This page was last updated on September 4, 2004.

Another Kerry supporter running scared from the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I’m tired of people doubting and criticizing John Kerry’s Vietnam service.

“I’m referring to the Bush campaign’s self-appointed Swift Boat Gang.”

[RWC] I’m sure it was an honest mistake by Mr. Jenkins, but the name of the group to which he refers is the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth (SBVT).  These 250+ veterans all served on Swift boats in Vietnam.  They ranged in rank from enlisted man to admiral.  As a group, they received the full range of medals from Purple Heart to the Medal of Honor.  250+ Swift boat vets have come out against Kerry, while less than 20 have spoken in favor of Kerry.

“If they want to question someone’s Vietnam service, or I should say non-service, they have two prime candidates.

“We all know, whether we want to admit it or not, they are Bush and Cheney!

“Bush opted out by using his name to get into the Texas National Guard and showing up whenever he felt like it.”

[RWC] Mr. Jenkins, you don’t know how many servicemen and servicewomen in the National Guard and Reserves you piss off when you claim Guard service is “opting out” and “non-service.”

If Mr. Jenkins can back up the “using his name” and “showing up whenever he felt like it” comments, a lot of people would like to see the proof.  You see, people have been making these allegations for years, yet no one has presented credible supporting evidence.  Even the official newspaper of the Kerry campaign, The New York Times, concluded in 2000 there was nothing to these claims.

“Cheney got at least three college deferments and one family deferment.”

[RWC] Unless you missed it, VP Cheney has had nothing but good things to say about Kerry’s service.  In his speech before the Republican National Convention, Cheney said, “The President’s opponent is an experienced senator.  He speaks often of his service in Vietnam, and we honor him for it.”  The audience applauded.

“As for the self-appointed pit bulls, as a famous orator once said, ‘Bring them on.’”

[RWC] Mr. Jenkins appears to have more guts than the Kerry campaign, but then the Kerry campaign probably knows the truth.  The Kerry response to the SBVT has been to try and shut them up.  Campaign lawyers sent intimidation letters to media outlets warning them not to run SBVT ads, tried to get the FEC to shut up the SBVT, and tried to get the publisher to recall the book Unfit for Command.  Rather than take on the SBVT, the Kerry campaign wants them silenced.

Mr. Jenkins should remember that in the face of every SBVT allegation, the Kerry campaign has revised their story.  Indeed, in some cases, Mr. Kerry himself presented two different versions of incidents.

“But in November, when Kerry is elected president of the United States, we can utter another famous quote: ‘Mission accomplished.’”

[RWC] I wouldn’t bet on Kerry winning.

© 2004 Robert W. Cox, all rights reserved.