if Bush's 2005 budget is approved, funding for his full four year term will amount to an increase of 37.6%." But Democrats keep repeating that it's a cut! Even if Democratic National Committee website claims "Bush Cuts Funds for Veterans' Health Care." Factcheck.org says the claim continues to be made by Democrats "despite what the numbers show."